NON-HODGKIN-LYMPHOMA - WHOLE-ABDOMEN IRRADIATION AS AN ADJUVANT TO CHEMOTHERAPY

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of whole-abdomen irradi ation in the treatment of abdominal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). MATERI ALS AND METHODS: Between 1978 and 1990, 39 patients with abdominal NHL were treated with modified three-way whole-abdomen irradiation as eit her an adjunct to chemotherapy (in 34 patients) or sole therapy (in fi ve patients). RESULTS: The 5-year relapse-free survival rate in 36 pat ients who received at least 30 Gy was 38% and was 64% in 17 patients t reated for consolidation of complete or partial response to chemothera py. Treatment was terminated in four of 19 patients in whom treatment was interrupted because of acute toxicity. The major acute toxicities were decreased blood counts and enteritis. There were four grade 3 or 4 late toxicities. CONCLUSION: Whole-abdomen irradiation is a safe adj unct to chemotherapy in patients with NHL who are at high risk for int raabdominal failure.