The significance of body weight change in non-Hodgkins lymphoma

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of weight changes after completion of chemotherapy on the prognosis and survival of p atients with intermediate and high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data on patients fr om the TCOG T1 488 protocol, a phase II study using CHOP in the treatment of intermediate and high grade lymphoma. From September, 1988 to December 1994, 138 adult p atients had complete weight data for analysis. Weight gain in lymphoma pati ents after therapy, significantly correlated with improved survival (Logran k test p =. 0031). In patients with initial B symptoms, weight gain after t herapy, correlated with survival (Logrank test p =. 0039), female patients (odds ratio=6.2) were less likely to gain weight on treatment. Conclusion: Weight gain after chemotherapy for lymphoma is a significant positive progn ostic factor for survival.