Summary
Bendamustine plus rituximab is inferior to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide plus rituximab in treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The triple-drug combination is associated with improved outcomes but higher rates of neutropenia and severe infection. The triple combination remains the standard therapy in fit patients, with the double combination being an option for elderly patients.
- frontline chemotherapy
- previously untreated patients
- physically fit patients
- superiority
- combination treatment
- fludarabine
- cyclophosphamide
- rituximab
- bendamustine
- © 2014 SAGE Publications