Bendamustine + Rituximab in Older Patients With Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

This multicenter Phase II clinical study will investigate the complete response (CR) rate after therapy with bendamustine combined with rituximab in older (≥65 years old) patients with previously untreated stage II-IV DLBCL deemed poor candidates for cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine (Oncovin®), prednisone, rituximab (CHOP-R); n=37. The hypothesis being tested is that this regimen will be safe and effective as frontline therapy in older DLBCL patients deemed poor candidates for CHOP-R. After 3 cycles of therapy, patients with less than a partial response (PR) will come off study, and be managed at the discretion of their treating physician. Patients who achieve a PR after 3 cycles will continue for a total of 8 cycles of therapy, while patients who achieve a CR will continue for a total of 6 cycles of therapy. Secondary objectives include overall response rates (ORR), disease-free, progression-free and overall survival, and an evaluation of the toxicity and tolerability of the regimen. This trial also includes an exploratory analysis designed to evaluate a potential correlation between expression of the senescence marker p16INK4a and the toxicity associated with this regimen. In addition, patients will be asked to participate in a Geriatric Assessment (GA) tool during the trial.