Histologically proven CD20 positive diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Age \> 70 years
No previous treatment
FRAIL patients defined as follows (see Appendices B-E) Age \> 80 years with UNFIT profile, i.e.
* ADL \> 5 residual functions
* IADL \> 6 residual functions
* CIRS 5-8 co-morbidities of grade 2
or Age \< 80 years with
ADL \< 4 residual functions, or
IADL \< 5 residual functions, or
CIRS : 1 co-morbidity of grade 3-4, or \> 8 co-morbidities of grade 2
* Life expectancy \> 6 months
* Written informed consent
* Accessibility of patient for treatment and follow up
You may not be if
History of other malignancies within 5 years prior to study entry except for adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix or basal or squamous cell skin cancer
Previous exposure to cytotoxic agents
Suspect or clinical evidence of CNS involvement by lymphoma
HBsAg, HCV or HIV positivity; HBcAb positivity is accepted only with concomitant treatment with Lamivudine
AST /ALT \> twice upper the normal range; bilirubin \> twice upper the normal range; serum creatinine \> 2.5 mg /dl
Evidence of any severe active acute or chronic infection
Concurrent co-morbid medical condition which might exclude administration of full dose chemotherapy
Senile dementia
Any other co-existing medical or psychological condition that would preclude participation in the study or compromise ability to give informed consent
Clareo Health | Rituximab Plus Bendamustine as Front Line Treatment in Frail Elderly (>70 Years) Patients With DLBCL: a Phase II Multicenter Study of the FIL
