Combination Chemotherapy Including Cisplatin, Ifosfamide, Gemcitabine, L-asparaginase, Etoposide and Dexamethasone as Treatment of Newly Diagnosed and Relapsed/Refractory Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas

Peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a group of heterogenous lymphoid malignancies derived from post-thymic mature T-lymphocytes. They are further classified according to their putative origin, immunophenotype, sites of involvement and clinical behaviour. Common subtypes include PTCL-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). With the exception of ALCL, PTCLs behave aggressively and their response to chemotherapy is typically poor. CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) borrowed from treatment of B-cell lymphoma is commonly used. However, there is no randomized controlled trial evaluating its efficacy. Moreover, despite the initial response of 40-70%, most patients suffer from disease relapse, giving rise to disappointing five year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), typically in the range of 30% and 20%, respectively. As a result, there is not yet a standard agreed-on regimen for treatment of PTCLs in an upfront setting.

One of the possible mechanisms behind the intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy in PTCLs is the overexpression of multi-drug resistance (MDR) gene/P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which mediates active efflux of chemotherapeutic medications out of intracellular compartment. Regimens combining drugs which are independent of the P-gp pathway were proven to be successful in the management of PTCL, extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, a lymphoma also expressing high level of MDR gene/P-glycoprotein. The PIGLETS regimen was devised to replace the conventional SMILE regimen in management of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma in our institution. It had been three years since the introduction of PIGLETS regimen in treatment of NK malignancies. The response rate is encouraging, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 90% in NK malignancies. Side effects are generally tolerable. The investigator therefore propose the use of PIGLETS on newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory PTCLs.

Expected toxicity:

1. The PIGLETS regimen had been in used since 2013, with the toxicities well known to the investigators
2. Typical side effects of chemotherapy would be anticipated, including cytopenia, alopecia, mucositis and emesis. These can all be managed with supportive therapy
3. Anaphylactic reaction to L-asparaginase may occur, but a small test dose will be given before formal administration to ensure the absence of allergy. Prophylactic antihistamine and glucocorticoids will also be given.