Retrospective single-center experience with OEPA/COPDAC and PET-CT based strategy for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma in a LMIC setting

Abstract ABVD regimen for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is frequently used in children and young adults in low-middle income countries (LMIC). The feasibility and safety data for ‘non-ABVD’ protocols from LMIC is limited. The retrospective study was conducted in a single center in India. The Euronet PHL-C1 based protocol was administered during 2010-19. A PET-CT was performed at diagnosis and following two OEPA cycles. Radiotherapy was administered for inadequate PET response. During the 10-year period, 143 patients with HL were treated. The mean age was 7.8 ± 2.5 years. Bulky disease was observed in 82 (59%). Treatment abandonment was recorded in 13 (9.1%). The median follow-up duration was 46.4 months. An inadequate PET response was observed in 41/119 (34.4%), of which 56.1% received radiotherapy. Twelve (29.3%) patients who were supposed to receive radiotherapy received 2-cycles of COPDAC instead. Sixty-nine episodes of febrile neutropenia were observed in 54 patients. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) was observed in 7 (5.3%). The majority of episodes of febrile neutropenia (61%) and TRM (86%) occurred in the first cycle of OEPA. The 4-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 86.2 ± 3.4% and 93.5 ± 2.2%, respectively. Nine (6.3%) patients relapsed. Bulky disease lacked association with inadequate PET response (p = .800) or relapse (p = 1.000). OEPA/COPDAC regimen and response assessment by PET-CT permitted therapy reduction, including radiotherapy. Febrile neutropenia and resultant TRM (5.3%) are concerning and occurred frequently in the first cycle of OEPA. The support system for managing febrile neutropenia should be optimized for administering OEPA in LMIC.