Treatment of peripheral T Cell Lymphoma with an intensive protocol ACEP (Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, Etoposide and Prednisolone) and Ifosfamide showing an important response and overall survival rates

Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma (PTCL) is a group of lymphoid malignancies which has never been treated with any confidence as opposed to its counterpart B Cell Lymphomas. Despite the studies, which were retrospective, the results in the majority of cases were disappointing, taking into consideration the aggressive clinical course of the disease, so survival did not exceed 2 years in median. To assess the response, progression-free survival and overall survival rates at 5 years using a new intensive combination chemotherapy. Enrolled patients were diagnosed with PTCL, confirmed by a referenced pathologist, treated with the new chemotherapy ACEP X 6 (Doxorubicine 75 mg/m² on day 1 + Cyclophosphamide 1,200 mg/m² on day 1 + Etoposide 300 mg/m² on day 1 and Prednisolone 60 mg/m² from day 1 through day 5) and Ifosfamide X 4 (Ifosfamide 4 grams/m² on day 1) which were given after the completion of the first 6 cycles of ACEP. The study was performed at Al-Bairouni University Hospital, and the study was approved by the Syrian Association of Clinical Oncology. Twenty-five patients underwent the treatment. Most of them showed a complete response after the completion of the first six cycles (17/25) forming 68 % of patients, while another 5 patients became complete responders after the completion of treatment. Consequently, 22 patients are still living after 5 years, with an overall survival rate of 88 %. (ACEP) and Ifosfamide appears to be a good choice in PTCLs, in light of the good response and overall survival rates, taking into account the acceptable toxicity profile. However, a larger sample is needed to make it an acceptable new combination chemotherapy for PTCLs patients.