Rituximab/Bendamustine + Rituximab/Cytarabine for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is not curable with conventional therapy. This study sought to improve upon standard of care in newly diagnosed, untreated MCL patients who were transplant-eligible using drugs already established as active in MCL. The combination of Rituximab-Bendamustine followed by Rituximab-Cytarabine (RB/RC) was expected to maximize pre-ASCT complete response (CR) rate compared to historical rates approximating 55% with tolerable toxicity.

Inclusion Criteria: * Mandatory pathologic review of the diagnostic specimen(s) at Brigham and Women's Hospital or Massachusetts General Hospital * Measurable disease * Candidate for ASCT Exclusion Criteria: * Prior anti-lymphoma therapy * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Hypersensitivity to rituximab * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness * Receiving other study agents * HIV positive on combination antiretroviral therapy