Modified DHAP Versus Standard DHAP in Relapsed/Refractory Diffused Large B-cell Lymphoma.

Overview

This Phase III randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness and toxicity profile of a modified DHAP regimen compared to the standard DHAP regimen in adult patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The DHAP regimen (cisplatin, cytarabine, dexamethasone) is widely used as salvage therapy but is associated with significant toxicities, including renal dysfunction and severe myelosuppression. The modified DHAP protocol fractionates cisplatin and cytarabine administration to reduce nephrotoxicity, improve tolerability, and potentially allow outpatient treatment. A total of 74 patients will be randomized (37 per arm) to receive either the modified or standard DHAP regimen. The primary endpoint is overall response rate (ORR) assessed by RECIL 2017 criteria. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity incidence and severity graded by CTCAE, and quality of life measured by EORTC QLQ-C30. The study anticipates that the modified DHAP regimen will demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy with reduced severe toxicities, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient satisfaction. Findings may support transitioning DHAP into outpatient administration, optimizing healthcare resource utilization in Pakistan.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effectiveness and toxicity profile of a modified DHAP regimen versus the standard DHAP regimen in adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). DLBCL is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing relapse or refractory disease after initial therapy. The standard DHAP regimen (cisplatin, cytarabine, dexamethasone) has been widely used as salvage therapy, achieving response rates of up to 70%. However, its use is limited by severe toxicities, including renal dysfunction, infections, and profound myelosuppression. The modified DHAP regimen alters the administration schedule of cisplatin and cytarabine. Cisplatin is fractionated into smaller doses over multiple days rather than a single 24-hour continuous infusion, and cytarabine is administered over two consecutive days. This modification is hypothesized to reduce nephrotoxicity, improve tolerability, and allow outpatient administration, while maintaining or enhancing cytotoxic synergy between cisplatin and cytarabine. A total of 74 patients will be enrolled and randomized into two arms (37 per arm): * Arm A (Modified DHAP): Dexamethasone 40 mg PO/IV days 1-4; Cisplatin 50 mg/m² over 6 hours days 1-2; Cytarabine 2 g/m² IV over 3 hours days 1-2. * Arm B (Standard DHAP): Dexamethasone 40 mg PO/IV days 1-4; Cisplatin 100 mg/m² continuous infusion over 24 hours day 1; Cytarabine 2×2 g/m² IV over 3 hours day 2. Primary endpoint: Overall response rate (ORR), defined as complete or partial response per RECIL 2017 criteria. Secondary endpoints: Progression-free survival (PFS), toxicity incidence and severity graded by CTCAE, and quality of life (QoL) assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Patients will be followed for treatment response, adverse events, and QoL changes. Toxicities will be documented using CTCAE forms, with particular attention to hematological toxicities (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and non-hematological toxicities (renal dysfunction, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, neuropathy). The study anticipates that the modified DHAP regimen will demonstrate comparable or superior efficacy with a reduced incidence of severe toxicities, shorter hospital stays, and improved patient satisfaction. If successful, this regimen could support the transition of DHAP into outpatient administration, optimizing healthcare resource utilization in Pakistan and improving access to therapy for patients with poor prognoses.