Analysis of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: aggressive therapy is a reasonable approach for ‘unfit’ patients classified by comprehensive geriatric assessment

Background The treatment strategy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in elderly patients is problematic. Although several researchers have reported the effectiveness of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and the futility of curative treatment in ‘unfit’ patients with DLBCL, these propositions are not firmly established. Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis using a database. Patients with DLBCL were eligible if ≧ 60 yr old. CGA stratification was performed using medical records. Results One hundred and 35 patients were identified. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy with curative intent was performed in 115 (85%) patients. According to CGA, 82 (61%) patients were classified as ‘fit’. Their 1-yr overall survival (OS) was significantly better than that of ‘unfit’ patients [91.3% vs. 53.8%, P