A Phase II Study of Nasal NK/T-cell Lymphoma

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically proven extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type according to the WHO classification (must be pathology-proven EBV DNA positive as well as cytoplasmic CD3 +, while CD56+ is not an essential diagnostic criteria. ). Both newly diagnosed patients and who were previous chemotherapy-treated patients with residual or recurrent diseases will be allowed.
2. Any of lymphomatous involvement exist in nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses, orbit, Waldeyer's ring, and oral cavity PS with ECOG scale 0-2.
3. Stage I or contiguous stage II, measurable or evaluable lymphoma by clinical imaging No previous chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
4. ANC ≧ 2,000/mm3, Platelet ≧ 100,000/mm3 of peripheral blood.
5. Age <70.
6. Total bilirubin < 2.5 mg/dl Serum creatinine ≦1.5 mg/dl Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≦ 25 mg/dl
7. Signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria:

1. Pregnancy or lactation period
2. Severe intercurrent illness, e.g. infection, heart failure
3. Myocardial infarction within recent 12 months
4. Known hypersensitivity to any component drug of the treatment regimen

TREATMENT PLAN

Concurrent chemoradiation is the primary treatment. The treatment will be started within 2 weeks after registration. The patients are intended to receive the complete radiation dose (50 Gy) and 2 courses of DEP regimen concurrently. The first course of DEP regimen must be started within one week before or after the initiation of radiation (1st week). The second course of DEP regimen will be given in 4 weeks (i.e. the 5th week) after completion of the first course of DEP and during the period of radiotherapy. The first evaluation of response by CT or MRI will be performed at 4 weeks after the completion of the second course DEP (i.e. the 9th week). If patients respond to therapy or remain in the SD situation, DVIP regimen will be followed immediately every 4 weeks for another 2 courses as a consolidation therapy. If patients are progressive, study treatment will be stopped and patients will be off-studied. And they will proceed to salvage therapy with DHAP regimen for ethical reason. The second evaluation of response will be performed in 4 weeks after completion of treatment (i.e. 21st week).

1. Systemic chemotherapy with DEP and DVIP regimens Schedule and Dose for DEP (q4w, CCRT) Dexamethosone 20 mg/m2/d i.v. Day 1-3 VP-16 75 mg/m2/d i.v. 1h Day 1-3 cisplatin 75 mg/m2/d i.v. 4h Day 1 1.1 Courses will be repeated every 28 days for total 2 courses. 1.2 The first and second course will be performed concurrently with radiotherapy. 1.3 The first course of DEP regimen must be started within one week before or after the initiation of radiation (1st week). 1.4 The H3-antagonist is permitted for anti-emetic use. 1.5 G-CSF is allowed to be used prophylactically for older ( > 60 years old) patients and for patients with previous or ongoing prolonged myelosuppression. Schedule and Dose for DVIP (q4w, post R/T) Dexamethosone 20 mg/m2/d i.v. Day 1-4 VP-16 75 mg/m2/d i.v. 1h Day 1-4 ifosfamide 1.2 mg/m2/d i.v. 2h Day 1-4 mesna 240 mg/m2/d i.v. at 0,4,8 hr Day 1-4 cisplatin 20 mg/m2/d i.v. 1h Day 1-4 1.6 Courses will be repeated every 28 days for total 2 courses. 1.7 The first course will be performed on the 9th week after the first evaluation of response by CT or MRI. 1.8 The H3-antagonist is permitted for anti-emetic use. 1.9 G-CSF is allowed to be used prophylactically for older ( > 60 years old) patients and for patients with previous or ongoing prolonged myelosuppression.
2. Involved field radiotherapy Guidelines-

2.1 General Guidelines Local radiation will be given concurrently with chemotherapy from the beginning of treatment. Radiation will be given to the involved field only.

1. Equipment- Only megavoltage equipment with source skin distance of 80 cm, or greater will be used with SAD technique. The treatment cannot be given via electron beam alone even if the lesion is only superficial.
2. Cessation of RT- when any condition of
3. Grade 4 mucositis with progression.
4. Grade 4 dermatitis in the RT field with progression
5. WBC less than 2000/mm3
6. Infection, which is potentially life threatening.
7. Re-start of RT If toxicity subsides or infection is controlled.

2.2 Target Volume

Gross Tumor Volume (GTV): The GTV is defined as the volume of tumor at presentation as defined by CT, MRI. Uninvolved draining regions are not covered. The treatment cannot be given via electron beam alone even if the lesion is superficial. In cases where there is discrepancy between the scans, the larger volume will be irradiated.

Clinical Target Volume (CTV): This is defined as the GTV with a 1.5cm margin. Include ethmoid sinus and medial half of the maxillary sinus into CTV when gross tumor is located within the nasal cavity. If ethmoid sinus is extensively involved but there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of orbital involvement, the medial bony boundary of the orbit is usually irradiated for possible microscopic disease extension.

Planning Target Volume (PTV): For the purpose of this study, a margin for set up error or patient movement is to be added to the CTV. This may vary but must be at least 0.5cm.

CRITERIA FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM STUDY All patients who are still under or have completed protocol treatments should be continuously followed-up for all study end points. Patients are removed from study if they have completed the protocol or major violations.

1. Completion of assigned therapy and observation.
2. Disease progression.
3. Excessive complication or toxicity.
4. Patient death.
5. Patient withdrawal or refusal.
6. Serum creatinine>3.0 mg/dl
7. Any ≧ grade III toxicity persists ≧ 3 wks after the due day