A retrospective, matched paired analysis comparing bendamustine containing BeEAM versus BEAM conditioning regimen: results from a single center experience

The combination of carmustine, etoposide, aracytin, and melphalan(BEAM) conditioning regimen in autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also an option in patients with very-high risk aggressive NHL in first complete remission (CR). Recently, a phase Ib–II feasibility study using bendamustine replacing carmustine (BCNU) was reported. We report herein a safety and efficacy analysis of bendamustine-EAM (BeEAM) with a control BEAM counterpart paired cohort (1/2). One hundred and two patients were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were not reached and seemed to be comparable between both groups. However, grade III or greater diarrhea was significantly higher in BeEAM patients (44 vs. 15%, p =.002). The median number of days with fever >38 °C was significantly higher in BeEAM group (5.5 vs. 2, p <.001). This case-control study suggests that BeEAM followed by ASCT using bendamustine at 100 mg/m²/d is effective but has a different toxicity profile than the BEAM regimen.