Starting Bendamustine and Rituxin for Follicular Lymphoma

Posted by valandsheri @valandsheri, Jan 16, 2023

Hi - My husband has been diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma and he will be starting treatment soon. He and his doctor have both agreed this is the best route for him. He is wondering how others have done with this treatment regarding side effects and quality of life during and after treatment. He is 75 years and in very good shape. He has a really good attitude too - I'm the one who is kind of panicking. He completed proton radiation therapy for prostate cancer almost 4 years ago and did quite well with it - but we're thinking this will be a different beast altogether. Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Hi, Sheri,
I am on bendmustine and nivolumab for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma. Bendmustine was added to my nivolumab regimen to work on a new active node. Seems to be working well so far. My only caution to you is to watch for dehydration. Added steroids and fluids before the infusion seems to have done the trick, but that first infusion without steroids put me in the ER! Since then with the added precautions about dehydration, the only side effects are minor.
Good luck!
Henry

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Thank you, Henry. Your response is very much appreciated. Good luck to you, as well. Take care! Sheri

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Wanting to know information concerning treatment with Brukinsa(zanabrutinib) versus Bendamustine and Rituxan for CLL What are the advantages or side effects in comparison ?
I believe Brukinsa has just been approved by the FDA.

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@jam5

Wanting to know information concerning treatment with Brukinsa(zanabrutinib) versus Bendamustine and Rituxan for CLL What are the advantages or side effects in comparison ?
I believe Brukinsa has just been approved by the FDA.

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@jam5, you are watching new treatment developments for CLL very closely. 🙂 You're right that zanubrutinib (Brukinsa) was approved for use in patients with CLL and SLL just a few days ago (Jan. 19, 2023).

- FDA approves zanubrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-zanubrutinib-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-or-small-lymphocytic-lymphoma

Here's a study comparing zanubrutinib versus bendamustine and rituximab that shows promise:
- Zanubrutinib versus bendamustine and rituximab in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SEQUOIA): a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial | Lancet Oncology 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35810754/

EXCERPT:
"Interpretation: Zanubrutinib significantly improved progression-free survival versus bendamustine-rituximab, with an acceptable safety profile consistent with previous studies. These data support zanubrutinib as a potential new treatment option for untreated CLL and SLL."

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@valandsheri

Thank you, Henry. Your response is very much appreciated. Good luck to you, as well. Take care! Sheri

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Hi @valandsheri, I'd like to add my welcome and to tag additional members who have experience with follicular lymphoma like @vonbaron36 @bogie60 @lee59 @susanlim @caracello22.

Such great advice about hydration @hnipper1. I'm also bringing in others who have had treatment with bendamustine plus rituximab like @amtrakian @chuck218 @pokeyspride2002 @caringwife to share their experiences.

Sheri, how are YOU doing?

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Hi Colleen, thanks so much for your reply and I'm sorry that I only just saw it. Thanks for checking on me. I certainly have been having my moments. I am your run of the mill control freak. I'm working hard to take one day at a time and trying not to let fear creep in and conjure up what could go wrong. I lost my Dad to cholangiocarcinoma in 2007, my Stepmommy to pancreatic cancer in 2014, with that a little PTSD rears it's head now. I'm trying to stick with Courage. Grace.and Good Humour.

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@valandsheri

Hi Colleen, thanks so much for your reply and I'm sorry that I only just saw it. Thanks for checking on me. I certainly have been having my moments. I am your run of the mill control freak. I'm working hard to take one day at a time and trying not to let fear creep in and conjure up what could go wrong. I lost my Dad to cholangiocarcinoma in 2007, my Stepmommy to pancreatic cancer in 2014, with that a little PTSD rears it's head now. I'm trying to stick with Courage. Grace.and Good Humour.

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That's a winning combo, Sheri - Courage. Grace and Good Humour.

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I learned that from my Beloved Stepmom! She passed away in 2014 from pancreatic cancer. She was such a beautiful soul and I miss her so much❤️❤️

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I noticed I already posted she had passed….I’m a doodle- head sometimes 🤣🤣

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I was diagnosed in 05 and did not take chemo until 6 years later. Had many cat scans before while waiting to see when needed treatment. That was a little rough like waiting for the shoe to drop. Finally had the chemo and all the things that went with it and 2 years later when finished I was doing well now here I am at 79 and the worst problem I have is the body and bone aches. I get scan once a year and see the doc every 6 months to watch me but so thankful for the treatment. It went well and I was never sick during chem. Attitude is a huge plus. Go in believing this is going to be fine and it will be. Always positive is the word of the day, week, month and year. I pray for a swift recovery for him.

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