Partial remission of a newly diagnosed diffuse large B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in a hemodialysis patient after administration of immuno‐chemotherapy with rituximab‐CHOP

Summary To date little data exist about treatment of hematologic malignancies in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). While administration of immunochemotherapy comprising the CD20‐antibody rituximab is a well‐established treatment strategy in patients with normal renal function, little information on safety and efficacy is available in the setting of ESRD. Here we describe for the first time a hemodialysis patient suffering from diffuse large B‐cell Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (DLBCL) who was treated with polychemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) in combination with rituximab (R‐CHOP). We observed no major adverse events and treatment resulted in a partial remission of the DLBCL. Thus, administration of R‐CHOP may be considered as a safe therapeutic option in this setting. Of note, this patient had a previous history of hairy cell leukemia. A review of the literature was performed and the potential etiologic link of these two B‐cell malignancies is discussed in the light of available information.