Assessment of Chemotherapy Response With Simple Biochemistry on Lymphoma Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Response to treatment is evaluated with radiologic and/or nuclear medicine studies in addition to a complete physical examination. Biochemical investigations have been used for many years in risk and prognostic stratification of lymphoma, but there is no clinically useful method to assess response to treatment in lymphoma. In our study, we investigated the suitability of routine biochemical assays for assessing response to treatment in lymphoma. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively collected 108 patients’ routine biochemical examinations and examined the changes in biochemical parameters in terms of good or poor response. Logistic regression modelling was done on biochemical parameters and the results were used for development an ordinal scoring system. Results Most of the changes in biochemical parameters before and after treatment were significant (p < 0.05). The levels of total protein, beta-2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had decreased in the patients with good response to treatment, while no change was observed in the patients with poor response to treatment. Cross-interaction between pre- and post-treatment beta-2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase and total protein levels was significant (p = 0.02–0.03). We developed a 4-point ordinal scoring system for lymphoma response evaluation using biochemical parameters. Logistic regression showed significance (p < 0.01) and effect size was close to high effect (Cramer’s V test 0.46) Conclusion A 4-point ordinal scoring system for lymphoma response evaluation is proposed.