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Consolidation Therapy (R-EPOCH) for the Treatment of Patients with Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial test how well consolidation therapy with rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (R-EPOCH) after induction therapy with rituximab works in treating patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. Etoposide is in a class of medications known as podophyllotoxin derivatives. It blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and may kill cancer cells. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It is used to reduce inflammation and lower the body's immune response to help lessen the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. Vincristine is in a class of medications called vinca alkaloids. It works by stopping cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Cyclophosphamide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by damaging the cell’s DNA and may kill cancer cells. It may also lower the body’s immune response. Doxorubicin is in a class of medications called anthracyclines. Doxorubicin damages the cell’s DNA and may kill cancer cells. It also blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and DNA repair. Giving consolidation therapy with R-EPOCH after induction therapy with rituximab may kill more cancer cells in patients with PTLD.