Lymphoma are defined as malignant neoplasms of immune system, or in other words the neoplasms of lymphocytes and their precursory cells which form the basic cellular elements of the immune system. The heterogeneity of lymphoma from the aspect of morphology and the aspect of clinical manifestations demanded the identification of all possible parameters which could influence the course and outcome of the disease on every single level. The aim of our study was to investigate which of the prognostic factors confirms the statistical importance of the remission state and overall survival and if the patients treated with standard PHT (poly chemotherapy) protocols with the addition of anti-CD20 antibody show more clinical benefit. Patients and methods: Considering the applied protocol, patients were divided in two groups: group of patients treated with PHT protocol CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, Oncovin, Pronison) and the group treated with PHT protocol with the addition of anti-CD20 antibody (Rituximab). Results: There was no statistically significant difference in values of Karnofsky score between patients in CHOP and CHOP+R groups before the therapy (U=133; Z=-1,87; p=0,06), although this difference was on the border of statistical significance. The values of Karnofsky score before and after the therapy in CHOP group showed no significant difference (Wilcoxon Z=- 1,62; p=0,11), but CHOP+R group pointed significant differences before and after the treatment, (Wilcoxon Z=-2,34; p=0,02) with generally higher values after the therapy. Looking from the aspect of B-symptomatology in CHOP group, there was a significant reduction of B-symptoms (50%; %95 CI=19-50; p=0,002) after the therapy (7/20; 35%) in comparison with patients before the therapy (17/20; 85%). According to those results, the reduction of symptoms in CHOP +R group was more evident (60%; %95CI=28-60; p
Key words: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, poly chemotherapy, Karnofsky score.
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