Follow-up

Patients were typically seen 1-4 months after completing treatment of initial response and toxicity assessment. Imaging studies were used to assess response for most sites, with the exception of skin and orbit sites, where principally clinical examination was used. For gastric MZL, EGD with biopsy was customarily carried out every 4-6 months for the first 2-3 years, after which annual EGD was carried out.

Radiographic response was determined according to the International Working Group response criteria [14] at time of first follow-up imaging study; in some cases, we retrospectively ascertained clinical or radiographic response. Responses were categorized as one of the following: complete response (CR), complete response uncertain (CRu), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and PD.

For all patients receiving treatment, a progression or relapse event during follow-up was classified as any measurable, biopsy-proven, or visible increase in existing disease; relapse in initial site after initial CR; or the development of an entirely new site of MZL. For gastric MZL, biopsy-proven recurrence was required to determine relapse. Disease that transformed to large cell lymphoma was also considered a progression event.