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We investigated if survival was predicted by nadir neutrophil counts after the first cycle of R-CHOP in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Neutrophil counts (109/L) were categorized in four grades in the nadir time frame. Prognostic indices and comorbidity levels were calculated and used to adjust the Cox regression model. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used to estimate and compare survival. We identified 965 patients. Grade 4 neutropenia was present in 432 (45%). Grade 0 patients had a 5-year overall survival of 67%, grade 1–2: 78%, grade 3: 64%, and grade 4: 57%. Compared with grade 0 adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for death were: 0.77 (95% CI 0.49–1.21) for grade 1–2, 1.18 (95% CI 0.82–1.71) for grade 3, and 1.33 (95% CI 1.02–1.73) for grade 4. Grade 4 neutropenia after the 1st cycle of chemotherapy predicted inferior outcome compared with grade 0 and 1–2. Grade 1–2 neutropenia seemed to have superior outcome.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare condition, which accounts for approximately 4% of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated non-Hodgkin lymphomas. PEL has a predilection for body cavities and occurs in the pleural space, pericardium, and peritoneum. Without treatment, the median survival is approximately 2–3 months, and with chemotherapy, the median survival is approximately 6 months. We describe the case of a 47-year-old male with HIV and Kaposi’s sarcoma who presented with complaints of abdominal pain and distension and was subsequently diagnosed with PEL. Despite limited clinical data being available, chemotherapy with dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (EPOCH) has proven to increase survival rates in patients with this condition.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive CD20‐negative lymphoma associated with poor outcomes. Multiple studies have shown median survival times of 12–18 months (Castillo et al, 2012; Schommers et al, 2013; Morscio et al, 2014). Several case reports and small case series have suggested an increased response rate in patients treated with bortezomib alone or in combination, especially the combination of bortezomib and dose‐adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (V‐EPOCH) (Castillo et al, 2015a; Fedele et al, 2016). Due to its rarity, prospective studies exclusively in PBL patients are unlikely to be performed. We evaluated the potential therapeutic value of V‐EPOCH in patients with PBL.