Response Criteria
Two weeks after completion of chemotherapy, all subjects had imaging
studies to evaluate response. We defined the level of response as: a
complete remission (CR) if there was complete disappearance of all sites
of disease (as evaluated by physical examination and imaging studies)
and B symptoms. Partial remission (PR), defined as disappearance of all
constitutional symptoms and decrease of ≥ 50% of the sum of the product
of two perpendicular diameters of all lesions present at diagnosis and
no appearance of new lesions. No response (NR) defined as no change or
<50% decrease in the product of two perpendicular diameters
of any lesion present at diagnosis without new lesions. Progressive
disease (PD), defined as increase of ≥ 50% of the product of two
perpendicular diameters of any lesion or the appearance of new lesions
during therapy or within 3 months of end of radiation therapy. Relapse
(R), defined as appearance of new lesions after 3 months from end of
radiation therapy confirmed by biopsy in most cases.