Predictive levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) with interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasma T cells, NK cells as well as B cells in treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma receiving rituximab.

Background: The aim was to explore the effect of rituximab in combination with chemotherapy in treating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thymidine kinase 1(TK1) with interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasma T cells, NK cells as well as B cells.

Methods: Eighty patients admitted to Lujiang County People's Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were included. The control group accepted cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy regimens. The research group was treated with rituximab based on the control group. The clinical effects, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, lymphocyte subsets index, quality of life and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared in both groups.

Results: The research group's total clinical effective rate was better than the control group's (P<0.05). After therapy, compared to the control group, vascular endothelial growth factor, thymidine kinase 1, and interleukin-6 levels in the research group presented lower (P<0.05), plasma T cells, natural killer cells along with B cells in the research group presented lower (P<0.05), and Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-Core 30 scores in the research group presented higher (P<0.05). There was no difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Rituximab combined with chemotherapy is effective in treating DLBCL patients, which can reduce serum-related factors promoting immune function and quality of life. Our study may provide compelling evidence for supporting the therapeutic regimen of rituximab combined with chemotherapy in DLBCL patients.