A Comparison of the Conditioning Regimens BEAM and FEAM for Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphoma: An Observational Study on 1038 Patients From Fondazione Italiana Linfomi

- We studied the effects of fotemustine substitution in BEAM, prompted by BCNU shortage.
- BEAM and FEAM did not appear different in terms of survival and disease control.
- FEAM resulted in higher rates of gastrointestinal and infectious toxicities.
- Mortality from infection was higher with FEAM, due to more sepsis from Gram-negative bacteria.
- FEAM is an acceptable alternative to BEAM but is not justified when BCNU is available.