Iannitto E, et al. - Researchers assessed the efficacy of bendamustine and rituximab in an open-label, single arm phase II study, the BRISMA (Bendamustine-rituximab as first-line treatment of splenic marginal zone lymphoma)/IELSG (International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group)36 trial, including 56 patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) diagnosis. Patients were given bendamustine (90 mg/m² days 1, 2) and rituximab (375 mg/m² day 1) every 28 days for six cycles (B-R). B-R demonstrated high efficacy as first-line regimen for SMZL, with overall response and CR rates being 91% and 73%, respectively, and duration of response, progression-free survival and overall survival at 3 years being 93%, 90% and 96%, respectively. In majority of cases, haematological toxicity was detected. Neutropenia grade ≥3, infections and febrile neutropenia were seen in 43%, 5·4% and 3·6% patients. Serious adverse events were reported in 14 patients (25%). Based on the findings, B-R was recommended to be considered when a chemotherapy combination with rituximab is deemed necessary for symptomatic SMZL patients.