Improving Definition of Screen-Printed Functional Materials for Sensing Application.

Screen printing is one of the most used techniques for developing printed electronics. It stands out for its simplicity, scalability, and effectivity. Specifically, the manufacturing of hybrid integrated circuits has promoted the development of the technique, and the photovoltaic industry has enhanced the printing process by developing high-performance metallization pastes and high-end screens. In recent years, fine lines of 50 µm or smaller are about to be adopted in mass production, and screen printing has to compete with digital printing techniques such as inkjet printing, which can reach narrower lines. In this sense, this work is focused on testing the printing resolution of a high-performance stainless-steel screen with commercial conductive inks and functional lab-made inks based on reduced graphene oxide using an interdigitated structure. We achieved electrically conductive functional patterns with a minimum printing resolution of 40 µm for all inks.

A 3D-Printed Portable UV and Visible Photoreactor for Water Purification and Disinfection Experiments.

Water scarcity and contamination are urgent issues to be addressed. In this context, different materials, techniques, and devices are being developed to mitigate contemporary and forthcoming water constraints. Photocatalysis-based approaches are suitable strategies to address water contamination by degrading contaminants and eliminating microbes. Photoreactors are usually designed to perform photocatalysis in a scalable and standardised way. Few or none have been developed to combine these characteristics with portability, flexibility, and cost effectiveness. This study reports on designing and producing a portable (490 g), low-cost, and multifunctional photoreactor that includes adjustable radiation intensity and two types of wavelengths (UV-A and visible), including combined agitation in a compact mechanism produced through 3D printing technology. The mechanical, electrical, and optical subsystems were designed and assembled into a robust device. It is shown that it is possible to apply radiations that can reach 65 mW/cm2 and 110 mW/cm2 using the installed visible and UV LEDs and apply mechanical agitation up to 200 rpm, all under a ventilated system. Regarding functionality, the photoreactor proof of concept indicated the ability to degrade ~80% and 30% ciprofloxacin under UV and visible irradiation of TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 nanoparticles. The device also showed the ability to eliminate E. coli bacteria, recurring to radiation set-ups and nanoparticles. Therefore, the originally designed and constructed photoreactor concept was characterised and functionally validated as an exciting and flexible device for lab-scaled or outdoor experiments, assuring standardised and comparable results.

Treatment patterns and outcomes for Hodgkin Lymphoma patients aged 60 and older: a report from the Brazilian Prospective Hodgkin Lymphoma Registry.

The treatment of older patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remains a challenge. We sought to identify the treatment patterns and outcomes in older HL patients included in the Brazilian HL registry (NCT02589548). A total of 136 patients with HIV-negative classic HL, aged ≥ 60 years, diagnosed between 2009 and 2018, were analyzed. The median age was 66 years old (60-90), 72% had advanced disease, 62% had a high IPS, and 49% had a nodular sclerosis subtype. Median follow-up was 64 months for alive patients. ABVD was the front-line treatment in 96% of patients. Twenty-one patients (15%) died during front-line treatment. The 5-year PFS and 5-year OS rates were 55% and 59%, respectively. The 5-year OS rates in localized and advanced disease were 81% and 51% (p=0.013). Lung toxicity developed in 11% of the patients treated with ABVD. Bleomycin was administered for > 2 cycles in 65% of patients. Compared with 2009-2014, there was a decrease in the use of bleomycin for > 2 cycles in 2015-2018 (88% × 45%, p<0.0001). The impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on outcomes was studied in patients treated with ABVD. After adjusting for potential confounders, lower SES remained independently associated with poorer survival (HR 2.22 [1.14-4.31] for OS and HR 2.84 [1.48-5.45] for PFS). Treatment outcomes were inferior to those observed in developed countries. These inferior outcomes were due to an excess of deaths during front-line treatment and the excessive use of bleomycin. SES was an independent factor for shorter survival.

High gain low profile horn array with circular polarization using a 3D printed anisotropic dielectric composite material at 38 GHz.

In this work, the design of a fully 3D-printed dielectric polarizer based on anisotropic engineered material operating at 38 GHz is presented. The anisotropy conditions to obtain circular polarization are achieved by using an array of dielectric strips, manufactured using two different commercially available filaments for 3D-printing. To illuminate the polarizer, a low-profile horn linear array fed by transverse slots is designed and manufactured. The results show good agreement between simulations and measurements, with the designed polarizer covering the whole operation band of the antenna by keeping a similar gain when compared to the structure without the polarizer.

Results of the daratumumab monotherapy early access treatment protocol in patients from Brazil with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Daratumumab is a CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody with established efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We report results of an early access protocol (EAP) of daratumumab monotherapy for RRMM in a cohort of Brazilian patients. Methods: Patients with RRMM and ≥3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or who were double refractory to both a PI and IMiD received daratumumab, 16 mg/kg, intravenously weekly for 8 weeks, biweekly for 16 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, loss of clinical benefit, or study conclusion or if daratumumab became available with reimbursement. Results: Forty-nine patients received ≥1 dose of daratumumab. The median (range) duration of treatment was 6.4 (0.3-11.8) months, with a median (range) of 8 (1-13) treatment cycles. Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 38.8% of patients, most frequently neutropenia and pneumonia (10.2% each). Seven (14.3%) patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs; 3 patients discontinued due to daratumumab-related TEAEs. Serious TEAEs occurred in 38.8% of patients. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 25 (51.0%) patients, were primarily grade 1/2, and the majority (23 patients) occurred during the first infusion. Twenty (40.8%) patients achieved a partial response or better; median progression-free survival was 8.25 (95% confidence interval, 5.55-17.54) months. Conclusion: In this EAP, daratumumab monotherapy in Brazilian patients showed a safety and efficacy profile consistent with clinical studies of daratumumab monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02477891.

Relaciones de las dificultades de regulación emocional y los factores de personalidad con la satisfacción vital de estudiantes universitarios / Relationships of emotional regulation difficulties and personality factors with life satisfaction of university students

Resumen Antecedentes :la capacidad de regular las emociones de una manera eficiente sería esencial para afrontar los hechos estresantes que se presentan en la vida cotidiana de los jóvenes universitarios, alejando la posibilidad que sufran ansiedad, depresión, problemas de conducta y bajo rendimiento académico. Objetivos: el presente estudio tuvo como propósito examinar la relación de las dificultades de regulación emocional y de la personalidad con la satisfacción vital. Método: el estudio es de tipo correlacional con un diseño transeccional y participaron 250 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos, de una universidad pública chilena. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que la satisfacción vital de los participantes se asocia significativamente tanto con las dificultades de regulación emocional (negativamente) como con las dimensiones de personalidad (negativamente con neuroticismo y positivamente con el resto); sin embargo, un análisis de regresión estableció que sólo la desatención emocional, la responsabilidad y el neuroticismo resultaron ser predictores significativa de la satisfacción vital de los participantes. Conclusiones: aunque todas las variables consideradas mostraron relación con la satisfacción vital de los estudiantes, sólo algunas de ellas parecen predecirla.

Abstract Background :The ability to efficiently regulate emotions may be essential for young university students to face the stressful events that occur in their daily life, thus preventing the possibility of suffering anxiety, depression, behavioral problems and poor academic performance. Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze the relationship that difficulties in emotional regulation and personality have with life satisfaction. Method: This correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted with 250 male and female students from a Chilean public university. Results: The results showed that the participants' life satisfaction is significantly associated with both difficulties in emotional regulation (negatively) and personality dimensions (negatively with neuroticism and positively with the other traits). However, a regression analysis determined that only emotional inattention, responsibility and neuroticism were important predictors of the participants' life satisfaction. Conclusions: Although all the variables showed a relationship with the students' life satisfaction, only some of them seemed to predict it.

Results of the daratumumab monotherapy early access treatment protocol in patients from Brazil with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

INTRODUCTION: Daratumumab is a CD38-targeting monoclonal antibody with established efficacy and safety in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). We report results of an early access protocol (EAP) of daratumumab monotherapy for RRMM in a cohort of Brazilian patients. METHODS: Patients with RRMM and ≥3 prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD), or who were double refractory to both a PI and IMiD received daratumumab, 16 mg/kg, intravenously weekly for 8 weeks, biweekly for 16 weeks, and every 4 weeks thereafter until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, loss of clinical benefit, or study conclusion or if daratumumab became available with reimbursement. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients received ≥1 dose of daratumumab. The median (range) duration of treatment was 6.4 (0.3-11.8) months, with a median (range) of 8 (1-13) treatment cycles. Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 38.8% of patients, most frequently neutropenia and pneumonia (10.2% each). Seven (14.3%) patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs; 3 patients discontinued due to daratumumab-related TEAEs. Serious TEAEs occurred in 38.8% of patients. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 25 (51.0%) patients, were primarily grade 1/2, and the majority (23 patients) occurred during the first infusion. Twenty (40.8%) patients achieved a partial response or better; median progression-free survival was 8.25 (95% confidence interval, 5.55-17.54) months. CONCLUSION: In this EAP, daratumumab monotherapy in Brazilian patients showed a safety and efficacy profile consistent with clinical studies of daratumumab monotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02477891.

Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Response of Different Polymer-Based Materials.

Energy harvesting systems for low-power devices are increasingly being a requirement within the context of the Internet of Things and, in particular, for self-powered sensors in remote or inaccessible locations. Triboelectric nanogenerators are a suitable approach for harvesting environmental mechanical energy otherwise wasted in nature. This work reports on the evaluation of the output power of different polymer and polymer composites, by using the triboelectric contact-separation systems (10 N of force followed by 5 cm of separation per cycle). Different materials were used as positive (Mica, polyamide (PA66) and styrene/ethylene-butadiene/styrene (SEBS)) and negative (polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP) and Kapton) charge materials. The obtained output power ranges from 0.2 to 5.9 mW, depending on the pair of materials, for an active area of 46.4 cm2. The highest response was obtained for Mica with PVDF composites with 30 wt.% of barium titanate (BT) and PA66 with PU pairs. A simple application has been developed based on vertical contact-separation mode, able to power up light emission diodes (LEDs) with around 30 cycles to charge a capacitor. Further, the capacitor can be charged in one triboelectric cycle if an area of 0.14 m2 is used.

Magnetic Bioreactor for Magneto-, Mechano- and Electroactive Tissue Engineering Strategies.

Biomimetic bioreactor systems are increasingly being developed for tissue engineering applications, due to their ability to recreate the native cell/tissue microenvironment. Regarding bone-related diseases and considering the piezoelectric nature of bone, piezoelectric scaffolds electromechanically stimulated by a bioreactor, providing the stimuli to the cells, allows a biomimetic approach and thus, mimicking the required microenvironment for effective growth and differentiation of bone cells. In this work, a bioreactor has been designed and built allowing to magnetically stimulate magnetoelectric scaffolds and therefore provide mechanical and electrical stimuli to the cells through magnetomechanical or magnetoelectrical effects, depending on the piezoelectric nature of the scaffold. While mechanical bioreactors need direct application of the stimuli on the scaffolds, the herein proposed magnetic bioreactors allow for a remote stimulation without direct contact with the material. Thus, the stimuli application (23 mT at a frequency of 0.3 Hz) to cells seeded on the magnetoelectric, leads to an increase in cell viability of almost 30% with respect to cell culture under static conditions. This could be valuable to mimic what occurs in the human body and for application in immobilized patients. Thus, special emphasis has been placed on the control, design and modeling parameters governing the bioreactor as well as its functional mechanism.

Magnetically Activated Electroactive Microenvironments for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Regeneration.

This work reports on magnetoelectric biomaterials suitable for effective proliferation and differentiation of myoblast in a biomimetic microenvironment providing the electromechanical stimuli associated with this tissue in the human body. Magnetoelectric films are obtained by solvent casting through the combination of a piezoelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro-ethylene), and magnetostrictive particles (CoFe2O4). The nonpoled and poled (with negative and positive surface charge) magnetoelectric composites are used to investigate their influence on C2C12 myoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. It is demonstrated that the proliferation and differentiation of the cells are enhanced by the application of mechanical and/or electrical stimulation, with higher values of maturation index under mechanoelectrical stimuli. These results show that magnetoelectric cell stimulation is a full potential approach for skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications.

Bioinspired Three-Dimensional Magnetoactive Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Bone tissue repair strategies are gaining increasing relevance due to the growing incidence of bone disorders worldwide. Biochemical stimulation is the most commonly used strategy for cell regeneration, while the application of physical cues, including magnetic, mechanical, or electrical fields, is a promising, however, scarcely investigated field. This work reports on novel magnetoactive three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds suitable for effective proliferation of osteoblasts in a biomimetic microenvironment. This physically active microenvironment is developed through the bone-mimicking structure of the scaffold combined with the physical stimuli provided by a magnetic custom-made bioreactor on a magnetoresponsive scaffold. Scaffolds are obtained through the development of nanocomposites comprised of a piezoelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and magnetostrictive particles of CoFe2O4, using a solvent casting method guided by the overlapping of nylon template structures with three different fiber diameter sizes (60, 80, and 120 µm), thus generating 3D scaffolds with different pore sizes. The magnetoactive composites show a structure very similar to trabecular bone with pore sizes that range from 5 to 20 µm, owing to the inherent process of crystallization of PVDF with the nanoparticles (NPs), interconnected with bigger pores, formed after removing the nylon templates. It is found that the materials crystallize in the electroactive ß-phase of PVDF and promote the proliferation of preosteoblasts through the application of magnetic stimuli. This phenomenon is attributed to both local magnetomechanical and magnetoelectric response of the scaffolds, which induce a proper cellular mechano- and electro-transduction process.

Treatment outcomes for Hodgkin lymphoma: First report from the Brazilian Prospective Registry.

Data about Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in developing countries are scarce and suggest the existence of substantial disparities in healthcare and outcomes in large areas of the world. In 2009, a prospective registry of HL was implemented in Brazil. Web-based data were contributed by 20 institutions across the country participating in the Brazilian Prospective Hodgkin's Lymphoma Registry. The aim of this study was to present the clinical features and outcomes of newly diagnosed patients with HL aged 13 to 90 years. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by clinical factors. A total of 674 patients with classical HL were analysed, with a median follow-up of 37 months. Median age was 30 years (13-90). The median time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 6 months (0-60). Only 6% of patients had early favourable disease, while 65% had advanced disease. Stage IVB was present in 26% and a high-risk International Prognostic Score in 38%. Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine was used in 93%. The median dose of radiotherapy was 36 Gy for localized disease and 32 Gy for advanced disease. The 3 year PFS in early favourable, early unfavourable, and advanced disease were 95%, 88%, and 66%, respectively. High-risk International Prognostic Score, advanced disease, and age greater than or equal to 60 were independently associated with poorer PFS and OS; performance status greater than or equal to 2 was also associated with a poorer OS. Poor-risk patients predominated. Radiation doses for localized disease appear higher than current recommendations. Outcomes appear inferior in developing countries than in developed countries. Delayed diagnosis is probably a major factor underlying these findings. Scattered reports from developing nations suggest that many aspects of standard care in developed countries remain unmet needs for populations living in developing countries. The present report contributes to this body of data, with a proper description of what is currently achieved in urban areas in Brazil.

Lower socioeconomic status is independently associated with shorter survival in Hodgkin Lymphoma patients-An analysis from the Brazilian Hodgkin Lymphoma Registry.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-known determinant of outcomes in cancer. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the SES on the outcomes of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients from the Brazilian Prospective HL Registry. SES stratification was done using an individual asset/education-based household index. A total of 624 classical HL patients with diagnosis from January/2009 to December/2014, and treated with ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine), were analyzed. The median follow-up was 35.6 months, and 33% were classified as lower SES. The 3-year progression- free survival (PFS) in higher and lower SES were 78 and 64% (p < 0.0001), respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) in higher and lower SES were 94 and 82% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Lower SES patients were more likely to be ≥ 60 years (16 vs. 8%, p = 0.003), and to present higher risk International Prognostic score (IPS) (44 vs. 31%, p = 0.004) and advanced disease (71 vs. 58%, p = 0.003). After adjustments for potential confounders, lower SES remained independently associated with poorer survival (HR = 3.12 [1.86-5.22] for OS and HR = 1.66 [1.19-2.32] for PFS). The fatality ratio during treatment was 7.5 and 1.3% for lower and higher SES (p = 0.0001). Infections and treatment toxicity accounted for 81% of these deaths. SES is an independent factor associated with shorter survival in HL in Brazil. Potential underlying mechanisms associated with the impact of SES are delayed diagnosis and poorer education. Educational and socio-economic support interventions must be tested in this vulnerable population.

Marked Object Recognition Multitouch Screen Printed Touchpad for Interactive Applications.

The market for interactive platforms is rapidly growing, and touchscreens have been incorporated in an increasing number of devices. Thus, the area of smart objects and devices is strongly increasing by adding interactive touch and multimedia content, leading to new uses and capabilities. In this work, a flexible screen printed sensor matrix is fabricated based on silver ink in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Diamond shaped capacitive electrodes coupled with conventional capacitive reading electronics enables fabrication of a highly functional capacitive touchpad, and also allows for the identification of marked objects. For the latter, the capacitive signatures are identified by intersecting points and distances between them. Thus, this work demonstrates the applicability of a low cost method using royalty-free geometries and technologies for the development of flexible multitouch touchpads for the implementation of interactive and object recognition applications.

Everolimus as a single agent in refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma: the Brazilian Named Patient Program Experience

Abstract Background Despite all the scientific progress that has been made on understanding the disease, prognosis for patients with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma remains poor and the treatment is palliative in the majority of the cases. Thus, the aim of this study was to present the results on the compassionate use of everolimus in a group of patients who were monitored at nine different centers in Brazil. Methods A 10-mg oral dose of everolimus was given to each patient daily. Response time was evaluated from the beginning of medication use until loss of response, toxicity or medical decision to cease treatment. Results Thirty-three patients were evaluated. The median age at the beginning of medication administration was 29 years. Patients had received a median of five prior therapies. Overall response rate was 45.4%, with 13 patients achieving partial response, two achieved clinical response, 14 remained with stable disease, two had disease progression, and two were not evaluated. Patients received a median of 14 cycles. Progression-free survival was nine months, and overall survival was estimated to be 36 months. Three patients used the medication for more than four years. The most frequently reported adverse events were thrombocytopenia and hypercholesterolemia. Three patients had pulmonary toxicity. Grade III and IV adverse events occurred in 39% of the patients. Conclusion Everolimus was found to provide a response in a group of patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma who had adequate tolerability to the drug.

Everolimus as a single agent in refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma: the Brazilian Named Patient Program Experience.

BACKGROUND: Despite all the scientific progress that has been made on understanding the disease, prognosis for patients with relapsed and refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma remains poor and the treatment is palliative in the majority of the cases. Thus, the aim of this study was to present the results on the compassionate use of everolimus in a group of patients who were monitored at nine different centers in Brazil. METHODS: A 10-mg oral dose of everolimus was given to each patient daily. Response time was evaluated from the beginning of medication use until loss of response, toxicity or medical decision to cease treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were evaluated. The median age at the beginning of medication administration was 29 years. Patients had received a median of five prior therapies. Overall response rate was 45.4%, with 13 patients achieving partial response, two achieved clinical response, 14 remained with stable disease, two had disease progression, and two were not evaluated. Patients received a median of 14 cycles. Progression-free survival was nine months, and overall survival was estimated to be 36 months. Three patients used the medication for more than four years. The most frequently reported adverse events were thrombocytopenia and hypercholesterolemia. Three patients had pulmonary toxicity. Grade III and IV adverse events occurred in 39% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Everolimus was found to provide a response in a group of patients with refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma who had adequate tolerability to the drug.

Rituximab biosimilar and reference rituximab in patients with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma (ASSIST-FL): primary results from a confirmatory phase 3, double-blind, randomised, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: GP2013 is a rituximab biosimilar developed to stringent development guidelines, including non-clinical and preclinical investigations and clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis and follicular lymphoma. We aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of GP2013 plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (GP2013-CVP) with rituximab-CVP (R-CVP) in patients with follicular lymphoma. METHODS: In this phase 3, multinational, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial, adults (aged 18 years or older) with previously untreated, advanced stage (Ann Arbor stage III or IV) follicular lymphoma of WHO histological grades 1, 2, or 3a were randomly assigned (1:1) using interactive response technology to eight cycles of GP2013-CVP or R-CVP (combination phase), followed by monotherapy maintenance in responders for a 2-year period. Randomisation was stratified by Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index risk group and geographic region. The primary endpoint was comparability in overall response, with equivalence concluded if the entire 95% CI was within a margin of -12% to 12%. The primary endpoint was analysed using the per-protocol set, which included all patients who received at least one (partial or complete) dose of investigational treatment and who did not have any major protocol deviations. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01419665, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between Dec 1, 2011, and Jan 15, 2015, 858 patients were screened for eligibility. 314 patients were randomly assigned to GP2013, of whom 312 were given GP2013, and 315 were assigned to reference rituximab. Median follow-up was 11·6 months (IQR 5·8-18·2) for the primary analysis. The primary endpoint, equivalence of overall response, was met (271 [87%] of 311 patients with GP2013 and 274 [88%] of 313 patients with reference rituximab achieved an overall response; difference -0·40% [95% CI -5·94 to 5·14]). Occurrence of adverse events and serious adverse events was similar between the treatment groups (289 [93%] of 312 patients in the GP2013-CVP group had an adverse event and 71 [23%] of 312 patients had a serious adverse event; 288 [91%] of 315 patients in the R-CVP group had an adverse event and 63 [20%] had a serious adverse event). The most common adverse event was neutropenia (80 [26%] of 312 patients in the GP2013-CVP group and 93 [30%] of 315 patients in the R-CVP group in the combination phase and 23 [10%] of 231 patients in the GP2013-CVP group and 13 [6%] of 231 patients in the R-CVP group in the maintenance phase). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse event during the combination and maintenance phase was neutropenia (55 [18%] of 312 patients in the GP2013-CVP group and 65 [21%] of 315 patients in the R-CVP group in the combination phase and 17 [7%] of 231 patients in the GP2013-CVP group and nine [4%] of 231 patients in the R-CVP group in the maintenance phase). The occurrence of anti-drug antibodies was similar in the treatment groups (five [2%] of 268 patients in the GP2013-CVP; three [1%] in the R-CVP group). INTERPRETATION: Our results show that GP2013 represents a viable rituximab biosimilar candidate for patients with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma. The introduction of biosimilars provides additional therapeutic options with potential to increase access to effective and life-saving biological therapies such as rituximab. FUNDING: Hexal.