In relapsing pts with DLBCL, improvement in response rate of salvage chemotherapy with rituximab may improve the treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In the CORAL trial, DLBCL CD 20+ in first relapse or pts refractory after first line therapy were randomized between rituximab plus DHAP and R-ICE. Responding pts received (BEAM) and ASCT were randomized between observation and maintenance with rituximab every 2 m. for 1 year. The interim analysis was performed on 194 pts (100 R ICE arm, 94 R DHAP arm): median age 55 yrs; 86 relapses >12months, 108 refractory/early relapses; 97 pts with prior exposure to rituximab; Stage 3-4 107 pts; elevated LDH 88 pts; secondary IPI 0-1, 112 pts, sIPI 2-3, 63pts. The ORR was 68%, with 41% CR. Factors affecting significantly (p<.0001) response rate were: refractory/relapse < 12 months 52% vs 88 %, secondary IPI >1 54% vs 77%, prior exposure to rituximab 54% vs 82%. Pts with prior rituximab exposure had significantly more refractory disease with more adverse prognostic factors. In a logistic regression model only refractory/early relapse and secondary IPI remain significant for response rate. Only 107 pts received, per protocol ASCT. For pts transplanted, 2 years EFS was 75% (CI 63-84%) with OS 89%. Two years EFS was affected by: prior treatment with rituximab, 34% vs 66% (p=.0001); refractory/early relapse 36% vs 68% (p <.0001); secondary IPI 2-3:39% vs 0-1: 56% (p=.03). Conclusion: Salvage chemotherapy incorporating rituximab provide a high 82% response rate in pts not previously treated with rituximab. Pts with early relapses or refractory after treatment including rituximab have a poor response rate and prognosis.