The role of autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are distinct pathological entities with clinical advancements lagging behind their B-cell lymphoma counterpart. Frequently aggressive in their clinical behaviour, clinicians are constantly challenged with low complete remission rates, early relapses and failure to achieve long-term responses despite aggressive first-line chemotherapy, resulting in poor overall survival in the majority of patients. There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal therapy for PTCL and treatment approaches are mainly derived from prospective phase II studies, registry data and retrospective studies. Despite its biological heterogeneity, a less than satisfactory “one-size-fits-all” approach has been adopted to date. Although its role remains controversial, for many years, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been adopted by clinicians with the aim of overcoming poor outcomes by consolidating responses. In this review, we aim to define the role of both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in PTCL in both frontline and salvage settings, especially in the context of recent advancements in this field.

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The EBMT Lymphoma Working Party-European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network Consensus Project On The Role Of Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation In Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Recommendations Applying The Delphi Procedure

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3405.3405 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3405-3405 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen Paul Robinson ◽

Paolo Corradini ◽

Peter Dreger ◽

Dolores Caballero ◽

Christian H Geisler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Mantle Cell Lymphoma ◽

Cell Transplantation ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

First Line ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Line Therapy ◽

Mantle Cell

Abstract Introduction The role of both autologous (autoSCT) and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) in the management of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains to be clarified. In the absence of prospective comparative trials decision making for clinicians remains challenging. We have conducted a consensus project to provide guidance on how stem cell transplantation should be employed in MCL. Methods This was a collaborative project between the Lymphoma Working Party of the EBMT and the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network. The RAND modified Delphi consensus procedure was used. 12 clinicians, recognized for their expertise in MCL, from both transplant and non-transplant centres contributed. A literature search was performed and consensus statements were formulated. Panel members ranked each statement. The statements were reviewed and modified and then a second round of ranking was performed. Results Consensus agreement was reached on the following statements: 1. Patients should be considered for transplant strategies based on their biological age and comorbidities and not just chronological age. 2. An autoSCT should be considered as the standard first line consolidation therapy in all patients considered suitable for high dose therapy. 3. First line induction therapy prior to SCT should incorporate high dose cytarabine and Rituximab based regimens. 4. Patients achieving either complete remission or partial remission following induction therapy should be considered for autoSCT. 5. Patients failing to achieve a PR or CR following induction therapy should not proceed directly to an autoSCT. 6. Patients undergoing an allogeneic SCT should receive reduced intensity conditioning regimens. There was consensus disagreeing with the following statement: Prognostic criteria are available that permit the identification of low risk patients in need of first line therapy who should be considered for non-transplant based treatment. There was partial consensus agreeing with the following statements: 1. Patients relapsing after an autoSCT should be considered for an allogeneic stem cell transplant following reinduction therapy.2. Patients with evidence of MRD relapse post alloSCT should, in the absence of graft versus host disease, be considered for rapid withdrawal of immunesuppression and donor lymphocyte infusions. There was a partial consensus disagreeing with the following statements: 1 Patients should receive Rituximab maintenance following first line autologous stem cell transplant. 2. There are sufficient prognostic criteria to identify patients who should undergo an allogeneic stem cell transplantation as first line consolidation. 3. In patients relapsing after non-transplant first line therapy there are sufficient prognostic criteria to determine whether autoSCT or alloSCT consolidation should be used. Finally there was no consensus with respect to the following statements. 1. Disease response to induction therapy prior to autoSCT should be assessed by PET scan. 2. Minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity is mandatory prior to autoSCT. 3. A TBI based regimen should be considered as the standard for conditioning prior to autoSCT. 4. Patients undergoing an autoSCT should receive in-vivo purging with Rituximab at the time of high dose conditioning therapy. 5. Patients with relapsed disease following non-transplant first line therapy should be considered for an autologous stem cell transplant to consolidate second (or higher) response. 6. Patients with relapsed disease following non-transplant first line therapy should be considered for an allogeneic SCT to consolidate second (or higher) response. 7. Patients undergoing autoSCT should be monitored for MRD post transplant. 8. Patients with evidence of MRD relapse post autoSCT should receive preemptive Rituximab. 9. Patients undergoing alloSCT should be monitored for MRD post transplant. Conclusions Consensus was obtained with regard to the role of autologous SCT in first line consolidation. However, the application of appropriate clinical and molecular prognostic factors to guide therapeutic decisions and the role of allogeneic transplantation warrant further clinical investigation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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