Allogeneic transplantation following a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen in relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphomas: long-term remissions and response to donor lymphocyte infusions support the role of a graft-versus-lymphoma effect

Management of post-autologous transplant relapse in patients with T-cell lymphomas

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is often used as a consolidation for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) due to the poor prognosis associated with this heterogenous group of disorders. However, a significant number of patients will experience post-AHCT disease relapse. Here, we report a retrospective study of consecutive 124 patients with PTCLs who underwent AHCT from 2008 to 2020. With a median follow-up of 6.01 years following AHCT, 49 patients (40%) experienced disease relapse. As expected, more patients who were not in first complete remission experienced post-AHCT relapse. Following relapse, majority of the patients (70%) receiving systemic therapies intended as bridging to curative allogeneic HCT. However, only 18 (53%) patients eventually underwent allogeneic HCT. The estimated 3-year OS among patients proceeding to allogeneic HCT was 72% (95% CI 46%-87%). Our report details the pattern of post-AHCT relapse and the management of relapsed disease using different therapeutic modalities.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: From biology to practice to the future

Recent advancements in comprehending peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) validate and broaden our perspective, highlighting their diverse nature and the varying molecular mechanisms underlying the entities. Based on a comprehensive accumulated understanding, the PTCLs currently overcome the most challenging features of any disease: rarity, incredible heterogeneity, and a lack of any established standard of care. The treatments deployed in the front-line are extrapolated from regimens developed for other diseases. The recent approval of the three drugs brentuximab vedotin (BV), pralatrexate, and belinostat for patients with relapsed or refractory disease has provided clues about pathophysiology and future directions, though challenges satisfying post-marketing requirements (PMR) for those accelerated approvals have led to one of those drugs being withdrawn and put the other two in jeopardy. Edits of the front-line regimens, often called CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone)-plus approaches, look more like CHOP-minus strategies, as the toxicity of five-drug regimens often reduces the dose intensity of the added 'novel' drug, nullifying any hope of an advance. The turmoil in the field produced by the aforementioned, coupled with an ever-changing classification, has left the field uncertain about the path forward. Despite these challenges, empiric findings from studies of novel drug approaches, coupled with a logic emerging from studies of PTCL lymphomagenesis, have begun to illuminate, albeit faintly for some, a potential direction. The empiric finding that drugs targeting the discrete components of the PTCL epigenome, coupled with the description of multiple mutations in genes that govern epigenetic biology, offers, at the very least, an opportunity to finally be hypothesis-driven. The most recent recognition that the only combination of drugs shown to markedly improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with relapsed disease is one based on dual targeting of different and discrete components of that epigenetic biology has established a possibility that circumnavigating chemotherapy addition studies is both plausible, feasible, and likely the best prospect for a quantum advance in this disease. Herein, we analyze PTCL through a 2025 lens, highlighting and underscoring walls that have impeded progress. We will critically explore all the clues and the panoramic view of PTCL research.

Novel clinical risk stratification and treatment strategies in relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) represents a group of heterogeneous hematological malignancies, which are notoriously challenging to treat and outcomes are typically poor. Over the past two decades, clinical prognostic indices for patient risk stratification have evolved, while several targeted agents are now available to complement combination chemotherapy in the frontline setting or as a salvage strategy. With further understanding of the molecular pathobiology of PTCL, several innovative approaches incorporating immunomodulatory agents, epigenetic therapies, oncogenic kinase inhibitors and immunotherapeutics have come to the forefront. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the progress in developing clinical prognostic indices for PTCL and describe the broad therapeutic landscape, emphasizing novel targetable pathways that have entered early phase clinical studies.

Allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplant for patients with refractory T-Cell lymphomas

OBJECTIVE

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) may have a curative potential due to the graft versus lymphoma effect. In this study, we aimed to compare transplant outcomes between refractory-T-NHL (ref-NHL) and Chemosensitive-T-NHL (CS-T-NHL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 ref-NHL and 29 CS-T-NHL consecutive patients who underwent allo-SCT at our center and compared the transplant outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

All patients were heavily pretreated with 27% of patients relapsing post-auto-SCT and two patients in the ref-T-NHL post-allo-SCT. Patients were transplanted mainly from unrelated donors. There were no differences in leucocytes and platelet engraftment between the two groups. At 3 years, the relapse incidence was 34% in Ref-TNHL and 19% in CS-TNHL (p = .33), with non-relapse mortality rates of 28% and 22%, respectively (p = .52). Female patients and those with a previous auto-SCT had lower relapse incidence (p = .045, p = .003). The 3-year overall survival was 39% in Ref-TNHL and 56% in CS-TNHL (p = .15). Trends for improved progression-free survival (PFS) and graft-versus-host disease relapse-free survival (GRFS) were observed in the CS-TNHL group (PFS: 60% vs. 30%, p = .075; GRFS: 38% vs. 21%, p = .1).

CONCLUSION

Acknowledging the retrospective nature of our study, our results indicate that allo-SCT has a curative potential in patients with T-NHL even in refractory status.

Predictive model for treatment outcomes of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, in Taiwanese patients

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for PTCL-NOS patients in the real world.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from adult patients with PTCL-NOS treated at a single center in Taiwan.

RESULTS

104 PTCL-NOS patients with a median age of 53.0 years were enrolled. Patients with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) or prognostic index for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PIT) scores of zero had a longer overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS), while patients with IPI or PIT scores ≥1 did poorly. For patients who are eligible for transplantation, the use of pralatrexate as salvage chemotherapy has shown better OS (2-year OS 83.3% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.011) compared to patients who did not. By multivariate analysis, age >60 years, male, B symptoms, ECOG >1, lung involvement, and thrombocytopenia were independent adverse factors for OS. Incorporating factors in multivariate analysis, we established a novel predictive index for PTCL-NOS which efficiently stratifies patients into low (0-1 factor), intermediate-1 (2 factors), intermediate-2 (3 factors), and high risk (4-6 factors) groups with 2-year OS rates of 81.5%, 32.9%, 8.8%, and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PTCL-NOS patients have a dismal prognosis in Taiwan. Novel agents may improve the outcomes of PTCL-NOS patients. The usefulness of the novel prognostic index for PTCL-NOS needs further validation.

Successful Bridging to Allogeneic Transplantation With Valemetostat in Two Refractory/relapsed Peripheral T-cell lymphoma patients

We report the case of 2 patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma treated with valemetostat tosylate, a selective dual inhibitor of histone-lysine N-methyltransferases enhancer of zest homolog 1 and 2, and subsequently bridged to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Valemetostat led to a quick response and was well tolerated, offering a promising bridge therapy to transplantation for patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma, which is still an unmet medical need.

Long-term Outcomes After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma - The Oregon Health and Science University Experience

BACKGROUND

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a group of aggressive malignancies with inferior outcomes compared to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Both allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are commonly employed for consolidation and salvage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a single-center review of all adult PTCL patients at OHSU who received HCT from 1991 to 2020 with responses assed by CIBMTR criteria.

RESULTS

88 patients (autoHCT = 52, alloHCT = 36) were identified from the internal registry of ∼3800 autoHCT & alloHCT recipients in that time period. Median OS after autoHCT and alloHCT were 7.0 and 2.6 years. Median PFS after autoHCT and alloHCT was 3.9 vs 1.1 years. Post-HCT median OS for ALCL, AITL, and PTCL NOS were 14.9, 3.9, and 3.4 years, respectively. Median PFS after autoHCT performed while in CR vs. not in CR was 3.4 vs 4.2 years (P = 0.86); for alloHCT in CR vs. not CR 2.4 vs 0.7 years (P = 0.28). 1-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) for autoHCT and alloHCT were 6.1% and 22.2% (P = 0.2). 10/88 patients developed secondary malignancies including 4 skin cancers, 3 new lymphomas, and 2 MDS.

CONCLUSION

Our experience with HCT for PTCL shows that HCT has acceptable toxicities and relatively long disease remissions. AutoHCT was most frequently utilized as planned remission consolidation while alloHCT was most often used late during salvage. Differences in response between autoHCT and alloHCT likely reflect differences in clinical setting and underlying disease natural history and biology.

Autologous, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T/NK therapy: what is their real importance in PTCL?

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that affects mature T cells. This type of cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of T cells, which can accumulate in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs, leading to a variety of symptoms. PTCLs are often difficult to diagnose and treat, and they have a poorer prognosis than other types of lymphoma. However, recent advancements in treatment options, such as targeted therapies have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with PTCL. Here, we discuss the use of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as a treatment strategy for patients with PTCL, as well as the recent treatment approaches based on advanced cellular therapy. The current evidence for the use of HCT in PTCL is mainly derived from registry data, retrospective studies, and expert opinion, as randomized trials are limited due to the low incidence and histological heterogeneity of PTCL subtypes.

Real-world data of long-term survival in patients with T-cell lymphoma who underwent stem cell transplantation

This study aimed to identify the benefits of autologous-stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) and allogeneic-SCT (allo-SCT) in patients with aggressive T-cell lymphomas to aid in the selection of transplantation type in clinical practice. This study retrospectively analyzed data from 598 patients who underwent transplantation for T-cell lymphomas from 2010 to 2020. In total, 317 patients underwent up-front SCT as consolidation therapy. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 68.7% and 76.1%, respectively. Patients who underwent auto-SCT had significantly better OS (p = 0.026) than those who underwent allo-SCT; however, no statistical difference in PFS was found. Transplantation was used as a salvage therapy in 188 patients who had relapsed/refractory disease. Overall, 96 (51.1%) patients underwent auto-SCT and 92 (48.9%) patients underwent allo-SCT. Auto-SCT improved long-term survival in patients with complete remission (CR). Allo-SCT demonstrated better 3-year PFS in patients with partial remission and relapsed/refractory disease status. However, >50% of patients died within 1 year of allo-SCT. As a consolidative therapy, up-front auto-SCT demonstrated a survival benefit. Auto-SCT was also effective in patients who achieved CR after salvage therapy. If the disease persists or cannot be controlled, allo-SCT may be considered with reduced intensity conditioning.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and correlated neoplasms with T-cell follicular helper phenotype: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic advances

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is the second most frequent subtype of mature T-cell lymphoma (MTCL) in the Western world. It derives from the monoclonal proliferation of T-follicular helper (TFH) cells and is characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response and immune dysregulation, with predisposition to autoimmunity phenomena and recurrent infections. Its genesis is based on a multistep integrative model, where age-related and initiator mutations involve epigenetic regulatory genes, such as TET-2 and DNMT3A. Subsequently, driver-mutations, such as RhoA G17V and IDH-2 R172K/S promote the expansion of clonal TFH-cells ("second-hit"), that finally begin to secrete cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-6, IL-21, CXCL-13 and VEGF, modulating a network of complex relationships between TFH-cells and a defective tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by expansion of follicular dendritic cells (FDC), vessels and EBV-positive immunoblasts. This unique pathogenesis leads to peculiar clinical manifestations, generating the so-called "immunodysplastic syndrome", typical of AITL. Its differential diagnosis is broad, involving viral infections, collagenosis and adverse drug reactions, which led many authors to use the term "many-faced lymphoma" when referring to AITL. Although great advances in its biological knowledge have been obtained in the last two decades, its treatment is still an unmet medical need, with highly reserved clinical outcomes. Outside the setting of clinical trials, AITL patients are still treated with multidrug therapy based on anthracyclines (CHOP-like), followed by up-front consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In this setting, the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) is around 30-40%. New drugs, such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAi), have been used for relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease with promising results. Such agents have their use based on a biological rationale, have significant potential to improve the outcomes of patients with AITL and may represent a paradigm shift in the therapeutic approach to this lymphoma in the near future.

Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide for Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma: The Importance of Graft Source

The use of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for graft-versus host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis has revolutionized allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (alloBMT), but there is limited published experience in peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL). We sought to assess outcomes in patients with PTCL who underwent alloBMT with PTCy. We reviewed the charts of all adult patients age ≥18 years who underwent alloBMT with nonmyeloablative conditioning and PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center between January 2004 and December 2020. Sixty-five patients were identified. The median age was 59 years (range, 24 to 75 years). Lymphoma histology included PTCL not otherwise specified (n = 24), anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (n = 14), angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (n = 7), enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (n = 6), hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma (n = 4), and others (n = 10). Eleven patients were in first complete remission (17%); the remaining patients were in first partial remission or underwent salvage therapy to at least PR prior to transplantation. Forty-eight patients underwent alloBMT from a haploidentical related donor (74%), 10 from a fully matched donor (15%), and 7 from a mismatched unrelated donor (11%). All patients received fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and total body irradiation (TBI). The graft source was bone marrow (BM) in 46 patients (71%) and peripheral blood (PB) in 19 patients (29%); all patients in the BM cohort received 200 cGy TBI, and most patients in the PB cohort (15 of 19) received 400 cGy TBI. GVHD prophylaxis comprised PTCy, mycophenolate mofetil, and a calcineurin inhibitor or sirolimus. With a median follow-up of 2.8 years (range, 290 days to 14.2 years), the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) for the entire cohort was 49% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38% to 64%), and the 2-year overall survival (OS) was 55% (95% CI, 44% to 69%). Outcomes were significantly improved in those receiving PB compared to those receiving BM, including a 2-year PFS of 79% (95% CI 63% to 100%) versus 39% (95% CI, 27% to 56%), 2-year OS of 84% (95% CI, 69% to 100%) versus 46% (95% CI, 33% to 63%), and 1-year cumulative incidence of relapse of 5% (95% CI, 0 to 16%) versus 33% (95% CI, 19% to 46%), with no difference in GVHD and nonrelapse mortality. AlloBMT with PTCy is safe and well-tolerated in patients with PTCL. Our data suggest that increasing the TBI dose to 400 cGy and using PB allografts may offer improved disease control and better survival outcomes, though additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Romidepsin-CHOEP followed by high-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation in untreated Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: results of the PTCL13 phase Ib/II study

The standard treatment for young patients with untreated PTCLs is based on anthracycline containing-regimens followed by high-dose-chemotherapy and stem-cell-transplantation (HDT + SCT), but only 40% of them can be cured. Romidepsin, a histone-deacetylase inhibitor, showed promising activity in relapsed PTCLs; in first line, Romidepsin was added with CHOP. We designed a study combining romidepsin and CHOEP as induction before HDT + auto-SCT in untreated PTCLs (PTCL-NOS, AITL/THF, ALK-ALCL), aged 18-65 years. A phase Ib/II trial was conducted to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of Ro-CHOEP, and to assess efficacy and safety of 6 Ro-CHOEP as induction before HDT. The study hypothesis was to achieve a 18-month PFS of 70%. Twenty-one patients were enrolled into phase Ib; 7 dose-limiting toxicities were observed, that led to define the MTD at 14 mg/ms. Eighty-six patients were included in the phase II. At a median follow-up of 28 months, the 18-month PFS was 46.2% (95%CI:35.0-56.7), and the 18-month overall survival was 73.1% (95%CI:61.6-81.7). The overall response after induction was 71%, with 62% CRs. No unexpected toxicities were reported. The primary endpoint was not met; therefore, the enrollment was stopped at a planned interim analysis. The addition of romidepsin to CHOEP did not improve the PFS of untreated PTCL patients.

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant in patients with relapsed/refractory anaplastic large cell lymphoma

The prognosis of relapsed/refractory (R/R) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is poor. Large studies evaluating outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in systemic R/R ALCL are not available. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database, we evaluated outcomes of 182 adults (aged ≥18 years) with R/R ALCL undergoing allo-HCT between 2008 and 2019. Non-relapse mortality (NRM), disease relapse/progression (REL), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were modelled using Cox proportional hazards models. The median (range) follow-up of survivors was 62 (3-148) months. The 1-year NRM was 18%. The 5-year REL, PFS and OS were 32%, 41% and 56% respectively. On multivariable regression analysis African American race (hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-4.8; p < 0.001) and refractory disease at allo-HCT (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.2; p < 0.001) were predictive of inferior OS. Similarly, African-American race (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4; p = 0.003), other minority race (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3; p = 0.02) and refractory disease (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.3; p = 0.01) were predictive of inferior PFS. These data, demonstrate that allo-HCT can result in durable disease control in a sizable proportion of patients with R/R ALCL. Refractory disease and racial minority status predicted inferior allo-HCT outcomes. Whether the inferior outcomes of racial minorities with R/R ALCL after allo-HCT are driven by differences in disease biology or disparities in post allo-HCT care, or both, requires further investigation.

Management of Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas and the Role of Transplant

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Here, we review the management of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, particularly focusing on the role of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant.

RECENT FINDINGS

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a rare subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are treated with curative intent. While therapy has been based on other aggressive lymphoid malignancies, outcomes are generally poorer than B-cell lymphomas with 5-year overall and progression-free survival of 30-40% and 20-30%, respectively. In effort to improve outcomes, transplant has been used in both the frontline and salvage settings. Although not studied in randomized studies, consolidation with autologous stem cell transplant in first remission has been associated with an approximate 5-year overall survival of 50-60% and 5-year progression-free survival of 40-45%. Unfortunately, most patients relapse, and, in this setting, allogeneic transplant remains the only curative option for those who are transplant-eligible. Multiple series have now shown that 3-year overall survival with allogeneic transplant is approximately 60%. However, outcomes with transplant are associated with disease control at the time of transplant. In contrast to B-cell malignancies, treatment decisions for peripheral T-cell lymphomas are supported mostly by phase II studies, retrospective series, and expert opinion. For patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma able to achieve sufficient disease control, autologous stem cell transplantation in first remission and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in relapsed disease offer modest benefit over chemotherapy alone.

Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas: Therapeutic Approaches

Simple Summary

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a group of rare cancers of T cells or natural killer cells, most often with a poor prognosis. In recent years, significant progress has been made through the development of more specific therapies. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of current treatments in nodal PTCL.

Abstract

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms of mature T cells or natural killer (NK) cell. PTCLs usually have an aggressive course and a poor outcome. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the knowledge of the molecular lymphomagenesis of PTCLs, and through the development of new, more specific therapeutic molecules, one can hope in the coming years for more personalized medicine and improved patient prognosis. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current therapeutic approaches in nodal PTCLs.

T-Cell Lymphomas, Version 2.2022, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders arising from mature T cells, accounting for about 10% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. PTCL-not otherwise specified is the most common subtype, followed by angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative, and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. This discussion section focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of PTCLs as outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for T-Cell Lymphomas.

Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Therapy of Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma

Angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) is a common subtype of mature peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL). As per the 2016 World Health Organization classification, AITL is now considered as a subtype of nodal T cell lymphoma with follicular helper T cells. The diagnosis is challenging and requires a constellation of clinical, laboratory and histopathological findings. Significant progress in the molecular pathophysiology of AITL has been achieved in the past two decades. Characteristic genomic features have been recognized that could provide a potential platform for better diagnosis and future prognostic models. Frontline therapy for AITL was mainly depending on chemotherapy and the management of relapsed or refractory AITL is still unsatisfactory with a very poor prognosis. Upfront transplantation offers better survival. Novel agents have been introduced recently with promising outcomes. Several clinical trials of combinations using novel agents are underway. Herein, we briefly review recent advances in AITL diagnosis and the evolving treatment landscape.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in T-cell lymphoma: a Meta-Analysis

T-cell lymphoma (TCL) poses a therapeutic challenge. Allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) is frequently offered in primary refractory disease or failed autologous transplant. We systematically searched published articles on outcomes of alloSCT in TCL through PubMed and EMBASE database between January 2000 and October 2019. Among 651 identified studies, 22 (888 patients) were included. Forty percent patients had peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, 15% had angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, 21% had anaplastic large cell lymphoma, 5% had cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and 19% had other histologic subtypes. Thirty-six percent patients had relapsed/refractory disease. Myeloablative conditioning regimens were used in 55% patients. At two-, three- and five-year post-transplant, overall survival was 57, 54 and 51%, respectively; progression-free survival was 45, 50 and 45%, respectively; non-relapse mortality was 9, 29 and 29%, respectively; relapse rate was 30, 28 and 29%, respectively. Our study shows that alloSCT provides durable remission in T cell lymphoma.

CDKN2A deletion is a frequent event associated with poor outcome in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS)

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) remains a diagnosis encompassing a heterogenous group of PTCL cases not fitting criteria for more homogeneous subtypes. They are characterized by a poor clinical outcome when treated with anthracycline-containing regimens. A better understanding of their biology could improve prognostic stratification and foster the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Recent targeted and whole exome sequencing studies have shown recurrent copy number abnormalities (CNAs) with prognostic significance. Here, investigating 5 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded cases of PTCL-NOS by whole genome sequencing (WGS), we found a high prevalence of structural variants and complex events, such as chromothripsis likely responsible for the observed CNAs. Among them, CDKN2A and PTEN deletions emerged as the most frequent aberration, as confirmed in a final cohort of 143 patients with nodal PTCL. The incidence of CDKN2A and PTEN deletions among PTCL-NOS was 46% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that co-occurrence of CDKN2A and PTEN deletions is an event associated with PTCL-NOS with absolute specificity. In contrast, these deletions were rare and never co-occurred in angioimmunoblastic and anaplastic lymphomas. CDKN2A deletion was associated with shorter overall survival in multivariate analysis corrected by age, IPI, transplant eligibility and GATA3 expression (adjusted HR =2.53; 95% CI 1.006-6.3; p=0.048). These data suggest that CDKN2A deletions may be relevant for refining the prognosis of PTCL-NOS and their significance should be evaluated in prospective trials.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from unmanipulated haploidentical donor and unrelated cord blood for T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective study from the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire

After chemotherapy, fewer than 30% of patients with T-cell lymphoma (T-NHL) are long-term disease-free survivors. Thus, there is a growing interest in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) and its potential graft-versus-lymphoma effect (GVL) for patient with high-risk or recurrent T-NHL with the aim at providing durable disease control in T-NHL. We conducted this registry study to evaluate the outcome of recipients of alternative donor alloSCT for T-NHL. Patients transplanted with Haploidentical donor (Haplo, n = 41) or Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB, n = 54) were analyzed for overall survival (OS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse, and acute/chronic graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD/cGVHD) incidence. At 2 years, OS and PFS were, respectively, of 59% and 53%, without significant difference between Haplo and UCB. In multivariate analysis, disease status at transplant was an independent risk factor for OS and PFS, and aGVHD III-IV was the main factor for OS and NRM. While no major impact of donor source on survival and mortality was noted, this study suggests that alternative donor transplantation appears feasible and offers benefits to patients with T-cell lymphoma.

Outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with extranodal natural killer/T-Cell lymphoma, nasal type: A French study from the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC)

We evaluated the outcome of 65 French patients with Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (19 allogeneic and 46 autologous). Fifty-four patients (83%), most of which receiving L-asparaginase (L-aspa) containing regimens (81%), achieved complete or partial response at time of HCST. After a median follow-up of 79.9 months, 4-years progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were similar in both autologous and allogeneic groups (PFS: 34% vs. 26%, p = .12 and OS: 52% vs. 53%, p = .74). Response status at HSCT was the major independent prognostic factor on survival (OS: HR: 4.013 [1.137; 14.16], p = .031 and PFS: HR: 5.231 [1.625; 16.838], p = .006). As compared to control patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy containing regimens only, upfront HSCT did not improve the outcome of responder patients, including those treated by L-aspa. However, it tends to provide survival benefit for relapsed patients with initial high-risk clinical features who achieved second remission. Whereas the place of HSCT in upfront therapy has still to be clarified, these data confirm that HSCT should be considered for consolidation in selected patients with relapsed ENKTL. Based on a large non Asian ENKTL cohort since the L-aspa era, this study provides some insight into the survival patterns of ENKTL patients with HSCT in the Western hemisphere and may give future direction for the next clinical trial design.

Identification of an Optimal Population for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Mature T and NK Cell Neoplasms

BACKGROUND/AIM

The prognosis of mature T and natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms still remains dismal, despite the advancements in the understanding of the heterogeneous features of these diseases. As allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is an attractive salvage option for relapsed/refractory patients, we conducted this study to identify those who might benefit the most from alloSCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center, longitudinal cohort study of patients who received alloSCT between December 2019 and January 2000.

RESULTS

The median relapse-free survival and overall survival were 4.4 and 10.0 months, respectively. Disease control status at alloSCT and number of previous treatments were associated with survival outcomes. The conditioning intensity did not significantly alter survival.

CONCLUSION

AlloSCT offers a cure chance for selected relapsed or refractory T and NK cell neoplasms, especially when used early and the disease is well controlled prior to transplantation.

A multicenter retrospective study on the real-world outcomes of autologous vs. allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for peripheral T-cell lymphoma in China

Background:

There were few studies on real-world data about autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) or allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT) in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients who received auto-HSCT or allo-HSCT in China.

Methods:

From July 2007 to June 2017, a total of 128 patients who received auto-HSCT (n = 72) or allo-HSCT (n = 56) at eight medical centers across China were included in this study. We retrospectively collected their demographic and clinical data and compared the clinical outcomes between groups.

Results:

Patients receiving allo-HSCT were more likely to be diagnosed with stage III or IV disease (95% vs. 82%, P = 0.027), bone marrow involvement (42% vs. 15%, P = 0.001), chemotherapy-resistant disease (41% vs. 8%, P = 0.001), and progression disease (32% vs. 4%, P < 0.001) at transplantation than those receiving auto-HSCT. With a median follow-up of 30 (2–143) months, 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in the auto-HSCT group were 70%(48/63) and 59%(42/63), respectively. Three-year OS and PFS for allo-HSCT recipients were 46%(27/54) and 44%(29/54), respectively. There was no difference in relapse rate (34%[17/63] in auto-HSCT vs. 29%[15/54] in allo-HSCT, P = 0.840). Three-year non-relapse mortality rate in auto-HSCT recipients was 6%(4/63) compared with 27%(14/54) for allo-HSCT recipients (P = 0.004). Subanalyses showed that patients with lower prognostic index scores for PTCL (PIT) who received auto-HSCT in an upfront setting had a better outcome than patients with higher PIT scores (3-year OS: 85% vs. 40%, P = 0.003). Patients with complete remission (CR) undergoing auto-HSCT had better survival (3-year OS: 88% vs. 48% in allo-HSCT, P = 0.008). For patients beyond CR, the outcome of patients who received allo-HSCT was similar to that in the atuo-HSCT group (3-year OS: 51% vs. 46%, P = 0.300).

Conclusions:

Our study provided real-world data about auto-HSCT and allo-HSCT in China. Auto-HSCT seemed to be associated with better survival for patients in good condition (lower PIT score and/or better disease control). For patients possessing unfavorable characteristics, the survival of patients receiving allo-HSCT group was similar to that in the auto-HSCT group.

Comparison of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Refractory or Relapsed Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an advisable option for refractory or relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (R/R-PTCL), but whether allogeneic HSCT or autologous HSCT is more beneficial is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of allogeneic HSCT vs autologous HSCT in patients with R/R-PTCL.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases with the search items refractory or relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma, ASCT/autologous stem-cell transplantation, allo-HSCT/allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, therapeutic effect, and treatment was conducted for articles published from January 12, 2001, to October 1, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

After duplicate and irrelevant publications were discarded, 329 were ineligible according to the inclusion (clinical trials or retrospective studies with >10 samples) and exclusion criteria (articles without overall survival [OS], progression-free survival [PFS], and transplantation-related mortality [TRM]). Thirty trials were included in the meta-analysis. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data on study design, individual characteristics, and outcomes were extracted. All statistics were pooled by applying a random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The prespecified main outcomes were OS, PFS, and TRM.

RESULTS

Of 6548 articles, data extracted from the 30 studies (including 880 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT and 885 who underwent autologous HSCT) were included in this meta-analysis. In the allogeneic HSCT group, a 3-year OS of 50% (95% CI, 41%-60%) and PFS of 42% (95% CI, 35%-51%), a 5-year OS of 54% (95% CI, 47%-62%) and PFS of 48% (95% CI, 40%-56%), and a 3-year TRM of 32% (95% CI, 27%-37%) were observed. In the autologous HSCT group, a 3-year OS of 55% (95% CI, 48%-64%) and PFS of 41% (95% CI, 33%-51%), a 5-year OS of 53% (95% CI, 44%-64%) and PFS of 40% (95% CI, 24%-58%), and a 3-year TRM of 7% (95% CI, 2%-23%) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, OS and PFS were similar in the allogeneic HSCT and autologous HSCT groups; however, allogeneic HSCT was associated with specific survival benefits among patients with R/R-PTCL.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in T Cell and Natural Killer Cell Lymphomas: Update on Recent Advances

Mature T and natural killer (NK) cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (T-NHL) has a poor prognosis. Data from existing retrospective and prospective studies have suggested that high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) may improve the survival in patients with chemosensitive disease, either in the upfront or salvage setting. Auto-HCT is currently recommended to be used as frontline consolidation in peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified, angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma-anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative, NK/T cell (disseminated), and enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma. However, about one-third of patients never reach transplantation because of early relapse or refractory disease. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), via its immunologic graft-versus-lymphoma effect, has been used to salvage patients with relapsed or refractory disease, resulting in long-term disease-free survival in a fraction of patients. However, the higher risk of transplant-related mortality due to regimen-related toxicities, graft-versus-host disease, and post-transplant infectious complications continues to limit the mainstream adoption of allo-HCT for this disease. Despite that, allo-HCT has been incorporated as part of the frontline treatment for aggressive subtypes of T-NHL, such as γδ T cell lymphoma and aggressive NK cell leukemia. Recent attempts to incorporate novel targeted T cell directed therapies into the treatment pathway of T-NHL may enhance treatment response and enable more patients to reach transplant, offering an alternative means of treating this disease.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis in 84 patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a single-center analysis]

目的

对就诊于我院的初治血管免疫母细胞性T细胞淋巴瘤（AITL）患者进行回顾性研究，探讨AITL患者的临床特征及影响预后的因素。

方法

收集2009年7月至2018年9月就诊于福建医科大学附属协和医院，经淋巴结病理及免疫组织化学检查确诊为AITL患者的临床资料，采用Log-rank检验及Cox比例风险回归模型分析影响患者总生存（OS）期和无进展生存（PFS）期的预后因素。

结果

纳入患者84例，中位发病年龄62（39~86）岁，年龄>60岁者44例（52.4%），男60例（71.4%），男女比例2.5∶1，Ann Arbor分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期者80例（95.2%），伴B症状者53例（63.1%）。国际预后指数（IPI）评分0~2分者25例（29.8%），3~5分者59例（70.2%）。外周T细胞淋巴瘤预后指数（PIT）评分0~1分者42例（50.0%），2~4分者42例（50.0%）。可评估疗效的61例患者中有16例（26.2%）获得完全缓解/不确定的完全缓解，25例（41.0%）获得部分缓解，总体反应率为67.2%，5年OS率和PFS率分别为46.0%和38.3%。单因素分析显示，年龄、IPI评分、PIT评分、HGB水平、是否有浆膜腔积液、是否化疗对AITL的OS有预后意义，而年龄>60岁、HGB<110 g/L及存在浆膜腔积液是影响PFS的不良因素。多因素分析显示，年龄>60岁、有浆膜腔积液是OS的独立不良预后因素。

结论

AITL是一种侵袭性高、进展快、预后差的非霍奇金淋巴瘤，初诊时多为Ⅲ~Ⅳ期。治疗前的年龄、IPI评分、PIT评分、HGB水平及是否有浆膜腔积液可作为评价预后的参考指标。

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Adoptive Cell Therapy in Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases and represent approximately 10-15% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Multiagent chemotherapy with a CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, prednisone)-like regimen is the current standard of care in the frontline setting, but outcomes for PTCL patients generally remain poor. Strategies used to improve survival and reduce the risk of relapse in PTCL patients include autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) and allogeneic HCT (alloHCT). Due to the relative rarity of these diseases, the evidence supporting the use of autoHCT and alloHCT is based on retrospective and single-arm prospective studies. Novel targeted therapies are now being incorporated into the treatment of PTCL, and they may play important roles in improving upon current standards of care. Herein, we summarize the evidence supporting HCT for the treatment of the most common PTCL histologic subtypes and highlight novel treatment strategies aimed at improving outcomes for these patients, including cutting-edge approaches using chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T).

RECENT FINDINGS

Given recent improvements in OS and PFS in CD30+ PTCL using the drug-antibody conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV), new questions arise regarding the impact of BV on consolidative autoHCT, and its role as a maintenance therapy. Multiple histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory PTCL, and these agents are being incorporated into HCT approaches, both in the frontline and maintenance settings. Early data incorporating these agents into novel conditioning regimens have been reported, and emerging evidence from recent trials suggests that CART cell therapies may prove effective in relapsed/refractory PTCL. The recommended treatment strategy in non-ALK+ PTCL remains induction with a CHOP-like regimen followed by consolidative autoHCT in first remission. In the relapsed/refractory setting, salvage chemotherapy followed by HCT (autoHCT or alloHCT depending on histologic subtype and HCT history) offers the only potential for cure or long-term remission. Ample room for improvement remains in the treatment of patients with PTCL, and novel treatment strategies incorporating targeted agents and CAR-T therapy may help to address the unmet needs of this patient population.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in poor prognosis peripheral T-cell lymphoma: the impact of different donor type on outcome

We report the outcome of 68 patients with advanced peripheral T-cell lymphoma receiving transplantation from haploidentical or from conventional donors. The 4-year OS, PFS, 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse and 2-year GRFS was 75%, 70%, 21%, and 51%, respectively. Survival was not affected by donor type. The 2-year NRM was 9%, lower after related or haploidentical donor (21% vs 0% vs 7%; p = 0.06). Grade 2-4 aGVHD cumulative incidence was significantly different after transplantation from haploidentical vs matched sibling vs unrelated donor, and (24% vs 35% vs 58%, p = 0.024). The familial donor cohort was compared to the unrelated cohort. Familial donor induced less grade 2-4 aGVHD, with a trend to less grade 3-4 aGVHD or moderate-severe cGVHD. The OS and PFS were not different, while the relapse risk and NRM were reduced. Allo-SCT is highly effective in T-cell lymphoma, with low NRM and low relapse rate. The incidence of aGVHD was lower after haploidentical transplantation. Related donor may challenge unrelated transplant reducing the risk of relapse and NRM.

Role of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Simple Summary

The role of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the management of peripheral T-cell lymphomas is not clearly defined and therapeutic decisions vary widely across different institutions. This review examines the current body of evidence to best delineate the role and timing of transplantation in an era where diagnostic techniques and targeted therapies are rapidly evolving.

Abstract

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.

The impact of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation on the mortality of poor-risk non-Hodgkin lymphoma: an intent-to-transplant analysis

Purpose of this single-centre retrospective study was to assess the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for relapsed/refractory (r/r) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by intent-to-transplant (ITT). Included were all consecutive patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) for whom a donor search was performed between 2004 and 2018. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) measured from search initiation. A donor search was initiated for 189 patients (DLBCL 61, FL 32, MCL 43, and PTCL 53), with 76% of the patients having active disease. OS at 5 years after search initiation for DLBCL, FL, MCL, and PTCL was 26%, 44%, 52%, and 50%, respectively. AlloHCT was performed in 137 patients (72%; DLBCL 64%). Main reason for not undergoing alloHCT was disease progression, whereas donor unavailability accounted for only 4% of pretransplantation failures. These results suggest that survival of patients with r/r NHL entering the alloHCT route may be overestimated by a factor of 1.2-1.4 if based on actually transplanted patients only. This effect should be taken into account when using alloHCT as benchmark for new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of poor-risk NHL.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for peripheral T cell lymphomas: a retrospective study in 285 patients from the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC)

BACKGROUND

Peripheral T cell lymphomas form a heterogeneous group with a usually dismal prognostic. The place of allogeneic stem cell transplantation to treat PTCL is debated.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse, and transplant-related mortality (TRM) and associated variables in 285 adults with non-primary cutaneous PTCL (PCTL-NOS (39%), angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphomas (29%), anaplastic T cell lymphomas (15%), and other subtypes (17%)), who received alloSCT in 34 centers between 2006 and 2014.

RESULTS

AlloSCT was given as part of front-line therapy (n = 138) to 93 patients in first complete response (CR) and 45 in first partial response (PR), and of salvage therapy (n = 147) to 116 patients for second or more CR/PR and 31 for progressive disease. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) was given to 172 patients (62%), while 107 (38%) received myeloablative conditioning (MAC). The median follow-up was 72.4 months. The 2- and 4-year OS were 65% and 59%, respectively, and the cumulative incidence of relapse was 18% after 1 year and 19% after 2 years. TRM was 21% at 1 year, 24% after 2 years, and 28% after 4 years. In multivariate analysis, grade III-IV acute GvHD (HR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.53-4.31; p = 0.00036), low Karnofsky score < 80% (HR = 5.14, 95% CI 2.02-13.06; p = 0.00058), and progressive disease status before transplant (HR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.25-3.89; p = 0.0062) were significantly associated with a reduced OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrate in the largest retrospective cohort of non-cutaneous PTCL so far reported that alloSCT after RIC or MAC is an effective strategy, even in chemoresistant patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. A retrospective analysis of the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Information regarding the curative role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) is scarce. We analyzed the results of allo-HCT in patients with relapsed/refractory sALCL with special emphasis on the role of brentuximab vedotin (BV) as a bridge to allo-HCT. Forty-four patients (24 females, median age 38 years) with sALCL were included. Twenty-three patients (52%) received BV before allo-HCT; BV-treated patients were more heavily pretreated (≥3 lines of therapy in 74% vs. 38%, p = 0.04). Twenty-three patients (52%) were in complete remission (CR) at allo-HCT. Three-year nonrelapse mortality and incidence of relapse (IR) after allo-HCT were 7% and 40%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 39 (12-69) months for survivors, 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 53% and 74%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that heavily pretreated patients and those not in CR had a higher IR and a lower PFS. The use of BV before transplant did not impact on any of the outcomes. Allo-HCT is a curative therapeutic strategy in a significant proportion of patients with relapsed/refractory sALCL; BV does not seem to modify transplant-related outcomes but might be able to render more patients candidates for this curative treatment.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Despite the myriad of available treatments, a substantial subset of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are not able to achieve a prolonged disease-free interval with conventional chemotherapy or targeted agents. For these patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains an option for consolidative or curative treatment. Additionally, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy has emerged for patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas. Published studies vary widely in their selected approach to transplant and cellular therapies. This review summarizes available data related to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation provides effective salvage despite refractory disease or failed prior autologous transplant in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a CIBMTR analysis

Background

There is a paucity of data on the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Using the CIBMTR registry, we report here the outcomes of AITL patients undergoing an allo-HCT.

Methods

We evaluated 249 adult AITL patients who received their first allo-HCT during 2000–2016.

Results

The median patient age was 56 years (range = 21–77). Majority of the patients were Caucasians (86%), with a male predominance (60%). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was predominantly calcineurin inhibitor-based approaches while the most common graft source was peripheral blood (97%). Median follow-up of survivors was 49 months (range = 4–170 months). The cumulative incidence of grade 2–4 and grade 3–4 acute GVHD at day 180 were 36% (95% CI = 30–42) and 12 (95% CI = 8–17), respectively. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 49% (95%CI 43–56). The 1-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 19% (95% CI = 14–24), while the 4-year relapse/progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 21% (95% CI = 16–27), 49% (95% CI = 42–56), and 56% (95% CI = 49–63), respectively. On multivariate analysis, chemoresistant status at the time of allo-HCT was associated with a significantly higher risk for therapy failure (inverse of PFS) (RR = 1.73 95% CI = 1.08–2.77), while KPS < 90% was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality (inverse of OS) (RR = 3.46 95% CI = 1.75–6.87).

Conclusion

Our analysis shows that allo-HCT provides durable disease control even in AITL patients who failed a prior auto-HCT and in those subjects with refractory disease at the time of allografting.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13045-018-0696-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transplantation

Mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (T-cell NHL) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies including NK/T-cell lymphomas. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an important component of the management of T-cell NHL; however, the optimal timing and type of transplant for each different subtype is an ongoing debate. For the purpose of this chapter, PTCL will be classified as (1) systemic PTCL that includes nodal as well as non-nodal histologies in PTCL (2) CTCL-or cutaneous T-cell lymphomas that arise primarily in the skin and (3) NK/T-cell lymphomas both nasal and extranasal types. It is difficult to do any large trials in PTCL as they are rare diseases with variable clinical and biological characteristics and most patients are not transplant eligible due to various reasons including poor disease control. There are no randomized trials in transplant for PTCL but there is an experience based on retrospective as well as some well-designed prospective trials that have helped outline the role of HSCT in the treatment paradigm of PTCL. High-dose therapy and autologous HCT is recommended in first complete remission for most systemic (non-cutaneous) nodal subtypes, or peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL). Autologous HCT can provide long-term remission for relapsed PTCL but is ineffective for refractory/chemoresistant disease. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation harnesses the graft-versus-lymphoma effect, providing long-term remission for relapsed PTCL. AlloHCT is also being used successfully to provide long-term disease control for advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The use of transplant in NK/T-cell lymphoma is increasingly being recommended in the relapsed setting only as there are more effective treatments available for the upfront setting in limited stage disease.

Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas: Updates in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective:

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) confer dismal prognosis and no consensus has been established on the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) due to its rarity and heterogeneity. The purpose was to review key points of allo-HSCT for PTCLs, including indication, times of transplantation, conditioning regimen, graft versus host disease prophylaxis, and treatment of relapse.

Data Sources:

A comprehensive search in PubMed and Cochrane up to February 28, 2018, with the keywords “Peripheral”, “T”, “Lymphoma”, and “Transplantation” was done.

Study Selection:

Relevant articles including HSCT for PTCLs were carefully reviewed.

Results:

Promising data have been reported from advances in transplant technology and more and more PTCLs patients with poor prognosis could benefit from allo-HSCT.

Conclusion:

Allo-HSCT is a useful choice for patients with refractory/relapsed PTCLs or high-risk new diagnosed PTCLs.

Outcomes of myeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for non-complete remission patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T cell lymphomas

There was limited information about the efficacy of myeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) in non-complete remission (non-CR) patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs). We conducted a retrospective study of 21 consecutive non-CR patients with relapsed/refractory PTCLs who received myeloablative allo-PBSCT between January 2008 and June 2016. The median follow-up of survivors was 46.5 months (range, 14-105 months). The estimated 3-year relapse rate was 24% (95% CI, 9 to 43%). The 3-year non-relapsed mortality rate was 24% (95% CI, 9 to 44%). Overall, the estimated 3-year overall survival was 47% (95% CI, 25 to 66%). And the estimated 3-year progression-free survival was 46% (95% CI, 24 to 66%). Specifically, eight patients failed to achieve a CR at the first evaluation 3 months after allo-PBSCT and received withdraw of immunosuppression. Five patients also received donor lymphocytes infusions. Five (5/8, 62.5%) patients responded subsequently to these interventions (complete = 4, partial = 1). Overall, ten patients were alive at our last follow-ups, and durable CR were achieved in nine patients without further therapy. Five (50%) of these ten alive patients experienced chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Our favorable clinical outcomes suggested myeloablative allo-PBSCT was a valid therapeutic option for non-CR patients with relapsed/refractory PTCLs. The sustained CR after immunotherapeutic intervention and high prevalence of chronic GVHD in alive patients provided evidence of graft versus T cell lymphoma effects.

Real-life feasibility of salvage allogeneic transplantation in peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Relapsed/refractory Peripheral T-cell Lymphomas are characterized by a poor prognosis, especially for patients who are not candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 73 consecutive patients affected by relapsed/refractory T-Cell lymphomas who were considered eligible for allogeneic transplant. All patients were referred at our center from 2001 to 2017. With a median follow-up of 40 months (range 9-192 months), 4-year second-line failure-free survival and overall survival were 14% (CI95%:7-24) and 34% (CI95%:22-46). Extranodal disease at relapse (HR 2.25, CI95%: 1.11-4.56, p = 0.02) and first-line failure-free survival < 12 months (HR 3.37, CI95%: 1.67-6.88, p < 0.01) had a negative prognostic impact on survival. Only 45 out of 73 patients (62%) received allogeneic transplant. For the 28 (38%) patients who did not proceed to transplant, disease progression was the main reason for ineligibility. Median survival from time of transplant was 31 months (range 4-185 months). A first-line failure-free survival < 12 months had a negative prognostic impact also for allografted patients (2-year survival 45% vs 73%, p = 0.03) identifying a very high-risk population which requires novel treatments pre and post-transplant to obtain a long-term disease control.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell lymphoma: efficacy of lymphoma-directed conditioning against advanced disease

Salvage chemotherapy induces disease remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) T-cell lymphomas, but fails to provide lasting tumor control. We analyzed the outcome after peripheral blood stem and bone marrow transplantation (PBSCT, n = 80; BMT, n = 4) from matched related (MRD, n = 22) or matched and unmatched unrelated donors (MUD and MMD, n = 53 and n = 9, respectively) following conditioning with fludarabine, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide (FBC) for 84 consecutive patients with r/r T-cell malignancies. At start of conditioning LDH was elevated in 50% of cases, and residual tumor (PD, SD, PR) was detectable in 84% of patients. In total, 38% (95% CI 33-44) of the patients were alive and disease-free after a median observation time of 14.5 (range 1.8 to 114) months. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified low ECOG status, as well as occurrence of acute GvHD as favorable factors for outcome. Lymphoma-directed conditioning with fludarabin, busulfan and cyclophosphamid (FBC-12), and allogeneic stem cell transplantation resulted in long-term survival for a proportion of patients with r/r peripheral T-cell lymphoma, including those with PR and SD only after salvage therapy.

Recent Progress in the Understanding of Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) has been classified as a subtype of mature T-cell neoplasms. The recent revision of the WHO classification proposed a new category of nodal T-cell lymphoma with follicular helper T (TFH)-cell phenotype, which was classified into three diseases: AITL, follicular T-cell lymphoma, and nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma with TFH phenotype. These lymphomas are defined by the expression of TFH-related antigens, CD279/PD-1, CD10, BCL6, CXCL13, ICOS, SAP, and CXCR5. Although recurrent mutations in TET2, IDH2, DNMT3A, RHOA, and CD28, as well as gene fusions, such as ITK-SYK and CTLA4-CD28, were not diagnostic criteria, they may be considered as novel criteria in the near future. Notably, premalignant mutations, tumor-specific mutations, and mutations specific to tumor-infiltrating B cells were identified in AITL. Thus, multi-step and multi-lineage genetic events may lead to the development of AITL.