Comparative outcome of initial therapy for younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma: an analysis from the NCCN NHL Database

Seven-year outcomes of venetoclax-ibrutinib therapy in mantle cell lymphoma: durable responses and treatment-free remissions

ABSTRACT

In the phase 2 clinical trial (AIM) of venetoclax-ibrutinib, 24 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; 23 with relapsed/refractory [R/R] disease) received ibrutinib 560 mg and venetoclax 400 mg both once daily. High complete remission (CR) and measurable residual disease negative (MRD-negative) CR rates were previously reported. With median survivor follow-up now exceeding 7 years, we report long-term results. Treatment was initially continuous, with elective treatment interruption (ETI) allowed after protocol amendment for patients in MRD-negative CR. For R/R MCL, the estimated 7-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 14-49; median, 28 months; 95% CI, 13-82) and overall survival (OS) was 43% (95% CI, 23-62; median, 32 months; 95% CI, 15 to not evaluable). Eight patients in MRD-negative CR entered ETI for a median of 58 months (95% CI, 37-79), with 4 experiencing disease recurrence. Two of 3 reattained CR on retreatment. Time-to-treatment failure (TTF), which excluded progression in ETI for those reattaining response, was 39% overall and 68% at 7 years for responders. Beyond 56 weeks, grade ≥3 and serious adverse events were uncommon. Newly emergent or increasing cardiovascular toxicity were not observed beyond 56 weeks. We demonstrate long-term durable responses and acceptable toxicity profile of venetoclax-ibrutinib in R/R MCL and show feasibility of treatment interruption while maintaining ongoing disease control. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02471391.

Ibrutinib maintenance after frontline treatment in patients with mantle cell lymphoma

Maintenance rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has improved survival and supports exploration of maintenance with novel agents. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ibrutinib maintenance (I-M) after induction in patients with treatment-naive MCL. Patients with MCL with complete response (CR) or partial response to frontline chemoimmunotherapy ± autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) received I-M 560 mg daily for up to 4 years. Primary objective was 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate from initiation of I-M. Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessments by next-generation sequencing (NGS) on peripheral blood were measured before I-M initiation and at 1, 6, and 18 to 24 months after initiation. Among 36 patients, the median age was 60 years (range, 46-90). For frontline treatment, 18 patients (50%) had consolidation with auto-SCT in CR1 before I-M. At median follow-up of 55.7 months, 17 patients (47%) completed full course I-M (median, 37.5 cycles; range, 2-52). The 3-year PFS and overall survival (OS) rates were 94% and 97%, respectively. With prior auto-SCT, 3-year PFS and OS rates were both 100%. The most common treatment-related adverse event with I-M was infection (n = 31; 86%), typically low grade; the most common grade 3/4 toxicities were hematologic. In 22 patients with MRD assessments, all were MRD negative after induction. Six became MRD positive on I-M, with 2 reverting to MRD-negative status with continued I-M, and all maintain radiographic CR with the exception of 1 with disease progression. I-M is feasible in MCL after frontline chemoimmunotherapy with manageable toxicities although significant. Changes in NGS-MRD were noted in limited patients during maintenance with few progression and survival events. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02242097.

Phase 1b dose-finding study of rituximab, lenalidomide, and ibrutinib (R2I) in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma that frequently becomes chemoresistant over time. The distinct mechanisms of ibrutinib and lenalidomide provided a judicious rationale to explore the combination with anti-CD20 immunotherapy. In this phase 1b study (NCT02446236), patients (n = 25) with relapsed/refractory MCL received rituximab with escalating doses of lenalidomide (days 1-21) and ibrutinib 560 mg (days 1-28) of 28-day cycles. The MTD for lenalidomide was 20 mg; most common grade ≥3 adverse events were skin rashes (32%) and neutropenic fever (24%). The best ORR was 88%, CR rate was 83%, and median duration of response (DOR) was 36.92 months (95% CI 33.77, 51.37). Responses were seen even in refractory patients or with high-risk features (e.g. blastoid variant, TP53 mutation, Ki-67 > 30%). R2I was safe and tolerable in patients with R/R MCL.

Up-Front ASCT Overcomes the Survival Benefit Provided by HDAC-Based Induction Regimens in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Data from a Real-Life and Long-Term Cohort

BACKGROUND

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare malignancy with heterogeneous behavior. Despite the therapeutic advances recently achieved, MCL remains incurable. Currently, the standard of care for young and fit patients involves induction immunochemotherapy followed by up-front autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). However, the role of more intensive induction regimens, such as those based on high doses of cytarabine (HDAC), remains controversial in the management of ASCT-eligible patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, and single-center study involved 165 MCL patients treated at the largest oncology center in Latin America from 2010 to 2022. We aimed to assess outcomes, determine survival predictors, and compare responses between different primary therapeutic strategies, with a focus on assessing the impact of HDAC-based regimens on outcomes in ASCT-eligible patients.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (38-89 years), and 73.9% were male. More than 90% of the cases had a classic nodal form (cnMCL), 76.4% had BM infiltration, and 56.4% presented splenomegaly. Bulky ≥ 7 cm, B-symptoms, ECOG ≥ 2, and advanced-stage III/IV were observed in 32.7%, 64.8%, 32.1%, and 95.8%, respectively. Sixty-four percent of patients were categorized as having high-risk MIPI. With a median follow-up of 71.1 months, the estimated 2-year OS and EFS were 64.1% and 31.8%, respectively. Patients treated with (R)-HDAC-based regimens had a higher ORR (85.9% vs. 65.7%, p = 0.007) compared to those receiving (R)-CHOP, as well as lower POD-24 rates (61.9% vs. 80.4%, p = 0.043) and lower mortality (43.9% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.004). However, intensified induction regimens with (R)-HDAC were not associated with a real OS benefit in MCL patients undergoing up-front consolidation with ASCT (2-year OS: 88.7% vs. 78.8%, p = 0.289). Up-front ASCT was independently associated with increased OS (p < 0.001), EFS (p = 0.005), and lower POD-24 rates (p < 0.001) in MCL. Additionally, CNS infiltration, TLS, hypoalbuminemia, and the absence of remission after induction were predictors of poor OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest Latin American cohort of MCL patients, we confirmed the OS benefit promoted by up-front consolidation with ASCT in young and fit patients, regardless of the intensity of the immunochemotherapy regimen used in the pre-ASCT induction. Although HDAC-based regimens were not associated with an unequivocal increase in OS for ASCT-eligible patients, it was associated with higher ORR and lower rates of early relapses for the whole cohort.

Long-term outcome in patients with mantle cell lymphoma following high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Long-term clinical and molecular remissions in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) have been evaluated in only a few studies.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients with MCL received ASCT (54 first-line ASCT, 10 second-line ASCT, and 1 third-line ASCT). In the case of long-term remission (≥5 years; n = 27), peripheral blood was tested for minimal residual disease (MRD) by t(11;14)- and IGH-PCR at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Ten-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and freedom from progression (FFP) after first-line ASCT were 64%, 52%, and 59% versus after second-line ASCT 50%, 20%, and 20%, respectively. Five-year OS, PFS, and FFP for the first-line cohort were 79%, 63%, and 69%, respectively. Five-year OS, PFS, and FFP after second-line ASCT were 60%, 30%, and 30%, respectively. Treatment-related mortality (3 months after ASCT) was 1.5%. So far 26 patients developed sustained long-term clinical and molecular complete remissions of up to 19 years following ASCT in first treatment line.

CONCLUSION

Sustained long-term clinical and molecular remissions are achievable following ASCT.

Impact of Pre-transplant Induction Therapy on Outcomes of Patients Who Undergo Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Mantle Cell Lymphoma in First Complete Remission

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with poor prognosis and continue to be challenging to treat. The choice of first line induction regimen remains a topic of debate due paucity of clinical trials. We retrospectively evaluated 66 patients diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma who achieved first complete response after induction chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant. Treatment groups were divided into low-intensity versus high-intensity regimens. Our data showed the intensity of induction regimen does not impact posttransplant outcomes of mantle cell lymphoma who underwent autologous stem cell transplant in first complete response.

First-Line Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Analysis and Treatment Recommendation

Background

In the era of immunotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in first-line therapy in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has been a controversial topic. This report aimed to explore the association between ASCT and MCL survival through a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of original articles published from inception to September 2021 using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.

Results

We included studies that compared ASCT with non-ASCT consolidation in newly diagnosed transplant-eligible MCL. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). There were seven eligible studies (one randomized clinical trial, one prospective cohort study, and five observational studies) published between 2012 and 2021, in which the total number of participants was 3,271. In the non-intensive induction subgroup, patients with ASCT experienced a significant PFS but no OS benefit compared with those without ASCT. In the intensive induction subgroup, the PFS benefit from ASCT still existed but largely attenuated; no OS benefit was observed though only one study was suitable for evaluation. When compared to the rituximab maintenance arm, ASCT had a worse PFS and OS.

Conclusions

In the rituximab plus HiDAC era, the benefit of ASCT as a component of first-line treatment has been weakened. First-line maintenance strategy instead of ASCT seems worth exploring .

Multi-center analysis of practice patterns and outcomes of younger and older patients with mantle cell lymphoma in the rituximab era

Clinical outcomes and predictors of survival in patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) treated in the rituximab era (2000-2015) at 12 US academic centers were assessed to identify determinants of survival across age groups. Objectives were to characterize and compare practice patterns, outcomes and prognostic factors for survival in younger patients (age < 65) and older patients (age ≥ 65 years). Among 1162 patients included, 697 were younger and 465 were older. In younger patients, 2-year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 79% and 92% respectively; blastoid histology, ECOG ≥ 2, and lack of maintenance rituximab (MR) remained statistically relevant to poor OS on univariate analysis (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA). In older patients, 2-year PFS and OS rates were 67% and 86% respectively; lack of maintenance rituximab remained significantly associated with inferior PFS and OS on UVA and MVA (p < 0.001). Two-year PFS rates were 79%, and 67% and 2-year OS rates were 92% and 86% for ages < 65 and ≥ 65 respectively (p < 0.001). First-line high-dose cytarabine exposure and/or MR lessened the negative impact of age on survival. Taken collectively, survival outcomes for older patients remain inferior to those of younger patients in the rituximab era. However, maintenance rituximab and potentially high-dose cytarabine-based induction can mitigate the negative impact of age on survival.

American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Clinical Practice Recommendations for Transplantation and Cellular Therapies in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Autologous (auto-) and allogeneic (allo-) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are accepted treatment modalities in contemporary treatment algorithms for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy recently received approval for MCL; however, its exact place and sequence in relation to HCT remain unclear. The American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation jointly convened an expert panel to formulate consensus recommendations for role, timing, and sequencing of auto-HCT, allo-HCT, and CAR T cell therapy for patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL. The RAND-modified Delphi method was used to generate consensus statements. Seventeen consensus statements were generated, with a few key statements as follows: in the first line setting, auto-HCT consolidation represents standard of care in eligible patients, whereas there is no clear role of allo-HCT or CAR T cell therapy outside of clinical trials. In the R/R setting, the preferential option is CAR T cell therapy, especially in patients with MCL failing or intolerant to at least one Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, while allo-HCT is recommended if CAR T cell therapy fails or is infeasible. Several recommendations were based on expert opinion, where the panel developed consensus statements for important real-world clinical scenarios to guide clinical practice. In the absence of contemporary evidence-based data, the panel found RAND-modified Delphi methodology effective in providing a formal framework for developing consensus recommendations for the timing and sequence of cellular therapies for MCL.

ASTCT, CIBMTR, and EBMT clinical practice recommendations for transplant and cellular therapies in mantle cell lymphoma

Autologous (auto-) or allogeneic (allo-) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are accepted treatment modalities for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Recently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy received approval for MCL; however, its exact place and sequence in relation to HCT is unclear. The ASTCT, CIBMTR, and the EBMT, jointly convened an expert panel to formulate consensus recommendations for role, timing, and sequencing of auto-, allo-HCT, and CAR T-cell therapy for patients with newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory (R/R) MCL. The RAND-modified Delphi method was used to generate consensus statements. Seventeen consensus statements were generated; in the first-line setting auto-HCT consolidation represents standard-of-care in eligible patients, whereas there is no clear role of allo-HCT or CAR T-cell therapy, outside of a clinical trial. In the R/R setting, the preferential option is CAR T-cell therapy especially in MCL failing or intolerant to at least one Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, while allo-HCT is recommended if CAR T-cell therapy has failed or is not feasible. In the absence of contemporary evidence-based data, the panel found RAND-modified Delphi methodology effective in providing a formal framework for developing consensus recommendations for the timing and sequence of cellular therapies for MCL.

Treatment patterns among patients with mantle cell lymphoma and comparison of healthcare resource utilization and costs among relapsed/refractory patients treated with ibrutinib or chemoimmunotherapy: A real-world retrospective study

PURPOSE

This study assessed treatment patterns in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and compared health care resource utilization (HRU) and costs of ibrutinib with or without rituximab (I ± R) versus chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL.

METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, adults with MCL observed between May 13, 2013, and June 30, 2019, were identified using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Treatment patterns were described among patients who received ≥1 line of therapy (LOT). HRU and costs (payer's perspective) were compared between patients treated with I ± R and CIT in the second or later line (2L+) of therapy. To account for differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 cohorts, inverse probability of treatment weighting was used. Monthly HRU and costs starting from I ± R or CIT treatment initiation (index date) were compared during the first Oncology Care Model (OCM) episode (ie, first 6 months) postindex and during the observed duration of I ± R or CIT LOT (index LOT) using rate ratios (RRs) and mean monthly cost differences (MMCDs), respectively.

FINDINGS

Among 1346 patients with ≥1 LOT (median follow-up, 15.3 months), 870 (64.6%) were treated with CIT in the first line. Only 348 (25.9%) had a 2L of therapy, of whom 110 (31.6%) were treated with CIT and 98 (28.2%) with an ibrutinib-based therapy. A total of 300 patients were included for the comparison of HRU and costs between 2L+ I ± R and 2L+ CIT. The weighted cohorts (after inverse probability of treatment weighting) included 149 patients treated with I ± R (mean age, 71.6 years; 73.7% men) and 151 treated with CIT (mean age, 71.5 years; 76.2% men). During the first OCM episode and during the index LOT, the I ± R cohort had significantly fewer monthly days with outpatient services compared to the CIT cohort (OCM, RR = 0.63 [P < 0.001]; index LOT, RR = 0.73 [P = 0.004]). Compared to the CIT cohort, the I ± R cohort incurred significantly higher monthly pharmacy costs (MMCDs: OCM, 9938 US dollars [USD] [P < 0.001]; index LOT, 8920 USD [P < 0.001]) that were fully offset by lower monthly medical costs (MMCDs: OCM, -19,373 USD [P < 0.001]; index LOT, -13,548 USD [P < 0.001]), resulting in monthly total health care cost savings (MMCDs, OCM, -9435 USD [P < 0.001]; index LOT , -4628 USD [P = 0.01]).

IMPLICATIONS

Over a median follow-up of 15.3 months, most patients with MCL were treated with CIT in the first line, and only one fourth had a 2L therapy. Patients with relapsed/refractory MCL treated with I ± R had significantly fewer days with outpatient services and lower monthly total health care costs versus those treated with CIT during the first OCM episode and the index LOT.

Exploiting gene mutations and biomarkers to guide treatment recommendations in mantle cell lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

While there has been an improvement in the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in both median progression-free survival (PFS; >7-8 years) and overall survival (OS; >10-12 years), patients with high-risk features such as high risk MIPI (mantle cell international prognostic index), high Ki-67 (≥30%), or blastoid variants still carry poor outcome with a median OS of 3 years. Furthermore, patients with high-risk molecular features, such as TP53 mutations, show dismal outcome, with a median OS of 1.8 years, regardless of therapy used. Further studies have led to the development of six novel drugs approved for the treatment of relapse/refractory (R/R) MCL, leading to improved survival even in refractory or high-risk patients.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers clinical biological and molecular features that impact MCL outcome with current standards. Beyond the recognition of separate subentities, we review how high-risk molecular features have paved the way towards a new paradigm away from chemoimmunotherapy.

EXPERT OPINION

Progress in novel therapies and in routine diagnostics, particularly next-generation sequencing (NGS), support the development of new treatment strategies, not based on the dose intensity/age dichotomy, which may prevent the need for chemotherapy and improve outcome across MCL including in high-risk subsets.

R-MACLO-IVAM regimen followed by maintenance therapy induces durable remissions in untreated mantle cell lymphoma - Long term follow up results

We present long-term combined results of two clinical trials implementing R-MACLO-IVAM induction followed by thalidomide or rituximab maintenance in 44 patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The first 22 patients (UM-MCL1 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00450801) received maintenance with thalidomide (200 mg daily until relapse/intolerable toxicity) and a subsequent cohort of 22 patients (UM-MCL2 ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00878254) received rituximab (375 mg/m² IV weekly × 4, repeated every 6 months for 3 years). Considering all 44 patients, 41 (93.2%) achieved complete response (CR), two (4.5%) partial response (PR), and one (2.3%) was not evaluated for response. With a median follow up of 7.2 years (range < 1 month to 16 years), the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 55.6% (95% CI: 38.9%-69.4%) and median PFS 7.9 years (95% CI: 3.7-11 years). The 5-year OS was 83.3% (95% CI: 68.1%-91.7%) and median OS was not reached. Patients with blastic variant (n = 6) had a 5-year PFS and OS of 20.8% and 60%, respectively. Myelosuppression was the most common adverse event during immunochemotherapy. Long-term treatment-related mortality was 6.8%. Note, R-MACLO-IVAM followed by maintenance therapy is an effective regimen to induce long-term remission in MCL without need for consolidation with ASCT.

Initial and Consolidation Therapy for Younger Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is an incurable B-cell malignancy. Treatment of young fit patients is particularly challenging, because careful consideration should be made when building a long-term treatment strategy that would provide longer remissions and increase patients' quality of life. Most young fit patients achieve long remissions with a combination of immunochemotherapy containing rituximab and high-dose cytarabine, followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation. The addition of maintenance therapy with rituximab following autologous stem-cell transplantation prolongs the time to relapse and increases overall survival. Despite an intensive approach, late relapses are common and are usually treated with novel agents.

Systematic literature review of the global burden of illness of mantle cell lymphoma

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare and aggressive disease, accounts for approximately 5% of all B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Evidence on the burden of this disease, for patients and healthcare providers, is scarce.Methods: Four systematic literature reviews were developed to identify epidemiological, real-world clinical, economic and humanistic burden data on patients with MCL. Electronic databases searched included MEDLINE and Embase, NHS EED and Econlit.Results: Eight epidemiological studies, 19 clinical burden, 2 economic impact and 0 quality of life studies were identified. The range of standardized MCL incidence rates was 0.1-1.27/100,000. Overall survival rates of patients at 3 years differed by age at diagnosis (≤65 years: 76-81%, >65 years: 46-64%) and disease stage (stage I: 73-80%, stage IV: 48-53%). Outcomes were poorer in previously treated patients, and those with later stage or blastoid disease, and improved with more recent diagnosis/treatment. Hospitalization is a major contributor to healthcare cost and differs by therapy toxicity.Conclusions: We identified significant data gaps for many G20 countries for epidemiology, real-world clinical, economic and humanistic burden. These literature reviews demonstrate the ongoing unmet need for MCL patients globally. Future research to further understand the real-world impact of MCL is needed along with new therapeutic options to improve patient outcomes.

Strategies to improve outcomes of autologous hematopoietic cell transplant in lymphoma

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HDT-AHCT) remains an effective therapy in lymphoma. Over the past several decades, HDT with BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) and CBV (cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and etoposide) have been the most frequently used preparatory regimens for AHCT in Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). This article reviews alternative combination conditioning regimens, as well as novel transplant strategies that have been developed, to reduce transplant-related toxicity while maintaining or improving efficacy. These data demonstrate that incorporation of maintenance therapy posttransplant might be the best way to improve outcomes.

Phase 1-2 study of vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma

Altered DNA methylation and histone acetylation in lymphoma provided the rationale for using vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine and rituximab (SCR) in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in this phase 1-2 study (NCT00764517). Treatment included cladribine 5 mg/m² intravenously (IV) (days 1-5), rituximab 375 mg/m² IV (weekly 4× for cycle 1 and 1×/month) and vorinostat orally once daily (days 1-14) every 28 days for up to six cycles. Phase 1 included relapsed patients (n = 10) in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design (vorinostat: 200, 300 and 400 mg). No dose-limiting toxicities were seen. The phase 2 dose for vorinostat was 400 mg po (days 1-14). The majority of phase 2 patients had mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (n = 57; 39 previously untreated, 10 relapsed). The primary objective was objective response rate [complete response (CR) + partial response] which was 39% (7/18) in relapsed patients and 97% (38/39) with 80% (31/39) attaining a CR in previously untreated MCL. At a median follow-up of 42 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for relapsed NHL were 19·5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2·0-33·0] and 25·0 (95% CI: 12·0-45·0) months respectively. Median PFS for previously untreated MCL was 84·0 months; OS could not be estimated. Toxicities were primarily haematological.

Paramount therapy for young and fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma: strategies for front-line therapy

The natural history of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a continuous process with the vicious cycle of remission and recurrence. Because MCL cells are most vulnerable before their exposure to therapeutic agents, front-line therapy could eliminate MCL cells at the first strike, reduce the chance for secondary resistance, and cause long-term remissions. If optimized, it could become an alternative to cure MCL. The key is the intensity of front-line therapy. Both the Nordic 2 and the MD Anderson Cancer Center HCVAD trials, with follow-up times greater than 10 years, achieved long-term survivals exceeding 10 years. But the Achilles heel in both trials were the severe toxicities, such as secondary malignancies including myelodysplastic syndromes /leukemia. Therefore, intensive therapies can act as a double-edged sword providing long term survival at the cost of severe toxicities. In our opinion, although intensive chemotherapy can cause detrimental side effects, it is indispensable given that we run the risk of sacrificing long-term survivals in these young and fit patients. We must seek for a powerful alternative at the front-line. Furthermore, minimal residual disease negativity should be the optimal therapeutic goal to achieve before and after autologous stem cell transplantation. Some novel therapeutic strategies have shown to improve outcomes, but it is not yet clear as to how these results translate in population. Of note, MCL patients need to be stratified at diagnosis and be provided with different intensities of front-line regimen. In this review, we discuss current strategies for the treatment of young patients with newly diagnosed MCL.

Mantle cell lymphoma in the era of precision medicine-diagnosis, biomarkers and therapeutic agents

Despite advances in the development of clinical agents for treating Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), treatment of MCL remains a challenge due to complexity and frequent relapse associated with MCL. The incorporation of conventional and novel diagnostic approaches such as genomic sequencing have helped improve understanding of the pathogenesis of MCL, and have led to development of specific agents targeting signaling pathways that have recently been shown to be involved in MCL. In this review, we first provide a general overview of MCL and then discuss about the role of biomarkers in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for MCL. We attempt to discuss major biomarkers for MCL and highlight published and ongoing clinical trials in an effort to evaluate the dominant signaling pathways as drugable targets for treating MCL so as to determine the potential combination of drugs for both untreated and relapse/refractory cases. Our analysis indicates that incorporation of biomarkers is crucial for patient stratification and improve diagnosis and predictability of disease outcome thus help us in designing future precision therapies. The evidence indicates that a combination of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and novel drugs designed to target specific dysregulated signaling pathways can provide the effective therapeutic options for both untreated and relapse/refractory MCL.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Relapsing as Disease of Skin, Orbit and CNS: An Extremely Rare Presentation and a Review of Literature

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma originating from mature B cells. The hallmark gene translocation (11:14) results in overexpression of cyclin D1. Affected extranodal sites include bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract, but skin, orbit or CNS are rarely involved. Twenty-four cases have reported involvement of skin by MCL, while orbital MCL is equally rare. Our case is the first to report relapsed MCL with involvement of the skin and orbit simultaneously without disease in the lymphatic system or the bone marrow. A 53-year-old female with stage IV MCL initially presented with pancytopenia, adenopathy and splenomegaly. She achieved complete remission after six cycles of rituximab and bendamustine. Within 4 weeks of treatment, she developed diplopia and a rash of the left breast. Skin biopsy showed lymphoma infiltrates with B-cell markers for MCL. MRI of the orbits and brain suggested orbital lymphoma. CSF cytology further confirmed MCL cells. At time of relapse, she continued to be in hematologic remission. She initiated intrathecal cytarabine and methotrexate along with ibrutinib. R-CHOP was then added to the regimen. Within 2 weeks of starting treatment, her skin disease resolved and she had improvement in vision. MCL commonly presents as a disseminated disease, resulting in high mortality. Involvement of the skin or orbit has been sparingly reported and always suggests aggressive disease. It thus poses a challenge to diagnose and treat the condition as evidenced by resolution of adenopathy and bone marrow disease. Due to the overall poor prognosis of MCL and its unique presentations, as demonstrated by our case, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial to survival.

Efficacy of Standard Dose R-CHOP Alternating With R-HDAC Followed by Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Initial Therapy of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a Single-Institution Experience

BACKGROUND

Young fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are commonly treated with induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT). Induction regimens with modifications of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and/or incorporation of high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) appear more effective than R-CHOP alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We adopted a modification of the Nordic protocol using standard, rather than higher dose R-CHOP, alternating with HDAC (rituximab plus HDAC), for 3 cycles each or, for patients already treated with R-CHOP alone before referral for AHCT, an additional 2 cycles of rituximab plus HDAC. We herein report our experience with 28 patients treated with this regimen who proceeded to AHCT, and compare their outcomes with patients treated with either standard-dose R-CHOP (n = 38) or R-HCVAD/MA (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate, and cytarabine; n = 21), before AHCT.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up duration of 26 months, our data show that this modification of the Nordic regimen is a highly effective pre-AHCT first-line therapy for MCL (3-year progression-free and overall survival rates of 69% and 75%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

By using a less intense induction, this regimen can serve as a platform for combined use of novel agents, with less risk of additive toxicity.

Autologous stem cell transplantation and stem cell mobilization kinetics in elderly patients with B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

As known, the world population is aging and as the life span increases the number of advanced-age lymphomas also shows an upward trend. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard treatment modality in chemotherapy-sensitive relapsed or refractory aggressive lymphomas. Increased morbidity and mortality related to both the transplant itself and comorbid diseases can be observed in elderly lymphoma patients. Patients who are 65 years or older and underwent autologous HSCT with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma were retrospectively included in our study. In terms of survival analysis, median follow-up was 34.5 months (8-159) while the overall survival (OS) was 58%. In the univariate analysis of prognostic data in OS, patients who were referred to transplantation with complete response had a statistically significant survival advantage (p=0.043). In terms of the effect of pre-transplant conditioning regimens on survival, BEAM regimen yielded better results, though not statistically significant. Age, number of chemotherapy cycles received before mobilization and radiation therapy had no significant effect on the CD34 (+) cell count in the final product (p=0.492, 0.746 and 0.078 respectively). In conclusion, autologous HSCT is a practicable treatment modality that provides survival advantage in suitable advanced-age patients with a diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and clinical management

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by involvement of the lymph nodes, spleen, blood and bone marrow with a short remission duration to standard therapies and a median overall survival (OS) of 4-5 years.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on lymph node, bone marrow, or tissue morphology of centrocytic lymphocytes, small cell type, or blastoid variant cells. A chromosomal translocation t (11:14) is the molecular hallmark of MCL, resulting in the overexpression of cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 is detected by immunohistochemistry in 98% of cases. The absence of SOX-11 or a low Ki-67 may correlate with a more indolent form of MCL. The differential diagnosis of MCL includes small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma.

RISK STRATIFICATION

The MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) is the prognostic model most often used and incorporates ECOG performance status, age, leukocyte count, and lactic dehydrogenase. A modification of the MIPI also adds the Ki-67 proliferative index if available. The median OS for the low-risk group was not reached (5-year OS of 60%). The median OS for the intermediate risk group was 51 months and 29 months for the high risk group.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

For selected indolent, low MIPI MCL patients, initial observation may be appropriate therapy. For younger patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI MCL, aggressive therapy with a cytotoxic Regimen followed by autologous stem cell transplantation should be considered. Rituximab maintenance after autologous stem cell transplantation has also improved the progression-free and overall survival. For older symptomatic MCL patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI, combination chemotherapy with R-CHOP, R-Bendamustine, or a clinical trial should be considered. In addition, rituximab maintenance therapy may prolong the progression-free survival. At the time of relapse, agents directed at activated pathways in MCL cells such as bortezomib (NFkB inhibitor), lenalidamide (anti-angiogenesis) and Ibruitinib (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase [BTK] inhibitor) have demonstrated excellent clinical activity in MCL patients. Autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation can also be considered in young patients. Clinical trials with novel agents are always a consideration for MCL patients.

Hyperfractionated Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Doxorubicin, and Dexamethasone Chemotherapy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Patients Is Associated with Higher Rates of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization Failure despite Plerixafor Rescue

Induction regimens for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can be categorized into highly intensive regimens containing cytarabine and less intense regimens, such as rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or rituximab with bendamustine (R-bendamustine). Prior publications have shown rituximab and hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (R-hyperCVAD) can be associated with stem cell mobilization failures. However, those studies did not include the use of plerixafor as rescue for stem cell mobilization failure. We examined our database of 181 consecutive MCL patients who received upfront therapy from 2005 to 2015 with either R-hyperCVAD or less intense chemotherapy (R-bendamustine and R-CHOP only) regimens to assess impact of frontline chemotherapy on collection of hematopoietic cell progenitors before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In the preplerixafor era (before August 16, 2009), a significant difference in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection failure between the R-hyperCVAD (12%) and other chemotherapy (11%) groups was not established. However, in the postplerixafor era, use of R-hyperCVAD chemotherapy was associated with significantly higher rates of hematopoietic progenitor cell collection failures (17%) compared with that observed in the other chemotherapy group (4%; P = .04). The rates of mobilization failure declined to 4% in the postplerixafor era from 11% in the preplerixafor era for patients receiving less intensive chemotherapy. Conversely, the rate of mobilization failure increased in the R-hyperCVAD group from 12% in the preplerixafor era to 17% in the postplerixafor era. Plerixafor does not overcome the negative impact of R-hyperCVAD on PBSC mobilization, and caution is warranted in using R-hyperCVAD in patients with newly diagnosed MCL who are candidates for ASCT.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Contemporary Diagnostic and Treatment Perspectives in the Age of Personalized Medicine

Mantle cell lymphoma is a clinically heterogeneous disease occurring within a heterogeneous patient population, highlighting a need for personalized therapy to ensure optimal outcomes. It is therefore critical to understand the benefits and risks associated with both intensive and deintensified approaches. In the following review we provide a therapeutic roadmap to strategically guide treatment for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients highlighting pivotal and recently published results involving known and novel therapies.

Bortezomib for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma: an update

Bortezomib is a first in class proteasome inhibitor, initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plasma cell myeloma. Bortezomib has been approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and, more recently, in the upfront setting as well. Treatment algorithms for MCL have rapidly evolved over the past two decades, and the optimal regimen remains to be defined. The choice of treatment regimen is based on disease risk stratification models, the expected toxicity of antineoplastic agents, the perceived patient ability to tolerate the planned treatments and the availability of novel agents. As new drugs with novel mechanisms of action and variable toxicity profiles come into use, treatment decisions for a given patient have become increasingly complex. This article provides an overview of the evolving use of bortezomib in the rapidly changing management landscape of MCL.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma previously considered to have a poor prognosis. Large gains were made in the first decade of the new century when clinical trials established the importance of high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell rescue and high-dose cytarabine in younger patients and the benefits of maintenance rituximab and bendamustine in older patients. In particular, greater depth of understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of MCL has resulted in an explosion of specifically targeted new efficacious agents. In particular, agents recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration include the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, immunomodulator lenalidomide, and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. We review recent advances in the understanding of MCL biology and outline our recommended approach to therapy, including choice of chemoimmunotherapy, the role of stem-cell transplantation, and mechanism-based targeted therapies, on the basis of a synthesis of the data from published clinical trials.

Rituximab plus hyper-CVAD alternating with MTX/Ara-C in patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: 15-year follow-up of a phase II study from the MD Anderson Cancer Center

Intensive chemotherapy regimens containing cytarabine have substantially improved remission durability and overall survival in younger adults with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, there have been no long-term follow-up results for patients treated with these regimens. We present long-term survival outcomes from a pivotal phase II trial of rituximab, hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate and cytarabine (R-HCVAD/MA). At 15 years of follow-up (median: 13·4 years), the median failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 4·8 years and 10·7 years, respectively. The FFS seems to have plateaued after 10 years, with an estimated 15-year FFS of 30% in younger patients (≤65 years). Patients who achieved complete response (CR) after 2 cycles had a favourable median FFS of 8·8 years. Six patients developed myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML) whilst in first CR. The 10-year cumulative incidence of MDS/AML of patients in first remission was 6·2% (95% confidence interval: 2·5-12·2%). In patients with newly diagnosed MCL, R-HCVAD/MA showed sustained efficacy, with a median OS exceeding 10 years in all patients and freedom from disease recurrence of nearly 15 years in almost one-third of the younger patients (≤65 years).

Ibrutinib in combination with rituximab in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma: a single-centre, open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Ibrutinib is approved in the EU, USA, and other countries for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who received one previous therapy. In a previous phase 2 study with single-agent ibrutinib, the proportion of patients who achieved an objective response was 68%; 38 (34%) of 111 patients had transient lymphocytosis. We hypothesised that adding rituximab could target mantle cell lymphoma cells associated with redistribution lymphocytosis, leading to more potent antitumour activity.

METHODS

Patients with a confirmed mantle cell lymphoma diagnosis (based on CD20-positive and cyclin D1-positive cells in tissue biopsy specimens), no upper limit on the number of previous treatments received, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 2 or less were enrolled in this single-centre, open-label, phase 2 study. Patients received continuous oral ibrutinib (560 mg) daily until progressive disease or unacceptable toxic effects. Rituximab 375 mg/m(2) was given intravenously once per week for 4 weeks during cycle 1, then on day 1 of cycles 3-8, and thereafter once every other cycle up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an objective response in the intention-to-treat population and safety assessed in the as-treated population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01880567, and is still ongoing, but no longer accruing patients.

FINDINGS

Between July 15, 2013, and June 30, 2014, 50 patients were enrolled. Median age was 67 years (range 45-86), and the median number of previous regimens was three (range 1-9). At a median follow-up of 16·5 months (IQR 12·09-19·28), 44 (88%, 95% CI 75·7-95·5) patients achieved an objective response, with 22 (44%, 30·0-58·7) patients achieving a complete response, and 22 (44%, 30·0-58·7) a partial response. The only grade 3 adverse event in >=10% of patients was atrial fibrillation, which was noted in six (12%) patients. Grade 4 diarrhoea and neutropenia occurred in one patient each. Adverse events led to discontinuation of therapy in five (10%) patients (atrial fibrillation in three [6%] patients, liver infection in one [2%], and bleeding in one [2%]). Two patients died while on-study from cardiac arrest and septic shock; the latter was deemed possibly related to treatment.

INTERPRETATION

Ibrutinib combined with rituximab is active and well tolerated in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma. Our results provide preliminary evidence for the activity of this combination in clinical practice. A phase 3 trial is warranted for more definitive data.

FUNDING

Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company.

Outcomes of both abbreviated hyper-CVAD induction followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation and conventional chemotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: a 10-year single-centre experience with literature review

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) between 01 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. Eighty eight patients with MCL were included in the analysis of whom 46 (52%) received abbreviated Hyper‐CVAD (a total of two cycles; with addition of Rituximab since 2005) with an intention of proceeding to autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto‐HCT), with a median age of 58 years. Response rate to induction at auto‐HCT time was 89% and complete response was 61%. Forty four patients received an auto‐HCT with a 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 31.2% and 62.5%, respectively. There were 42 nontransplant eligible patients with a median age of 72 years, and 5‐year PFS and OS were 0.0% and 39.9%, respectively. The median survival and PFS in the auto‐HCT eligible group were 68 and 33 months, compared to 32 and 12 months in nontransplant eligible group, without a plateauing of the survival curves in either group. Treatment‐related mortality in the auto‐HCT eligible group was 10.9% (n = 5); two patients died during R‐Hyper‐CVAD and 3 (6.8%) experienced transplant‐related mortality. An abbreviated R‐Hyper‐CVAD‐based induction strategy followed by consolidative auto‐HCT is feasible and provides moderate potential of long‐term survival. Further research to define risk‐adapted strategies; to optimize disease control, is required.

Mantle cell lymphoma: 2015 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and clinical management

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by involvement of the lymph nodes, spleen, blood and bone marrow with a short remission duration to standard therapies and a median overall survival (OS) of 4-5 years.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on lymph node, bone marrow, or tissue morphology of centrocytic lymphocytes, small cell type, or blastoid variant cells. A chromosomal translocation t (11:14) is the molecular hallmark of MCL, resulting in the overexpression of cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 is detected by immunohistochemistry in 98% of cases. The absence of SOX-11 or a low Ki-67 may correlate with a more indolent form of MCL. The differential diagnosis of MCL includes small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma.

RISK STRATIFICATION

The MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) is the prognostic model most often used and incorporates ECOG performance status, age, leukocyte count, and lactic dehydrogenase. A modification of the MIPI also adds the Ki-67 proliferative index if available. The median OS for the low-risk group was not reached (5-year OS of 60%). The median OS for the intermediate risk group was 51 months and 29 months for the high risk group.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

For selected indolent, low MIPI MCL patients, initial observation may be appropriate therapy. For younger patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI MCL, aggressive therapy with a cytotoxic regimen ± autologous stem cell transplantation should be considered. For older MCL patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI, combination chemotherapy with R-CHOP, R-Bendamustine, or a clinical trial should be considered. In addition, rituximab maintenance therapy may prolong the progression-free survival. At the time of relapse, agents directed at activated pathways in MCL cells such as bortezomib (NFkB inhibitor), lenalidamide (anti-angiogenesis) and Ibruitinib (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase [BTK] inhibitor) have demonstrated excellent clinical activity in MCL patients. Autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation can also be considered in young patients. Clinical trials with novel agents are always a consideration for MCL patients.

High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Older Patients with Lymphoma

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HDT/ASCT) can improve survival in patients with lymphoma. Limited experience is available on the safety and efficacy of HDT/ASCT in elderly patients. In this article, we review the published data on the role of HDT/ASCT in management of lymphoma in older patients. Based on available data, evaluation of comorbidities, functional status, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) will help identify those who can benefit most from this intervention. Prospective clinical trials focusing on HDT/ASCT in older patients with lymphoma are needed to establish optimal management protocols in this select population.

Ibrutinib for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma

Ibrutinib (PCI-32765)--a potent, covalent inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), an important kinase in the B-cell receptor signaling pathway--was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The drug was granted accelerated approval based on the findings of an international, multicenter, single-arm phase II study that enrolled patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. In the study, ibrutinib (560 mg daily) was well tolerated as a single agent and resulted in an overall response rate of 68% and an estimated median response duration of 17.5 months. Ibrutinib's response rate and duration of response compare favorably with those for other novel agents approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory MCL, while being less toxic than most chemotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy regimens. Ibrutinib is currently being studied in combination with chemoimmunotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, and novel agents in both the initial and the relapsed/refractory treatment settings. We review the mechanism of action, preclinical and clinical development, and the role of ibrutinib in the context of other available treatments.

Long-term follow-up of MCL patients treated with single-agent ibrutinib: updated safety and efficacy results

Ibrutinib, an oral inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase, is approved for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received one prior therapy. We report the updated safety and efficacy results from the multicenter, open-label phase 2 registration trial of ibrutinib (median 26.7-month follow-up). Patients (N = 111) received oral ibrutinib 560 mg once daily, and those with stable disease or better could enter a long-term extension study. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). The median patient age was 68 years (range, 40-84), with a median of 3 prior therapies (range, 1-5). The median treatment duration was 8.3 months; 46% of patients were treated for >12 months, and 22% were treated for ≥2 years. The ORR was 67% (23% complete response), with a median duration of response of 17.5 months. The 24-month progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.3-40.4) and 47% (95% CI, 37.1-56.9), respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) in >30% of patients included diarrhea (54%), fatigue (50%), nausea (33%), and dyspnea (32%). The most frequent grade ≥3 infections included pneumonia (8%), urinary tract infection (4%), and cellulitis (3%). Grade ≥3 bleeding events in ≥2% of patients were hematuria (2%) and subdural hematoma (2%). Common all-grade hematologic AEs were thrombocytopenia (22%), neutropenia (19%), and anemia (18%). The prevalence of infection, diarrhea, and bleeding was highest for the first 6 months of therapy and less thereafter. With longer follow-up, ibrutinib continues to demonstrate durable responses and favorable safety in relapsed/refractory MCL. The trial is registered to www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT01236391.

Mantle cell lymphoma: observation to transplantation

Mantle cell lymphoma as a rare non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma can present in different clinical presentations such as an aggressive form or a more indolent picture. Treatment modality is based on multiple factors including age, presence or absence of symptoms, and comorbidities. Watchful waiting is a reasonable approach for asymptomatic patients especially in elderly. In symptomatic patients, treatment is chemo-immunotherapy followed by maintenance immunotherapy or autologous bone marrow transplant. Allogeneic bone marrow transplant has a potential benefit of cure for relapsed/refractory cases, but it has a high mortality rate. Novel treatment with agents such as ibrutinib, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown promising results in relapse/refractory cases. We extensively review the most recent data on diagnostic and therapeutic management of mantle cell lymphoma through presenting two extreme clinical scenarios.

What is the role of autologous transplant for lymphoma in the current era?

The role of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is evolving, in the era of novel agents. Multiple histologies and remission stages have been impacted with changing outcomes. In the 1990s, ASCT could cure 50% of relapsed chemosensitive aggressive NHL; now the percentage maybe as low as 20% for patients relapsing within 1 year of completing rituximab-containing induction. Yet recent trials have clarified the value of first remission ASCT for high-grade NHL, the utility of augmented preparative regimens, the efficacy of ASCT in primary CNS lymphoma and in the elderly and analyses have defined strategies to reduce transplant related myeloid malignancies. In addition, optimizing nontransplant induction therapy for mantle cell and double-hit NHL is leading to improved outcomes and a re-examination of the use of ASCT in first complete remission. Caution is needed, however, as delaying transplants may mean that patients will need more morbid allogeneic transplants to achieve long-term control of refractory disease. As an alternative, maintenance therapy trials to improve ASCT outcome in high-risk patients are starting, based on the efficacy of lenolidomide and brentuximab in myeloma and Hodgkin's lymphoma, respectively. In addition, efforts to define early high-risk patients by minimal residual disease (MRD) assessments and genetic profiling, are beginning even for those with "indolent" phenotypes not currently autotransplanted. These efforts should not only refine but also enhance the value of early potentially curative ASCT, especially if novel agents only delay but do not prevent relapse for patients with NHL.

Lifting the mantle: Unveiling new treatment approaches in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma

The management of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains a clinical challenge. A standard second-line treatment for relapsed/refractory MCL does not exist. Management of relapsed/refractory MCL requires an individualized treatment approach, incorporating factors such as: functional status, prior treatments, response to prior therapies, and disease biology. Generally, there are two categories of salvage therapy; the first, non-cross-resistant cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and, the second, pathway-targeted agents. For transplant eligible patients, the optimal therapy usually consists of salvage, remission re-induction phase followed, whenever possible, by a consolidation phase. Bendamustine and/or high dose cytarabine plus rituximab based chemotherapy represent the most common salvage therapy with an overall response rate of 70-80%. Consolidation with a reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation represents the only potentially curative treatment. Overall survival ranges from 30% to 50% at 5 years with this approach. For transplant ineligible patients, ibrutinib is the most effective treatment with an overall response rate of almost 70% and median response duration of 17.5 months. Lacking an effective consolidation, this approach is not considered curative. In this review we characterize the main therapeutic approaches available in this setting and summarize our preferred clinical treatment approach.

Consolidative autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in first remission for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: current indications and future perspective

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable clinical outcomes. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) as frontline, consolidative therapy has been evaluated based upon histological subtype of NHL. In this review, we summarize the major clinical trials guiding the use of frontline ASCT in NHL. With the constantly changing landscape of upfront therapy and multiple promising novel agents, the ability to conduct randomized trials to evaluate the benefit of consolidative ASCT is not only challenging but may be considered by some an inept utilization of resources. Our recommendation for consolidative ASCT is based on analyzing the current available data.

R-CHOP or R-HyperCVAD with or without autologous stem cell transplantation for older patients with mantle cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Although intensive induction and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) prolong survival in younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), benefit in older patients remains uncertain because data supporting these approaches come almost exclusively from younger cohorts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed outcomes for 38 patients with MCL aged ≥ 60 years who received R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) (n = 19) or R-HyperCVAD (rituximab plus hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine) (n = 19) with or without ASCT.

RESULTS

Median progression-free survival (PFS) of R-CHOP + ASCT (3.2 years) and R-HyperCVAD alone (4.0 years) was longer than that for R-CHOP alone (1.6 years; P = .013 and P = .009, respectively). R-CHOP + ASCT and R-HyperCVAD resulted in similar PFS (P = .66). R-HyperCVAD induction led to a higher incidence of toxicity, including therapy discontinuation and need for transfusions, compared with R-CHOP, although rates of adverse events were similar for R-HyperCVAD alone and R-CHOP + ASCT.

CONCLUSION

R-CHOP alone is less effective therapy for fit older patients with MCL. Intensifying therapy with R-HyperCVAD induction or ASCT consolidation after R-CHOP is associated with prolonged PFS and similar rates of toxicity. Consideration should be given to individual preferences regarding the differing method of administration and relative timing of toxicity with each regimen.

Current regimens and novel agents for mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Conventional treatment with immunochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation or intensive immunochemotherapy alone has improved outcomes, but the disease remains incurable. Recent advances in basic and translational research have significantly enhanced our understanding of disease pathogenesis and have sparked the development of novel therapies. Novel agents include the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase pathway inhibitor idelalisib and the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. Preliminary results from clinical trials, especially from studies of ibrutinib, have proven these agents to be effective. In ongoing studies, these agents are being integrated into conventional immunochemotherapy regimens to hopefully improve patient outcomes.