Angiocentric lymphoma of the head and neck: patterns of systemic failure after radiation treatment

Can the radiation dose be safely reduced in the treatment of nk/T cell lymphoma?

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of dose reduction in the radiotherapy of NK/T-cell lymphoma. A retrospective collection of clinical and treatment data was conducted on 41 patients. The analysis aimed to assess whether the reduction in radiation therapy dosage affected patients' local control and survival. Among the 41 patients, all achieved complete remission after the initial treatment. With a median follow-up of 28.4 months, all except one patient demonstrated good control within the irradiated area. In the entire cohort, a total of 6 patients died and none of the deaths were caused by local tumor failure. The 3-year overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate was 83.8%, 94.4%, respectively. The incidence of long-term toxicity was low. It seems safe to reduce the prophylactic radiation dose to 45 Gy and the preliminary treatment results are satisfactory, with further reduction in side effects.

Extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: what advances have been made in the last decade?

Extranodal NK-/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy with significant racial and geographic variations worldwide. In addition to the formerly "nasal-type" initial description, these lymphomas are predominantly extranodal in origin and typically cause vascular damage and tissue destruction, and although not fully understood, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has an important role in its pathogenesis. Initial assessment must include a hematopathology review of representative and viable tumor areas without necrosis for adequate immunohistochemistry studies, including EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (ISH). Positron emission tomography with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT) for accurate staging is essential, and most patients will have localized disease (IE/IIE) at diagnosis. Apart from other T-cell malignancies, the best treatment even for localized cases is combined modality therapy (chemotherapy plus radiotherapy) with non-anthracycline-based regimens. For advanced-stage disease, l-asparaginase-containing regimens have shown improved survival, but relapsed and refractory cases have very poor outcomes. Nowadays, even with a better understanding of pathogenic pathways, up-front therapy is completely based on chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and treatment-related mortality is not low. Future strategies targeting signaling pathways and immunotherapy are evolving, but we need to better identify those patients with dismal outcomes in a pre-emptive way. Given the rarity of the disease, international collaborations are urgently needed, and clinical trials are the way to change the future.

First-line LVDP (L-asparaginase, etoposide, dexamethasone, and cisplatin) regimen combined with radiotherapy is effective for early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy could reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage extranodal NK/T lymphoma (ENKTL). However, the optimal combined chemotherapy regimen is still unknown. Our previous study reported that LVDP (L-asparaginase, etoposide, dexamethasone, and cisplatin) combined with radiotherapy was a potentially effective and safe treatment regimen for early-stage ENKTL. This study further validated the efficacy and safety of LVDP chemotherapy combined with radiation for early-stage ENKTL with more patients and longer follow-up. We retrospectively studied 112 patients with early-stage ENKTL from September 2010 to September 2019. All patients received the LVDP regimen, and 101 of them received radiotherapy. The patients' characteristics, treatment responses, survival outcomes, prognostic factors, and toxicities were analyzed. The median follow-up was 60 months (range, 4 to 117). All patients received median 4 cycles of the LVDP chemotherapy. At the end of therapy, the objective response rate and complete response rate were 88.3% and 77.6%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS were 79.6% and 73.2%, and the 3- and 5-year PFS were 75.4% and 71.6%, respectively. Among them, the LVDP regimen combined with radiotherapy yielded more favorable treatment outcomes (the 3-year OS and PFS were 83.1% and 80.8%). The most common severe hematologic toxicity was leukopenia (25% grade 3/4), and the most common severe non-hematologic toxicity was increased transaminase (4.5% grade 3/4). No pancreatitis or treatment-related death occurred. The LVDP regimen combined with radiotherapy had a good therapeutic response and long-term survival with tolerable toxicity for patients with early-stage ENKTL.

Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphomas: Current Approaches and Future Directions

Extranodal natural killer/T(NK/T)-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that typically presents with an isolated nasal mass, but a sizeable minority present with advanced stage disease and have a significantly poorer prognosis. Those with limited disease are standardly treated with chemotherapy and radiation while those with advanced stage disease are treated with L-asparaginase containing chemotherapy regimens. The addition of modern radiation therapy techniques and the incorporation of L-asparaginase into chemotherapy regimens have significantly improved outcomes in this disease, but relapses and death from relapsed disease remain frequent. Given the high rate of relapse, several novel therapies have been evaluated for the treatment of this disease. In this review, we explore the current standard of care for ENKTL as well as novel therapies that have been evaluated for its treatment and the biologic understanding behind these therapies.

NK-/T-cell lymphomas

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) is a sub-type of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas common in Asia and Latin America but rare elsewhere. Its pathogenesis is complex and incompletely understood. Lymphoma cells are transformed from NK- or T-cells, sometimes both. EBV-infection and subsequent genetic alterations in infected cells are central to NKTL development. Hemophagocytic syndrome is a common complication. Accurate staging is important to predict outcomes but there is controversy which system is best. More than two-thirds of NKTL lympohmas are localized at diagnosis, are frequently treated with radiation therapy only and have 5-year survival of about 70 percent. Persons with advanced NKTLs receive radiation therapy synchronously or metachronously with diverse multi-drug chemotherapy typically including L-asparginase with 5-year survival of about 40 percent. Some persons with widespread NKTL receive chemotherapy only. There are few data on safety and efficacy of high-dose therapy and a haematopoietic cell autotransplant. Immune therapies, histone deacetylase (HDAC)-inhibitors and other drugs are in early clinical trials. There are few randomized controlled clinical trials in NKTLs and no therapy strategy is clearly best; more effective therapy(ies) are needed. Some consensus recommendations are not convincingly evidence-based. Mechanisms of multi-drug resistance are considered. We discuss these issues including recent advances in our understanding of and therapy of NKTLs.

Modern Radiation Therapy for Extranodal Nasal-Type NK/T-cell Lymphoma: Risk-Adapted Therapy, Target Volume, and Dose Guidelines from the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group

In the multidisciplinary management of early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL), with curative intent, radiation therapy is the most efficacious modality and is an essential component of a combined-modality regimen. In the past decade, utilization of upfront radiation therapy and non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy has improved treatment and prognosis. This guideline mainly addresses the heterogeneity of clinical features, principles of risk-adapted therapy, and the role and appropriate design of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy methods (including target volume definition, dose and delivery methods) are crucial for optimizing cure for patients with early-stage ENKTCL. The application of the principles of involved site radiation therapy in this lymphoma entity often leads to a more extended clinical target volume (CTV) than in other lymphoma types because it usually presents with primary tumor invasion, multifocal lesions, or extensive submucosal infiltration beyond the macroscopic disease. The CTV varies across different primary sites and is classified mainly into nasal, nonnasal upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), and extra-UADT entities. This review is a consensus of the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group regarding the approach to radiation therapy, target-volume definition, optimal dose, and dose constraints in ENKTCL treatment.

Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma: Evidence-based Review of Safety and Toxicity of the Available Regimens

Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare type of mature T and NK neoplasm. It is more prevalent in Asia and Latin America where the Epstein-Barr virus is endemic and has been linked to the disease. Most studies have emerged from those 2 regions to evaluate best management options. There are no standards of care in the management owing to the lack of unified approach depending on the treatment region and availability of different therapy options. Several reviews have focused on the outcome of the different chemotherapy combinations. There are no systematic reviews of the toxicity of those regimens despite the fact that many of them incorporate the use of asparaginase and/or radiation in combination with chemotherapy. We have found that although integration of asparaginase and/or radiation have led to improved outcome, it was done at the expense of increased toxicity. The most recent studies are showing promising outcomes while decreasing toxicity.

Clinical characteristics and survival of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a single-center 12-year retrospective analysis

The characteristics and survival of 218 patients with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) were analyzed in this retrospective study. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10.9 months and 50.5 months, respectively. Sequential chemoradiotherapy achieved a 74.5% overall response rate (ORR) and a 30.9% 5-year PFS rate in patients with localized stage. Asparaginase-containing protocols demonstrated superior prognosis in advanced cases, with a median FPS at 5.7 months, compared to 1.9 months without asparaginase. Initial treatment with P-GEMOX regimens showed superior ORR and PFS compared to the SMILE regimen, with lower toxicities. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) improved the PFS and OS of refractory or relapsed (R/R) cases. PD-1/PD-L1 antibody could achieve a median PFS at 4.0 months and a median OS at 14.6 months in R/R patients for whom salvage therapies failed. High-risk PINK-E score was the only independent adverse prognostic factor for PFS and OS.

Long-term outcomes of upfront concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by P-GDP regimen in newly diagnosed early stage extranodal nasal-type NK/T cell lymphoma: A prospective single-center phase II study

The optimal treatment strategy of newly diagnosed stage I/II, extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains unclear. This prospective phase II trial was conducted to explore the short-term and the long-term efficacy and safety of upfront concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by pegaspargase, gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin (P-GDP) regimen in patients newly diagnosed with early stage NKTCL.Thirty patients newly diagnosed with stage I/II NKTCL were enrolled from January 2013 to December 2016, and treated as the following strategy: upfront CCRT with cisplatin weekly (25 mg/m) for 5 weeks, followed by 3 cycles of P-GDP regimen chemotherapy (pegaspargase 2500IU/m capped at 3750IU, intramuscular on day 4, gemcitabine 850 mg/m intravenous on days 1 and 8; dexamethasone 40 mg/day intravenous on days 1 to 4; and cisplatin 20 mg/m intravenous on days 1-3) 3 weeks after the completion of CCRT. The objective response rate (ORR) and the complete response (CR) rate were the primary endpoints, and the secondary endpoints were the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and the adverse event (AE).The median follow-up period was 51.5 months (range, 5-78months). The ORR was 93.3% (28/30) and all these 28 patients attained CR at the end of the treatment. Two patients suffered from lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) during the period of consolidation chemotherapy and died within 2 months. The 5-year OS was 93.3%, and the 5-year PFS was 89.4%Mucositis was the most common grades 3/4 nonhematologic AEs (10%, 3/30) of CCRT. During the P-GDP chemotherapy, vomiting (6.7%, 2/30), neutropenia (43.3%, 13/30) and thrombocytopenia (23.3%, 7/30) were the major grades 3/4 toxicities during chemotherapy. No treatment-related deaths occurred.The upfront CCRT followed by P-GDP regimen chemotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment strategy for patients diagnosed with early stage NKTCL. Further investigation of larger sample size is warranted.

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a distinct subtype of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma mainly involving the nasal area. Since the entity was first recognized, treatment strategies have been evolving from anthracycline-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy to L-asparaginase containing regimens and recently immune checkpoint inhibitors. With the currently used combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy, more than 70% of patients with localized disease can be cured. L-asparaginase containing regimens have significantly improved treatment outcomes among patients with advanced disease. However, the treatment outcomes of patients with disease refractory to L-asparaginase containing regimens or who experience recurrence remain poor. In this article, we cover the current treatments for ENKTL and emerging treatment approaches.

Pegaspargase Combined with Concurrent Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: A Two-Center Phase II Study

Background

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is expected to improve local and systemic disease control and has been established as a standard therapy for several types of solid tumors. Considering the benefits of frontline radiation and pegaspargase in localized extranodal natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), we conducted a phase II study on pegaspargase‐based CCRT to explore an effective treatment.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 30 patients with newly diagnosed nasal ENKTL in stages IE to IIE received CCRT (radiation 50 Gy and two cycles of pegaspargase 2,500 unit/m² every 3 weeks). Four courses of pegaspargase were performed after CCRT.

Results

The patients completed CCRT and four cycles of pegaspargase. The complete remission (CR) rate was 90%, with a 95% confidential interval (CI) of 73.5%–97.9% after CCRT. The CR rate was 100% (95% CI, 88.4%–100%) at the end of the treatment. The 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival rates were 90.9% (95% CI, 78.4%–100%) and 92.8% (95% CI, 83.2%–100%), respectively. The major adverse events were in grades 1–2.

Conclusion

Preliminary data indicate that pegaspargase combined with concurrent radiotherapy for newly diagnosed patients with nasal ENKTL was efficacious and well tolerated. Registered atwww.chictr.org. Clinical Trial Registration Number. ChiCTR‐OIC‐15007662.

Implications for Practice

This clinical trial, evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy by using single‐drug pegaspargase for patients with extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) in stage IE to IIE, showed pegaspargase combined with concurrent radiotherapy was efficacious and well tolerated. Pegaspargase has a long half‐life and is easy to administer via intramuscular injection. Consequently, pegaspargase combined with concurrent radiotherapy for patients with ENKTL can be completed in the outpatient clinic.

This phase II clinical study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy using single‐drug pegaspargase for patients with nasal‐type extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma.

Clinical Impact of the Bolus in Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy for Stage I-II Nasal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

To estimate the clinical impact of bolus in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for stage I-II nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTCL), including target quality, organs at risk (OARs) sparing, and tumor control probability (TCP).

METHODS

Two different treatment plans were designed in IMRT and VMAT for 10 stage I-II NNKTCL patients. The clinical plans added bolus perfectly contacting the nose skin, similar to common clinical planning design practices. The edited bolus plans resulted from dose recalculation with the edited bolus, which simulated the actual shape of a commercial flat bolus during treatment. All the plans were with no beam passing through the couch avoiding beam attenuation caused by the couch. Differences between both types of plans in target quality, OARs sparing, and TCP were evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared with clinical plans, the D98%, D2%, Dmean, and TCP of edited bolus plans with IMRT slightly decreased (p = 0.002, 0.015, 0.000, and 0.000), the homogeneity index increased 8.33% (p = 0.024), and the doses to a small number of OARs slightly changed. Similar results were obtained for VMAT.

CONCLUSION

The bolus deformation in practical clinical treatment resulted clinically in tiny changes with respect to the target coverage, OARs sparing, and TCP in both IMRT and VMAT for stage I-II NNKTCL. This implied that the clinical impact of the boluscan be negligible when utilizing it to increase the dose to irregularly shaped tumors in the nasal area.

Risk-adapted survival benefit of IMRT in early-stage NKTCL: a multicenter study from the China Lymphoma Collaborative Group

This study evaluated the survival benefit of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) compared with 3-dimension conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in a large national cohort of patients with early-stage extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL). This retrospective study reviewed patients with early-stage NKTCL treated with high-dose radiation therapy (RT; ≥45 Gy) at 16 Chinese institutions. Patients were stratified into 1 of 4 risk groups based on the number of risk factors: low risk (no factors), intermediate-low risk (1 factor), intermediate-high risk (2 factors), and high-risk (3-5 factors). Of the 1691 patients, 981 (58%) received IMRT, and 710 (42%) received 3D-CRT. Unadjusted 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 75.9% and 67.6%, respectively, for IMRT compared with 68.9% (P = .004) and 58.2% (P < .001), respectively, for 3D-CRT. After propensity score match and multivariable analyses to account for confounding factors, IMRT remained significantly associated with improved OS and PFS. The OS and PFS benefits of IMRT persisted in patients treated with modern chemotherapy regimens. Compared with 3D-CRT, IMRT significantly improved OS and PFS for high-risk and intermediate-high-risk patients but provided limited benefits for low-risk or intermediate-low-risk patients. A risk-adapted survival benefit profile of IMRT can be used to select patients and make treatment decisions.

Upfront radiation is essential for high-risk early-stage extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: comparison of two sequential treatment modalities combining radiotherapy and GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin) in the modern era

Early/upfront radiation was associated with improved survivals compared with late radiation for early-stage NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) in the old era when anthracycline-base chemotherapy (CT) prevailed. However, in the modern era of effective l-asparaginase/gemcitabine-based CT, the optimal timing of radiation is unclear. In this study, 75 patients with newly diagnosed NKTCL, who were treated with combined involved-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy and GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin) were retrospectively reviewed, including 45 from the RT + CT group and 30 from the CT + RT ± CT group. Compared with CT + RT ± CT, RT + CT sequence achieved superior progression-free survival (5-year PFS: 81.6% vs. 56.0%, p = .017) and locoregional control (LRC) (90.8% vs. 66.9%; p = .020). Responses, overall survivals or adverse event incidences did not differ across the groups. Upfront RT was a powerful prognostic variable for favorable PFS (HR 0.302; 95% CI: 0.125-0.729; p = .008). It indicated that upfront RT administration remains vital in enhancing LRC and survival for localized NKTCL in the modern era.

Characteristics, Prognostic Factors, and Survival of Patients with NK/T-Cell Lymphoma of Non-upper Aerodigestive Tract: A 17-Year Single-Center Experience

Purpose

The extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) of non-upper aerodigestive tract (NUAT) was found to have clinical heterogeneity compared with NKTCL of the upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) in small scale studies. We conducted this study in a much larger cohort to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, treatment modality, and clinical outcomes of patients with NUAT-NKTCL.

Materials and Methods

From January 2001 to December 2017, a total of 757 NKTCL patients were identified and included in this study, including 92 NUAT-NKTCL patients (12.2%) and 665 UAT-NKTCLpatients (87.8%).

Results

NUAT-NKTCL patients had relatively poorer performance status, more unfavorable prognostic factors, and more advanced stage, compared with UAT-NKTCL patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 34.7% for NUAT-NKTCL, which was significantly worse than UAT-NKTCL (64.2%, p<0.001). The median OS duration was 30.9 months for NUAT-NKTCL. Multivariate analysis showed that presence with B symptoms and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase independently predicted worse OS. International prognostic index score and prognostic index of natural killer lymphoma score still had prognostic values in NUAT-NKTCL, while the Ann Arbor system could not accurately predict the OS.

Conclusion

NUAT-NKTCL is a distinctive subtype of NKTCL in many aspects. Patients with NUAT-NKTCL have relatively poorer performance status, more unfavorable prognostic factors, more advanced stage, and poorer prognosis.

NK-Cell Lymphomas

NK-cell malignancies are rare aggressive diseases associated with poor clinical outcome. There is a significant geographic variation in their incidence. At least a part of the reason for that is the fact that Epstein-Barr virus plays an important role in pathogenesis, and importantly, the plasma viral titer reflects disease burden and response to therapy. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL), is the most common disease subtype in NK-cell malignancies. Conventional anthracycline-based chemotherapy was historically used for ENKL, only to produce dismal outcome. More recently, concurrent chemoradiation therapy for early-stage disease and non-anthracycline-based L-asparaginase containing chemotherapy have been studied, showing improved clinical response and survival, with long-term survival rates of 60-70% and 50-60%, respectively. Stem cell transplant can provide long-term disease control in recurrent or refractory disease settings, but the role of frontline use of such approach is yet to be determined. Several novel therapeutic approaches have shown promising results, and enrollment to clinical trials is the essential key to improve the treatment outcome in the future.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma with concomitant syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: A case report and review of literature

We report a case of natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma with concomitant syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The patient was a 64-year-old woman with a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma of over 30 years. She was admitted with a chief complaint of intermittent fever for 2 mo. Palpation after admission indicated a swollen lymph node below the left jaw. Multiple imaging examinations on admission indicated multiple enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body. We performed a left submandibular lymph node biopsy, and the results revealed NK/T-cell lymphoma. A biochemical examination indicated Epstein-Barr virus positivity. At the same time, the patient developed hyponatremia. Based on her laboratory examination and clinical manifestation, decreased plasma osmolality, urine osmolality greater than plasma osmolality, lack of skin swelling, normal blood pressure, normal renal function, no adrenal function detected on serology, and no abnormalities in imaging examination of the adrenal glands, the likelihood of SIADH in the patient was high. After fluid restriction and administration of sodium chloride, the patient’s blood sodium level gradually increased. Subsequently, the immune function of the patient declined, there were severe symptoms of infection, and she died of respiratory failure. NK/T-cell lymphoma associated with SIADH has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported in PubMed. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring serum ion levels, especially serum sodium, in patients with NK/T-cell lymphoma.

[Clinical analysis of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of advanced/recurrent nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of asparaginase based chemotherapy bridging autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in the treatment of 16 patients with nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Methods: From January 2012 to June 2017, 16 patients with nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma reached complete remission by L-asparaginase based regimens, and then received auto-HSCT. Results: ①Of the 16 patients, 12 were males and 4 females, with a median age of 35.5 (14-61) years. There were 11 patients in the first complete remission (CR1) and 5 in the second CR (CR2) before transplantation, respectively. EB virus (EBV) DNA (EBV-DNA) was negative and positive in 13 and 3 cases respectively before transplantation. ②Hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved in all 16 cases. The median time for neutrophils implantation was 12 (8-17) days, and that of platelet implantation was 15.5 (12-24) days. ③To the last follow-up, there were no transplant related deaths, 3 patients died of disease progression. The median overall survival (OS) time and progression-free survival time (PFS) were not reached. Seven patients lived with no disease progression more than 2 years. ④The OS and PFS of patients at CR(1) before auto-HSCT are better than that of patients at CR(2), but there was no statistically significant difference (P=0.162, P=0.123). There was no significant difference in OS and PFS between EBV-DNA negative and positive patients before transplantation (P=0.280, P=0.244). Conclusions: L-asparaginase based regimens bridging auto-HSCT is a safe and highly effective for advanced-stage and relapsed ENKTL treatment.

[Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma: about two rare cases]

Le lymphome T/NK est une affection grave et rare en Afrique et en Europe. Le traitement repose sur la radiothérapie et la chimiothérapie. Les auteurs rapportent deux observations de patients âgés respectivement de 55 et 52 ans, qui présentent une obstruction nasale bilatérale avec une rhinorrhée purulente, chez eux l'examen clinique a mis en évidence la présence d'une fente palatine. Le diagnostic n'a pu être posé qu'après une étude immuno-histochimique des biopsies. Les 2 patients ont bénéficié d'une chimiothérapie type CHOEP suivi d'une cure de radiothérapie. Le lymphome T/NK nasal est une forme agressive de lymphome non hodgkinien comportant des caractéristiques clinicopathologiques qui lui sont spécifiques. L'association de la chimiothérapie pour les stades avancés ne semble pas améliorer la survie par rapport à la radiothérapie seule qui reste le traitement de choix surtout pour les stades localisés. La localisation nasal du lymphome T /NK est rare. Le diagnostic repose sur l'étude immunohistochimique. Le traitement comprend chimiothérapie et radiothérapie. Ce type lymphome est de mauvais pronostic globalement, y compris sous traitement.

Advances in the treatment of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) is a subtype of mature T- and natural killer cell lymphomas characterized by its association with Epstein-Barr virus and extranodal involvement. Although there is geographic variance in the frequency of ENKL, its clinical features are similar between Western countries and endemic areas, such as East Asia. Anthracycline-containing chemotherapy is not recommended to treat ENKL. No standard treatment has been established based on the results of randomized controlled trials. In patients with localized disease, radiotherapy is a core component of the recommended first-line therapy. Radiotherapy administered at 50 to 54 Gy, extended involved-site radiotherapy considering tumor invasiveness, and the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy or volumetric modulated arc therapy are associated with efficacy of radiotherapy. Although the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy has been supported by the results of clinical trials, accumulating evidence supports the use of sequential chemoradiotherapy with non-anthracycline-containing regimens that include l-asparaginase and/or platinum anticancer agents. l-asparaginase-containing chemotherapy is a key component of first-line treatments for systemic ENKL. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recommended as a front-line consolidation therapy for newly diagnosed advanced-stage ENKL. Newer agents including immune checkpoint inhibitors are being investigated for treating ENKL. In this modern ENKL treatment era, multidisciplinary efforts are needed to identify the best timing and sequencing of radiotherapy, l-asparaginase, platinum, newer agents, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Efficacy of combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin and pegaspargase (P-gemox regimen) in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive neoplasm with a poor outcome. Asparaginase-based regimens are recommended for patients with advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory ENKTL. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and toxicity of combined gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and pegaspargase (P-gemox) in these patients. A total of 35 patients with newly diagnosed stage III–IV, relapsed or refractory ENKTL were treated with 2 to 8 cycles of P-gemox: gemcitabine (1250 mg/m²) and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m²) injected intravenously and pegaspargase (2500 IU/m²) injected intramuscularly on day 1 and repeated every 2 weeks. Upon completion of treatment, the overall response rate was 80.0%, with a complete response in 51.4% of patients. The 1-, 2- and 3- year progression-free survival rates were 45.0%, 38.6% and 38.6%, and overall survival rates were 76.8%, 64.7% and 64.7%, respectively. Patients who attained a complete response showed better progression-free survival than those without a complete response (p = 0.01). The major adverse effects were hematologic toxicity and liver dysfunction. Grade 3/4 leucopenia and neutropenia occurred in 40.0% of patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. These results indicate the P-gemox regimen is a safe and effective treatment for patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory ENKTL. We anticipate future prospective trials will confirm the efficacy.

[Lymphomas: A therapeutic update]

Emergence of new molecules has considerably reshaped the management of patients in onco-hematology. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has not been altered, and CHOP remains the reference treatment for lymphomas. However, the development of targeted therapies has allowed for a broader spectrum of treatments. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies entered the market with rituximab in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, in the 1990s and it is now developing as new-generation anti-CD20 antibodies (obinotuzumab and ofatumumab). Anti-CD30 antibodies have been proposed in the treatment of T lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphomas. More recently, anti-PD1 antibodies have brought new perspectives in several cancers and more specifically in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Finally the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib developed in the LLC has established itself in the management of mantle cell lymphoma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. How can we deal with all these new molecules? Should they be offered as monotherapy or in association? In first line or relapse? The objective of this review is to trace history of the latest advances, and to highlight the validated strategies representing the new standards of treatment of lymphomas in 2017.

Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type (ENKTL-NT): An Update on Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Natural History in North American and European Cases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL-NT) is an aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma most commonly occurring in East Asia and Latin America but with increasing incidence in the United States. Data on epidemiology, disease presentation, and outcome for European and North American ("Western") cases are very limited. We review published landmark clinical studies on ENKTL-NT in the West and report in detail recent data, including our institutional experience.

RECENT FINDINGS

We highlight key observations in its epidemiology, natural history, and trends in clinical management. In the USA, ENKTL-NT is more common among Asian Pacific Islanders (API) and Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites. Published studies indicate less heterogeneity in clinical presentation in Western ENKTL-NT compared to Asian patients. While there is variation in age at diagnosis, presence of antecedent lymphoproliferative disorders, and outcomes among racial/ethnic groups, the universal association of ENKTL-NT with EBV and the poor response of this neoplasm to anthracycline-based therapy is consistent across all geographic areas. Data on epidemiology, disease presentation, and clinical outcomes in mature T cell and NK cell (T/NK cell) neoplasms, including ENKTL-NT, in Europe and North America are very limited. As the classification and diagnostic characterization of the currently recognized T/NK cell lymphoma disease entities continue to evolve, gaps and inconsistencies in data reporting across different studies are being recognized. Despite these limitations, several studies from the USA suggest that the incidence of ENKTL-NT is higher in Asian Pacific Islanders (API) and non-white Hispanics and that outcomes may be worse in non-whites. However, the universal association of ENKTL-NT with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) across all ethnic groups suggests a common pathogenesis. Given the overlap between the entities included in the category of T/NK cell neoplasms, there is a need to further define biological and clinical differences that may affect diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

A comparison of treatment modalities for nasal extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in early stages: The efficacy of CHOP regimen based concurrent chemoradiotherapy

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of several treatment modalities, including CHOP based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), for the patients with stage IE or IIE nasal extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (nasal ENKL). The cases were retrieved between 2000 and 2010 (n=94), and were followed to the end of February 2016. The patients were grouped into A (chemotherapy alone; CT alone), B (sequential treatment) and C (CCRT). For those with efficacy evaluation for overall treatment (n=90), CR was attained in 60.0% (18/30), 69.8% (30/43) and 76.5% (13/17) patients in the group A, B and C, respectively. The 5-year OS rate was 35.2%, 41.9% and 70.6% in the group A, B and C, respectively. For patients with early stage diseases (IE and IIE), the ECOG performance status and the Ann Arbor stage were significant prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Among the stage IE patients, besides the ECOG performance status, three prognostic factors which related to treatments (treatment modalities, efficacy of initial and overall treatment) were significant against OS or PFS. In conclusion, compared to chemotherapy alone and sequential treatment, nasal ENKL patients in early stages, especially stage IE, benefit the most from CHOP based concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Current treatment approaches for NK/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL), is a form of lymphoma characterized by preferential extranodal involvement, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) association, and geographic diversity in incidence. ENKL tumor cells express P-glycoprotein, which is related to multidrug resistance (MDR). This MDR phenomenon is thought to be the major reason why ENKL is resistant to anthracycline-containing chemotherapies and has led researchers to explore novel therapeutic strategies. Since the early 2000s, next-generation therapies, including upfront radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy using non-MDR-related drugs, have markedly changed the management of ENKL. However, a recent large retrospective study in Japan revealed several limitations of next-generation therapies, in particular that they resulted in almost no improvement of early disease progression. This review will summarize the current management of ENKL, primarily based on clinical trial results, and provide clues for better future management.

Dosimetric comparison of helical tomotherapy, VMAT, fixed-field IMRT and 3D-conformal radiotherapy for stage I-II nasal natural killer T-cell lymphoma

Background

The aim of this study was to compare radiotherapy plans for Stage I-II nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) using helical tomotherapy (HT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), Fixed-Field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT).

Methods

Eight patents with Stage I-II NNKTL treated with IMRT were re-planned for HT, VMAT (two full arcs), and 3D-CRT. The quality of target coverage, the exposure of normal tissue and the efficiency of radiation delivery were analyzed.

Results

HT showed significant improvement over IMRT in terms of D_98%, cold spot volume and homogeneity index (HI) of planning target volume (PTV). VMAT provided best dose uniformity (p = 0.000) to PTV, while HT had best dose homogeneity among the four radiotherapy techniques (p = 0.000) to PTV. VMAT obviously reduced treatment time (p = 0.010; 0.000) compared to HT and IMRT. Mean dose of left and right optic nerve was significantly reduced by IMRT compared to HT (19.86%, p = 0.000; 21.40%, p = 0.002) and VMAT (8.97%, p = 0.002; 9.35%, p = 0.001), and maximum dose of left lens of VMAT increased over the HT (36.25%, p = 0.043) and IMRT (40.65%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The unexpected results show that both HT and VMAT can achieve higher conformal treatment plans while getting worse organs at risk (OARs) sparing than IMRT for patients with Stage I-II NNKTL. VMAT requires the shortest delivery time, and IMRT delivers the lowest dose to most OARs. The results could provide guidance for selecting proper radiation technologies for different cases.

Clinical Features and Current Optimal Management of Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL), is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and its treatment outcome was previously poor. Novel treatment strategies have improved the outcomes of ENKL remarkably in the last decade. Nowadays, patients with localized nasal ENKL are recommended treatment with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and their 5-year overall survival rate is approximately 70%. In patients with advanced or relapsed/refractory disease, the efficacy of l-asparaginase-containing therapy has been confirmed. However, there still remain unmet needs in the treatment of ENKL. Continued efforts should be made to further improvements in the treatment of ENKL.

Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for early stage nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) plus chemotherapy (CMT) versus RT alone for early stage nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

All the eligible studies were searched by PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis was performed to compare odds ratios (ORs) for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. Chemotherapy group did not significantly differ from RT group. The pooled OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year OS was 1.25 [0.84, 1.87], 1.10 [0.76, 1.58], 0.83 [0.59, 1.17] and 1.05 [0.70, 1.56]. In addition, the combined OR and 95% CI for 5-year DFS and PFS were 0.96 [0.53, 1.73] and 0.71 [0.45, 1.12].

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that CMT was not superior to RT alone. Radiotherapy may be still the main method in the treatment of early stage nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Extended Course and Increased Dose of Initial Chemotherapy for Extranodal Nasal Type Natural Killer/T (NK/T)-Cell Lymphoma in Patients <60 Years Old: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) of the nasal type is highly invasive and relatively resistant to chemotherapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an extended chemotherapy regimen with increased dose intensity. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 69 patients <60 years old with an ECOG score 0-2 treated for ENKTL at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2004 and December 2013. The outcomes were compared between patients who received >8 courses of high-intensity chemotherapy (n=37) vs. 6-8 courses (n=18) and <6 courses (n=14) of conventional chemotherapy. Regimens included improved CHOP, CHOP-E, EPOCH, MAED, MMED, SMILE, and Hyper-CVAD with an increased dose intensity in the >8 courses group. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 52 months (8 to 82 months). Remission rate did not differ significantly when compared among the 3 groups after 3 courses of chemotherapy (83.8%, 77.8%, and 78.6%, respectively, overall P=0.834), but the 5-year overall survival (OS) differed significantly (63.5%, 45.1%, and 22.9%, respectively, overall P=0.030), as did progression-free survival (PFS) (59.1%, 36.0%, and 15.1%, respectively, overall P=0.020), disease-free survival (DFS) (54.1%, 35.5%, and 12.9%, respectively, overall P=0.022), and total relapse rate throughout follow-up (37.04%, 50.0%, and 88.89%, respectively, overall P=0.027). There were no differences in adverse effects among the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest improved OS, PFS, DFS, and relapse rate in young patients with ENKTL receiving >8 courses of high-intensity chemotherapy.

Radiation dose reduction for patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma with complete response after initial induction chemotherapy

Previous studies have found that radiotherapy (RT) dose less than 50 Gy resulted in inferior outcomes for early stage extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Nowadays, induction chemotherapy (CT) followed by RT consolidation is often used. For patients who get complete response (CR) after CT, whether RT dose can be safely reduced or not remains unknown. This retrospective study compared the survival outcomes between patients who received higher dose (>50 Gy) and lower dose (≤50 Gy) RT after CR was attained by CT. One hundred and forty four patients of early stage ENKTL got CR after induction CT and received RT consolidation. Thirty-one patients received lower dose RT (median 46 Gy, range, 36–50 Gy), and 113 patients received higher dose RT (median 56 Gy, range, 52–66 Gy). In univariate survival analysis, age >60, local tumor invasion, and non-asparaginase-based CT were associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, there were no differences in PFS and OS between patients treated with higher and lower dose RT, which was confirmed in the multivariate survival analysis. Furthermore, reduced dose RT did not affect local control rate. Most common RT-related side effects were grade 1/2 mucositis and dermatitis, and the incidence rate of grade 3 mucositis or dermatitis was lower in patients treated with reduced dose RT (9.7% vs 15.0% for mucositis, and 6.5% vs 17.7% for dermatitis). In conclusion, this study found that RT dose could be safely reduced without compromising survival outcomes and further improved RT-related side effects. Prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate our findings.

[Efficacy of GLIDE chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage or relapsed/refractory extranodal natural killer cell lymphoma]

目的

研究GLIDE（吉西他滨、门冬酰胺酶、异环磷酰胺、地塞米松、依托泊苷）方案治疗初发进展期及复发难治性结外鼻型NK/T细胞淋巴瘤（ENKL）患者的有效性及安全性。

方法

纳入2010年3月至2016年3月收治的初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL患者42例，给予GLIDE方案化疗，中位疗程数为3(2~6）个，评估化疗结束后缓解率及早期（2个疗程后）缓解率，采用Kaplan-Meier方法统计无进展生存（PFS）及总生存（OS），同时采用Cox回归方法进行多因素分析，寻找影响患者PFS及OS的独立预后因素。

结果

31例（73.8%）患者达到完全缓解（CR），其中22例（52.4%）为早期CR，31例CR患者中14例接受序贯自体造血干细胞移植（ASCT）。1年PFS与OS率分别为65.6％和82.7%，4年PFS与OS率分别为48.2％和63.1%，中位OS时间未达到，中位PFS时间为30.5个月。多因素分析提示美国东部肿瘤协作组体能状态评分（ECOG评分）0~1分以及CR后序贯ASCT为减少复发、延长患者生存的有利因素。

结论

GLIDE方案能够有效治疗初发进展期及复发难治性ENKL, ECOG评分0~1分及CR后序贯ASCT治疗是患者获得较长PFS和OS时间的独立预后因素。

The Roles of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in the Era of Multimodal Treatment for Early-Stage Nasal-Type Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) treatments of early-stage extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five patients with stage I or II ENKTL [n=39 (71%) and 16 (29%) patients, respectively] who were treated with RT between 1999 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The median age was 54 years (range, 24-81). Patients were grouped by treatment modality as RT alone [n=19 (35%)], upfront CT plus RT [CT+RT, n=16 (29%)], and concurrent chemoradiotherapy [CCRT, n=20 (36%)]. The median RT dose was 48 Gy. Patient characteristics between each treatment group were well balanced. Patterns of failure and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall response rate after RT was 94.6%. Ten patients experienced distant failure, and seven experienced local failure comprising five in-field and two out-field failures. The local and distant failure rates in the RT-alone group were the same (16%). In the CT+RT group, the most common failure sites were local (19%). In the CCRT group, the most common failures were distant (25%). At a median follow-up of 56 months (range, 1-178 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival rates were 66% and 54%, respectively. The 5-year OS rate for the RT-alone and CT+RT groups were 76% and 69%, respectively, and the 2-year OS rate for the CCRT group was 62% (p=0.388).

CONCLUSION

In the era of multimodal treatment for ENKTL, RT alone using advanced techniques should be considered for local disease control, whereas maintenance CT regimens should be considered for distant disease control.

Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma of the Tongue

Lymphoma, which represents about 5.4% of all neoplasms and, more significantly, 19% to 28% of malignant neoplasms, is the most common nonepithelial malignancy of the head and neck area in Koreans. Natural killer T-cell (NK/T-cell) lymphoma is a lymphoma of putative natural killer cell lineage. NK/T-cell neoplasms are generally rare, but they are more common in people of East Asian, Mexican, or South American descent. These neoplasms are highly aggressive and show a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus. The preferential site of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is the nasal cavity, and there has been no report of NK/T-cell lymphoma developing from the tongue. We encountered a rare case of NK/T-cell lymphoma of the tongue, which we report with a review of the literature.

Histological vascular invasion is a novel prognostic indicator in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, (ENKTL), nasal type, is an aggressive lymphoma with no validated prognostic parameters, to date. In the present study, vascular invasion by this tumor was retrospectively analyzed in 214 patients with untreated ENKTL to evaluate its association with clinical features, treatment response and prognosis. Histological vascular invasion by the tumor was confirmed in 32.7% of patients with ENKTL. The presence of vascular invasion significantly correlated with poor performance status, B symptoms, extranodal involved sites, advanced stage, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer and cluster of differentiation 68⁺ tumor-associated macrophages. Upon treatment termination, the complete remission (CR) rate and overall response rate were significantly lower for the vascular invasion group compared with the non-vascular invasion group. Furthermore, vascular invasion resulted in significantly reduced 5-year progression-free survival (PFS; 21.8 vs. 60.1%) and overall survival (OS; 36.8 vs. 77.0%) rates. Using the multivariate Cox regression model, vascular invasion, stage III/IV and CR after chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Thus, histological vascular invasion by the tumor affected the response to treatment, and was also an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS in ENKTL, nasal type, suggesting a role for vascular invasion in disease progression.

L-asparaginase-based regimen as a first-line treatment for newly diagnosed nasal type extranodal natural killer cell/T-cell lymphoma

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of an L-asparaginase-based regimen and a CHOP regimen followed by radiotherapy as first-line treatments for newly diagnosed nasal type extranodal natural killer cell/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). A total of 69 patients received the CHOP regimen as the first-line treatment and 112 patients received the L-asparaginase-based regimen. All patients received radical radiotherapy following two cycles of chemotherapy. The overall response rates of the L-asparaginase-based and CHOP treatment groups were 90.18 and 72.46%, respectively (P=0.002). The one, two, and five-year overall survival (OS) rates and progression-free survival (PFS) rates of the L-asparaginase group were 96.0, 88.3, 65.1, 94.2, 79.8 and 50.0%, respectively. The one, two, and five-year OS and PFS rates of the CHOP group were 82.6, 61.9, 25.8, 63.8, 44.0 and 21.0%, respectively (P<0.001). Compared with CHOP treatment, L-asparaginase-based chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy was a safe and highly effective treatment for newly diagnosed ENKTL.

Current Management Concepts: Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type, and Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Primary central nervous system lymphoma, natural killer T-cell lymphoma nasal type, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder are uncommon and complex lymphoproliferative disorders. These disorders present with different risk factors, have complex tumor characteristics, and require unique therapeutic interventions. These diseases require a multidisciplinary complex team approach. This article will update current management approaches and concepts.

A comparison of volumetric modulated arc therapy and sliding-window intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of Stage I-II nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

This article is aimed to compare the dosimetric differences between volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for Stage I-II nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL). Ten patients with Stage I-II NNKTL treated with IMRT were replanned with VMAT (2 arcs). The prescribed dose of the planning target volume (PTV) was 50Gy in 25 fractions. The VMAT plans with the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (Version 8.6.15) were based on an Eclipse treatment planning system; the monitor units (MUs) and treatment time (T) were scored to measure the expected treatment efficiency. All the 10 patients under the study were subject to comparisons regarding the quality of target coverage, the efficiency of delivery, and the exposure of normal adjacent organs at risk (OARs). The study shows that VMAT was associated with a better conformal index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) (both p < 0.05) but slightly higher dose to OARs than IMRT. The MUs with VMAT (650.80 ± 24.59) were fewer than with IMRT (1300.10 ± 57.12) (relative reduction of 49.94%, p = 0.00) when using 2-Gy dose fractions. The treatment time with VMAT (3.20 ± 0.02 minutes) was shorter than with IMRT (7.38 ± 0.18 minutes) (relative reduction of 56.64%, p = 0.00). We found that VMAT and IMRT both provide satisfactory target dosimetric coverage and OARs sparing clinically. Likely to deliver a bit higher dose to OARs, VMAT in comparison with IMRT, is still a better choice for treatment of patients with Stage I-II NNKTL, thanks to better dose distribution, fewer MUs, and shorter delivery time.

Concurrent Etoposide, Steroid, High-dose Ara-C and Platinum chemotherapy with radiation therapy in localised extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

PURPOSE

Radiation combined with chemotherapy has recently been proposed to treat patients with localised extranodal natural killer (NK)/T lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type. However, the modalities of the chemoradiotherapy combination and drug choices remain a matter of debate. We conducted a concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) study with the ESHAP (Etoposide, Steroid, High-dose Ara-C and Platinum) regimen.

METHODS

An induction phase with two upfront courses of CCRT delivering a 40Gy dose of radiation concurrently with two cycles of the ESHAP chemotherapy regimen, followed by a consolidation phase with 2-3 cycles of ESHAP chemotherapy alone.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with localised ENKTL nasal type were enrolled between January 2005 and December 2014. The median age was 62years. Ten and three patients had Ann Arbor stage IE and IIE disease, respectively. They all completed the induction CCRT phase. A median of two consolidation ESHAP cycles were delivered. During consolidation, 8/13 (62%) patients had a reduction in the number of chemotherapy cycles or reduced chemotherapy doses, due to haematologically adverse events. The other five patients (38%) received the full number of ESHAP cycles of chemotherapy scheduled without a dose reduction. All but one patient (92%) experienced grade 3-4 haematological toxicity. The main non-haematological grade 3-4 toxicity was mucositis in 6/13 (46%) patients. All but one patient (92%) achieved a complete remission. Two-year overall survival was 72%.

CONCLUSIONS

With optimal management of the specific toxicities induced by this treatment modality, CCRT with the ESHAP regimen yielded high efficacy against localised ENKTL, nasal type.

A modified international prognostic index including pretreatment hemoglobin level for early stage extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma

In this study, we investigated the prognostic role of pretreatment hemoglobin level in 321 patients with stage I/II extranodal natural killer (NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). Patients with pretreatment hemoglobin level < 120 g/L had significantly inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those with hemoglobin level ≥ 120 g/L (p < 0.05). In a multivariate Cox regression model, age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (performance status), lactate dehydrogenase level, Ann Arbor stage and pretreatment hemoglobin level were all independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS (p < 0.05). Using these five parameters, a modified international prognostic index (mIPI) model was constructed. This mIPI could categorize three groups with significantly different PFS and OS (both p < 0.0001) in both the training set and the validation set. In conclusion, this study confirmed the prognostic role of pretreatment hemoglobin level in ENKTL, and a newly modified IPI including pretreatment hemoglobin level could be used to further optimize treatments for patients with stage I/II ENKTL, especially in the era of asparaginase.

An unusual presentation of NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type in the United States

INTRODUCTION

NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKCL), nasal-type is rare in the United States, representing only 1.5% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Classically, patients initially present with nasal obstruction (70%), caused by invasion of the localized lesion into the sinuses and nasal cavities. Initial presentation with persistent sore throat and odynophagia due to oropharyngeal tumor extension is rare, and thus, is often overlooked as viral or bacterial pharyngitis. By studying a case of NKTCL nasal type, we emphasize the need to apply high clinical suspicion for NKTCL, nasal type for early diagnosis and improved survival.

METHODS

A case report of a rare presentation of NKTCL, nasal-type is discussed. A literature review is provided to define clinical signs crucial for early diagnosis, appropriate work-up, and expedient treatment of this aggressive, rapidly progressive malignancy.

RESULTS

In the present case, a 25year-old healthy male presented with a 2-week history of sore throat and odynophagia. On exam, the patient had an ulcerative lesion of the soft palate, an enlarged uvula, and tonsillar exudate with tender submandibular lymphadenopathy. After the patient failed to respond to antibiotic therapy for presumptive pharyngitis, a biopsy of the oropharyngeal tissue was completed, which identified necrotizing sialometaplasia. High clinical suspicion led to repeat deep-tissue biopsy, where a final diagnosis of NKTCL, nasal type was made. The patient then began definitive treatment with chemotherapy and radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

High clinical suspicion is key to early diagnosis and improved survival of NKTCL, nasal-type. Otolaryngologists who encounter prolonged, complicated cases of pharyngitis or necrotizing sialometaplasia should consider a diagnosis of NKTCL, nasal-type, in order to prevent rapid disease progression.

CD30 expression is a novel prognostic indicator in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Background

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), is an aggressive type of lymphoma whose standard treatment and validated prognostic model have not yet been defined.

Methods

CD30 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in 96 ENKTL patients, and the data were used to evaluate its relationship with clinical features, treatment response and prognosis.

Results

Expression of CD30 was detected in 31.2% of ENKTL patients, which was significantly correlated with B symptoms and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase. The complete remission rate was not significantly different between CD30-positive and negative groups. After a median follow-up time of 31 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in the CD30-positive group were both significantly lower than those in the CD30-negative group (34.1% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.002, for 5 year-OS; 26.0% vs. 66.7%, P < 0.001, for 5 year-PFS). In patients with an International Prognostic Index (IPI) or Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) score of 0–1, CD30 positivity was associated with shorter 5-year OS and PFS (IPI: P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively; KPI: P = 0.018 and 0.023, respectively). In a multivariate Cox regression model, CD30 expression and stage were independent prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012, respectively) and PFS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results showed that expression of CD30 was not related to response to treatment but was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and PFS in ENKTL, nasal type, which suggests a role for CD30 in the pathogenesis of this disease and may support the incorporation of anti-CD30-targeted therapy into the treatment paradigm for ENKTL.

Lymphopenia during routine follow-up may predict relapse in patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma

Recently, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis, as a surrogate marker of host immunity, has been reported to be a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). In this retrospective study, we set out to investigate whether ALC at the time of confirmed relapse or at last follow-up is a marker for relapse after chemoradiotherapy in 84 patients with stage I/II ENKTL. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analysis showed that ALC at follow-up was a significant marker for relapse (AUC = 0.883, P < 0.001). Using 1.215 × 10(9)/L as the optimal cutoff value of ALC, 44 patients (52.4%) were in lower ALC group and 40 patients (47.6%) were in higher ALC group. The sensitivity and specificity for ALC at the time of confirmed relapse or at last follow-up was 94.1 and 76.0%, respectively. The relative risk of relapse with an ALC < 1.215 × 10(9)/L was 14.5. The positive predictive value with an ALC < 1.215 × 10(9)/L was 72.7%, and the negative predictive value with an ALC ≥ 1.215 × 10(9)/L was 95.0%. The 4-year cumulative incidence rate for an ALC < 1.215 × 10(9)/L was 73.2% compared with 3.2% for an ALC ≥ 1.215 × 10(9)/L (P < 0.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, ALC at the time of confirmed relapse or last follow-up remained to be a significant factor for relapse (P < 0.001). In conclusion, lymphopenia observed during routine follow-up can predict relapse in patients with ENKTL, which needs further validation in prospective trials.