T-cell gamma/delta hepatosplenic lymphoma - prolonged remission induced by aggressive first line treatment

Intensive Induction Therapy Compared With CHOP for Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare peripheral T-cell lymphoma that disproportionately affects individuals with a clinical history of immunosuppression. It carries a poor prognosis, and, owing to its rarity, there is no single or well-established treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted the largest-to-date individual-level meta-analysis based on literature searches to determine the best induction therapy for HSTCL. We compared response rates and survival among patients who received "non-CHOP-based" induction with regimens containing cytarabine, etoposide, and/or platinum-based treatment to those receiving treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or CHOP-like therapy. We also review additional regimens including alemtuzumab and pentostatin, and assessed the role of consolidation with hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT).

RESULTS

We identified 166 patients with HSTCL, 118 of whom had sufficient information on induction treatment and survival. Eighty-four patients received non-CHOP-based (N = 34) or CHOP/CHOP-like (N = 50) induction treatment. Non-CHOP-based induction was associated with a complete/partial response rate of 82% compared with 52% (P = .006) with CHOP/CHOP-like and increased median overall survival (P = .00014). Our data showed that maximum survival among patients with HSTCL was achieved with non-CHOP-based induction followed by consolidation with HSCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-CHOP-based induction appears superior to CHOP/CHOP-like induction in both achieving complete/partial response and durable survival. Induction therapy of HSTCL should be intensified with non-CHOP-based regimens and followed by consolidation with HSCT in eligible patients.

Hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma: an overview

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies. Among these, hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma (HTCL) represents an aggressive and treatment-resistant subgroup for which new avenues of treatment are critically needed. HTCL is characterized by primary extranodal distribution of the malignant cells with typical intrasinusoidal infiltration of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, which results in hepatosplenomegaly and peripheral blood cytopenias. Another characteristic feature is the expression of γδ T-cell receptors. HTCL exhibits a rapid progressive course and an extremely poor response to currently known therapeutic strategies, with a 5-year overall survival rate of only 7%. In this review, we discuss the clinical, pathologic, and molecular characteristics of this disease, along with the challenges that are associated with its diagnosis and treatment.

Intensive induction chemotherapy followed by early high-dose therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results in improved outcome for patients with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma: a single institution experience

INTRODUCTION

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, first recognized as a distinct entity in the Revised European-American Lymphoma classification. Typical presentation includes lymphomatous infiltration of spleen and liver, and peripheral lymphadenopathy is rarely seen. The prognosis is almost uniformly poor, and there are no prospective studies of treatment of HSTCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

For this report, we conducted a retrospective review of all pts who underwent treatment for HSTCL at our institution. Individual chart review was performed to report clinical presentation, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

We identified 14 pts with HSTCL managed at our center, 7 of which remain alive with median follow-up of 65.6 months. Six of 7 received alternative induction chemotherapy regimens such as ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide) or IVAC (ifosfamide, etoposide, high-dose cytarabine) as opposed to CHOP and all surviving pts had proceeded to undergo either autologous or allogeneic SCT.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that use of non-CHOP induction regimen and early use of high dose therapy and SCT consolidation may translate to improved survival for pts with HSTCL.

Hepatosplenic gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare and aggressive extranodal lymphoma derived mostly from cytotoxic γδ T-cells. The peak incidence is in adolescents and young adults, and is more common in males. Up to 20% of HSTL arise in the setting of chronic immune suppression, most commonly solid organ transplantation or prolonged antigenic stimulation. Patients present with systemic symptoms (fever), abdominal pain, weakness, and marked hepatosplenomegaly in the absence of lymphadenopathy. Patients usually manifest marked thrombocytopenia, often with anaemia and leucopenia, a leukemic phase, and bone marrow involvement in 80% of cases. Lactate dehydrogenase levels are usually markedly elevated. HSTL exhibits a marked chemoresistance to currently used regimens, a rapidly progressive behavior, and dismal prognosis. Patients with post-transplant HSTL exhibit an especially poor outcome. Standard treatment has yet to be established. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is associated with a satisfactory response in two thirds of patients, but poor long-term results. Complete remission is extremely uncommon, and most patients die from lymphoma within two years of diagnosis. A prognostic correlation between outcome and degree of thrombocytopenia has been reported. Relapsing disease is usually chemorefractory and fast growing, and patients' performance status and clinical conditions are poor. These aspects, as well as the lack of drugs with proven activity against HSTL, render salvage treatment almost impossible. A few cases of HSTL successfully treated with autologous or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation have been reported. The use of 2'-deoxycoformycin and other targeted therapies, such as alemtuzumab, anti-γδ TCR monoclonal antibodies, and anti-CD44 therapy, have shown promising results in anecdotal reports.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the current literature and knowledge about hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), providing an overview of the clinical features, a description of its pathology and immunophenotypic traits in relation to other lymphomas. In addition, we explore the history of reported cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in relation to the possible existence of a causal relationship between infliximab use and HSTCL. The treatments for HSTCL will be briefly addressed.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search using multiple databases was performed. Keyword search phrases including "lymphoma," "hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma," "Inflammatory bowel disease," "6-mercaptopurine," and "infliximab" were used in various combinations. In addition references from published papers were reviewed as well.

RESULTS

There are over 200 reported cases of HSTCL. Only 22 cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma are associated with IBD treatment. Clinicians usually reserve immunomodulators and biologics for moderate to severe IBD cases. The ultimate goal of therapy is to control inflammation and therefore allow mucosal healing. IBD patients demonstrating mucosal healing are less likely to undergo surgery and experience complications related to their disease. We manipulate the immune system with corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, therefore causing bone marrow suppression. With bone marrow suppression, malignant degeneration may begin through selective uncontrolled cell proliferation, initiating HSTCL development in the genetically susceptible.

CONCLUSION

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a rare disease, often with a poor outcome. With the increasing number of reported cases of HSTCL linked to the use of infliximab, adalimumab, and AZA/6-MP, there appears to be an undeniable association of HSTCL development with the use of these agents. This risk is unquantifiable. When considering the rarity of cases and the multiple complications with uncontrolled disease, however, the benefit of treatment far outweighs the risk.