In a nutshell
The authors assessed the safety and efficacy of involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) after autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory (r/r) lymphoma.
The study found that IFRT given soon after ASCT provided durable responses and was well tolerated in these patients.
Some background
ASCT is the common treatment for patients with refractory (not responding to treatment) or relapsed (cancer returns) lymphoma. This treatment uses healthy blood stem cells from the patient's own body to replace cancerous cells damaged by powerful chemotherapy. However, after ASCT, in certain patients there is still a risk the cancer will come back.
IFRT means radiotherapy is given only to the parts of the body where the lymphoma is. IFRT given after transplantation is considered a reliable treatment option to reduce the risk of cancer returning. However, there is no general agreement on when IFRT should be given to patients with r/r lymphoma after ASCT.
Methods & findings
This study enrolled 24 patients with r/r lymphoma who underwent ASCT. Patients received IFRT within 2-4 months after ASCT. The average follow-up time after ASCT was 35 months.
After IFRT, 18 (75%) patients had complete metabolic remission (CMR). CMR is the complete disappearance of lymphoma signs and symptoms and there is no evidence of disease on blood tests and scans. One patient had a 40% reduction in lymphoma size (partial response; PR) and 3 patients (13%) had stable disease (lymphoma did not grow nor shrink).
Overall, 86% of patients were alive and relapse-free after 3 years. The estimated overall survival after 7 years was 86%.
No significant toxicity was reported in patients who received IFRT.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that IFRT given soon after ASCT was a safe, effective, and tolerated treatment for patients with r/r lymphoma.
The fine print
This study had a small number of patients. This data is based on patients with different types of lymphomas. Further trials are needed.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Feb 01, 2021
