Timing of allogenic stem cell transplantation in patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma

This study looked at the outcomes of patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma who were treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The authors concluded that allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an effective treatment, and is most effective when treating earlier phases of the disease. 

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a slow growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Even though it is slow growing, patients still relapse. The only potential cure for relapsed FL is allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT; using stem cells from a genetically matched donor). The best timing of an allo-SCT procedure is unknown. More research is needed to determine when allo-SCT is most effective. 

The medical records of 1,567 patients were included. All patients had relapsed follicular lymphoma. All patients received allo-SCT treatment. The average length of follow-up was 55 months.

The probability of a 5-year progression free survival (time from treatment to disease progression) for the whole group was 52%. The probability of a 5-year overall survival (time from treatment to death from any cause) for the whole group was 61%.

Patients were split into three risk groups based on their age, disease status, and previous chemotherapy treatments. 190 patients were classified as low risk, meaning they were younger and had relapsed in an earlier stage of their disease. 191 patients had intermediate risk. 192 patients had high risk.

The 5-year overall survival rate for low risk patients was 80%. The 5-year overall survival rate for intermediate risk patients was 62%. The 5-year overall survival rate for high risk patients was 50%. The 5-year overall survival rate of the low risk group was significantly higher than the 5-year overall survival rate of the high and intermediate risk groups. 

The study concluded that allo-SCT is an effective treatment for patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma, and is more effective in earlier phases.