{"title":"Beyond linearity and static risk: re-evaluating core prognostic factors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.","authors":"Rashad Ismayilov, Murat Ozdede, Yahya Buyukasik","doi":"10.1080/17474086.2026.2643330","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study challenges the static and linear assumptions of traditional prognostic models for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI).</p><p><strong>Research design and methods: </strong>Analyzing 664 DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP, the research explored the time-dependent and nonlinear effects of established risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While the IPI maintained strong overall prognostic stability, its individual components exhibited dynamic behavior. ECOG performance score, beta-2 microglobulin (β2 M), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were key predictors of early mortality, with their influence diminishing over time. Conversely, the importance of Ann Arbor stage and extranodal involvement grew, identifying them as markers of later risk. Notably, the study found a resurgence in the predictive power of β2 M after two years. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline modeling revealed significant nonlinear relationships between overall survival and age, LDH, and β2 M (all <i>p</i> < 0.001 for nonlinearity).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prognostic impact of baseline factors in DLBCL follows dynamic and nonlinear trajectories, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach of current risk scores. Future models should incorporate these temporal dynamics to provide a more accurate, personalized risk assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12325,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Hematology","volume":" ","pages":"563-570"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8000,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Expert Review of Hematology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17474086.2026.2643330","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/3/12 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"HEMATOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: This study challenges the static and linear assumptions of traditional prognostic models for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI).
Research design and methods: Analyzing 664 DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP, the research explored the time-dependent and nonlinear effects of established risk factors.
Results: While the IPI maintained strong overall prognostic stability, its individual components exhibited dynamic behavior. ECOG performance score, beta-2 microglobulin (β2 M), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were key predictors of early mortality, with their influence diminishing over time. Conversely, the importance of Ann Arbor stage and extranodal involvement grew, identifying them as markers of later risk. Notably, the study found a resurgence in the predictive power of β2 M after two years. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline modeling revealed significant nonlinear relationships between overall survival and age, LDH, and β2 M (all p < 0.001 for nonlinearity).
Conclusions: The prognostic impact of baseline factors in DLBCL follows dynamic and nonlinear trajectories, challenging the one-size-fits-all approach of current risk scores. Future models should incorporate these temporal dynamics to provide a more accurate, personalized risk assessment.
期刊介绍:
Advanced molecular research techniques have transformed hematology in recent years. With improved understanding of hematologic diseases, we now have the opportunity to research and evaluate new biological therapies, new drugs and drug combinations, new treatment schedules and novel approaches including stem cell transplantation. We can also expect proteomics, molecular genetics and biomarker research to facilitate new diagnostic approaches and the identification of appropriate therapies. Further advances in our knowledge regarding the formation and function of blood cells and blood-forming tissues should ensue, and it will be a major challenge for hematologists to adopt these new paradigms and develop integrated strategies to define the best possible patient care. Expert Review of Hematology (1747-4086) puts these advances in context and explores how they will translate directly into clinical practice.