Current trends in diagnosis and management of follicular lymphoma.

Abstract

Follicular lymphoma (FL) originates from germinal center B cells, is the most prevalent form of indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Upfront management is based on stage, grade, and disease burden. Radiotherapy may be curative in limited disease while chemoimmunotherapy is preferred in advanced disease. Maintenance therapy is routinely administered but its role is debatable. Relapses are common and interval from initial therapy to relapse is most important prognostic factor for relapsed FL. Management of relapsed patients is based on the initial management, the interval from prior therapies, and the toxicity of available therapies. Multiple agents are available for patients after two or more lines of therapy, but sequencing remains poorly defined.