Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for T-cell lymphoma

Abstract

As peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are rare and heterogeneous groups of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, it is practically difficult to conduct randomized controlled trials to establish standard treatment strategies. There is still no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy for patients with PTCL. Moreover, the survival outcomes of PTCL, excluding anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, remain disappointing although novel agents have become available recent years. The aim of this review is to summarize the information regarding hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for PTCL including both autologous (auto-) and allogeneic (allo-) HSCT. In the first-line setting, up-front auto-HSCT is generally recommended for patients with PTCL, especially with complete remission 1 (CR1). On the other hand, up-front allo-HSCT might be recommended for patients with high-risk PTCL, although the study incorporating up-front allo-HSCT is limited. In the salvage setting, auto-HSCT might be considered in patients with chemosensitive disease, especially with CR. Allo-HSCT might also be considered, although the data of allo-HSCT in the salvage setting is still limited. Further investigation to optimize the application of HSCT in patients with PTCL is warranted in the future.