Advances in treatment of aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Abstract

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is relatively uncommon disorder representing only 8–15% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The nodal types of PTCL, which include PTCL not otherwise specified, anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), and angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma, are a heterogenous group of diseases that are challenging to treat. Although the outcome of patients with PTCL, with the exception of ALK-positive ALCL, is worse than that of patients with B cell lymphomas, they are treated similarly with the CHOP or CHOP-like regimens. The best treatment option for patients who responded to conventional chemotherapy remains undefined. Several prospective phase II studies support autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as consolidation of first response for PTCL. Allogeneic transplant is usually reserved for relapsed disease. In addition, a variety of new drugs were registered in relapsed disease and are being studied in the upfront setting. This review summarizes the standard of care and new treatment options for the most common aggressive PTCL.