Outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients relapsing after autologous stem cell transplantation: an analysis of patients included in the CORAL study
Abstract
In the CORAL study, 255 chemosensitive relapses with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were consolidated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and 75 of them relapsed thereafter. The median time between ASCT and progression was 7.1 months.
The median age was 56.1 years; tertiary International Prognosis Index (tIPI) observed at relapse was 0-2 in 71.6% of the patients and >2 in 28.4%. The overall response rate to third-line chemotherapy was 44%.
The median overall survival (OS) was 10.0 months (median follow-up: 32.8 months). Thirteen patients received an allogeneic SCT, and three a second ASCT.
The median OS was shorter among patients who relapsed = 12 months after ASCT (12.6 months, P = 0.0221). The median OS in patients achieving CR, PR or no response after the third-line regimen was 37.7 (P2: 5.3 months (P = 0.0007).
In multivariate analysis, tIPI >2, achievement of response and remission lasting <6 months predicted the OS. This report identifies the prognostic factors for DLBCL relapsing after ASCT and thus helps to select patients for experimental therapy.