The Role of Cytotoxic Therapy with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Update of the 2001 Evidence-Based Review

Clinical research published since the 2001 evidence-based review on the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in the treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in adults is presented and critically evaluated in this update. Treatment recommendations that remain unchanged from the original review include: (1) autologous SCT as salvage therapy is recommended for patients with chemosensitive relapsed DLBCL; and (2) autologous SCT is not recommended for patients who achieve a partial response to an abbreviated induction regimen. New treatment recommendations based on new published data include: (1) autologous SCT as first-line therapy is not recommended for any IPI group; (2) planned tandem or multiple sequential autologous SCT is not recommended; (3) peripheral blood is the standard stem cell source for autologous SCT; (4) age is not a contraindication for autologous SCT, although outcomes in older adults are not as good as in younger adults. There are insufficient data to make recommendations on the routine use of rituximab maintenance after autologous SCT, autologous versus allogeneic SCT, fewer versus more cycles of induction therapy prior to autologous SCT, or the use of reduced intensity versus myeloablative conditioning regimens. Areas of needed research in the treatment of DLBCL with SCT were identified and are presented in the review.