The evolving role of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in follicular lymphoma

SummaryTreatment options for follicular lymphoma have expanded dramatically. The most important relate to the introduction of monoclonal antibodies and the completion of important studies regarding autologous and allogeneic transplantation. The EBMTR-sponsored “CUP Trial” (conventional Chemotherapy, Unpurged autograft, Purged autograft), demonstrated that for patients under age 60 years with recurrent chemotherapy-sensitive disease, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) provides a survival benefit over conventional therapy. Three randomized studies demonstrated that consolidation with autologous transplantation in first remission leads to improvement in progression free survival and perhaps in overall survival, but possibly with an increased risk for secondary MDS. Novel approaches involve the incorporation of rituximab as an in-vivo purging agent or as post-transplant therapy, and the use of radiolabelled monoclonals in the conditioning regimens. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) has become a more effective option but continues to have a high TRM. Reduced-intensity alloSCT procedures now are being performed at an increasing rate and may have advantages in particular situations. A CIBMTR analysis unfortunately did not show a major advantage in terms of TRM or EFS to non-myeloablative transplantation. Performance status and disease sensitivity remain the major predictors of outcome for allogeneic transplantation.