Long-term remission after upfront autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant for CD5⁺ diffuse large-B cell lymphoma

Abstract

CD5⁺ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare subtype characterized by an inferior outcome. While dose-dense therapy shows promising activity, the optimal management remains to be determined. To evaluate the benefit of consolidative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 47 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed de novo CD5⁺ DLBCL. Of 19 patients ≤ 70 of age with age-adjusted International Prognostic Index 2–3, eight underwent upfront ASCT, and nine did not, despite preserved organ function and response after induction therapy. The remaining two, ineligible for ASCT due to early progression or comorbidities, had a dismal clinical course. Among younger 17 high-risk patients eligible for ASCT, ASCT was associated with better overall (p = 0.0327) and progression-free survival (p = 0.0184). Younger patients without ASCT demonstrated similar outcomes to older patients with similar risk profiles. ASCT could be considered for high-risk CD5⁺ DLBCL with a response after induction therapy.

Keywords:

• CD5⁺ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• newly diagnosed
• high risk
• autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant
• upfront
• consolidation
• retrospective analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article. The detailed patient data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author, MK. The data are not publicly available because they contain information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.