Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in high-risk T cell lymphoma patients: a retrospective study

Objective To assess retrospectively the efficacy and security of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT) in treating high-risk T cell lymphoma(TCL).Methods From January 2002 to July 2009,23 cases undergoing HSCT were included.A risk-adapted layering method according to Ann Arbor staging system guided the classification.Combined IPI score with pathological subtype,most of cases belonged to high-risk group.Cases in APBSCT group mainly received a preconditioning regimen composed of BEAM(semustine,etoposide,cytarabine and melphalan),while those cases undergoing Allo-HSCT received a regimen of cyclophosphamide combined with busulfan or total body irradiation(TBI).Hematopoietic recovery was observed and 3-years overall survival and security were analyzed in two groups according to Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results Hematopoietic reconstruction was fine in all the transplantation patients.The mean leukocyte recovery0.5×109/L duration was(10.4±2.0) days and platelet recovery(20×109/L) duration was(11.1±3.4) days,as expected.APBSCT group showed high security while Allo-HSCT group had a better long-term survival rate despite more complications.Conclusion High-risk T cell lymphoma is more aggressive with poor prognosis.Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides an excellent efficiency against this disorder.Allogeneic HSCT should be preferred after the patients had acquired remission.The acquired graft versus tumor effect may obtain long survival.