Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: a report of 340 cases from the International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project

Definitions and use of tumor bulk in phase 3 lymphoma trials: a comprehensive literature review

ABSTRACT

Tumor "bulk" has historically been considered an important prognostic marker and a clinical tool to guide treatment in patients with lymphoma. However, its use and definitions in trial designs vary significantly, and it is unclear how this has influenced the relevance of bulk in contemporary practice. This comprehensive literature review evaluated the definitions, applications, and prognostic impact of bulk in phase 3 randomized trials in 4 major lymphoma subtypes. Overall, 87 studies were identified across follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) with a wide range of bulk thresholds used (5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 7.5 cm, 10 cm, and >1/3 mediastinal mass ratio [MMR]). The most common threshold was as follows: FL, 7 cm (58%); DLBCL, 7.5 cm and 10 cm (44% each); PTCL, 7.5 cm (66%); and HL, one-third MMR (91%). Bulk threshold was used by trials to determine eligibility (66%), stratification (24%), as a prognostic risk factor (37%), and as a decision tool for risk-adapted treatment, for example, radiotherapy (29%); however, bulk definitions used for these varied both between, and within, lymphoma subtypes and even within single trials in 25%. Furthermore, 32 studies incorporated bulk in prognostic analyses with only 5 showing significance for differential survival outcomes. Our analysis demonstrates high inconsistency in thresholds defining tumor bulk and use of bulk in phase 3 lymphoma trials across eligibility, stratification, therapeutic risk adaptation, and prognostication. This highlights an urgent need for international consensus on definitions of bulk within trials to improve its prognostic and predictive values and refine its application in clinical practice.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma-NOS in children and adolescents: a review from the Children's Oncology Group NHL Committee

ABSTRACT

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is a rare mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) seen in both children and adults. Although it is the most common nonanaplastic mature T-cell lymphoma of childhood, it is quite rare and, therefore, the standard of care remains largely undefined. It is a disease characterized by clinical and pathological heterogeneity and is generally associated with an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis in adults. Retrospective reports on treatment outcomes for pediatric PTCL-NOS are limited by small cohorts, variable clinical presentations, and heterogeneous treatment regimens. Although published survival rates in children appear encouraging compared with those from prospective studies in adults, the prognosis is guarded, and relatively low curative outcomes are in stark contrast to more common pediatric NHL. Although recent landmark gene profiling studies have shed light on the molecular landscape of the disease in adults, identifying molecular subgroups with prognostic significance, the biology of PTCL-NOS remains unclear in children. Here, we review the clinical presentation and diagnosis, historical treatment approaches, current knowledge of the disease biology, and the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in PTCL-NOS in children to pursue a better understanding of this heterogeneous condition and empower physicians to use this information to best support our pediatric population. Studies focusing on pediatric PTCL-NOS are required to unravel the disease biology in children, improve risk stratification, and better define upfront treatment through the role of targeted agents and HSCT, as we look to future directions of the care of children with PTCL-NOS.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates Targeting CD30 in T-Cell Lymphomas: Clinical Progression and Mechanism

CD30 is overexpressed in many T-cell lymphoma (TCL) entities, including subsets of peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). The antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin (BV), targeting CD30-positive cells, has been approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma or mycosis fungoides in patients who have received previous systemic therapy. However, many patients still experience disease progression after BV monotherapy. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to investigating effective combinations of BV. A phase III clinical study demonstrated that the combination of BV with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (CHP) is superior to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) for CD30-positive PTCL. This study led to the approval of BV with CHP as the first-line therapy for CD30-positive PTCL (sALCL in Europe). We summarize the encouraging combination applications of BV in this review. Ongoing studies on combination therapies of BV are also listed, highlighting potential directions for the future application of BV. We focus on dissecting the underlying mechanisms of BV, discussing its effects on both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Exploring resistance mechanisms in TCL provide valuable insights for optimizing BV-based therapies in the future.

Recent Advances in Understanding the Clinical Responses of Brentuximab Vedotin in Lymphoma and the Correlation with CD30 Expression

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an antibody-drug conjugate that combines the CD30 monoclonal antibody with the microtubule-disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E, which induces apoptosis in the tumor cell upon its release from the conjugate. The safety and efficacy of BV have been assessed in several studies in patients with T- and B-cell lymphomas. This article reviews the currently available data on the distribution of CD30 expression in T- and B-cell lymphomas, as well as the various levels of CD30 positivity cutoff used in the literature. It also analyzes the relationship between CD30 expression levels and the clinical response to BV in clinical trials for both T- and B-cell lymphomas and investigates BV efficacy in patients with low or undetectable levels of CD30 and examines potential mechanisms by which BV exerts its effect on these patients. This review contributes to the growing evidence suggesting that CD30 expression levels do not predict the clinical benefit of BV as the drug demonstrated substantial efficacy in patients across a wide range of CD30 expression levels while suggesting that the antitumor activity was not associated with CD30 expression levels. Furthermore, the potential of BV as a targeted approach along with its mechanism of action is also summarized to explain its key role in the future treatments of lymphomas, especially for CD30-expressing lymphomas.

Advances in peripheral T cell lymphomas: pathogenesis, genetic landscapes and emerging therapeutic targets

Peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a biologically diverse and aggressive group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that originate from mature T cells, often presenting with complex clinical and morphological features. This review explores the challenges in diagnosing and classifying PTCLs, focusing on the intricate biology of the more common nodal entities. Advances in molecular diagnostics, such as mutational and gene expression profiling, have improved our understanding. However, the rarity and morphological variability of PTCLs continue to complicate the definition of biologically and clinically meaningful entities, as well as the application of current diagnoses in daily practice; these advancements have not yet translated into improved clinical outcomes. Standard therapies fail in most cases and lead to poor prognoses, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapeutic strategies. Precise characterisation of PTCL advances refined classification and supports the development of more targeted and effective treatments. Recent approaches have focused on biology-based risk stratification, either within specific entities or in an entity-agnostic manner. This development aims for improved treatment selection or even personalised treatment based on genetic, epigenetic and functional profiles.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: are all patients high risk?

ABSTRACT

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of mature T-cell neoplasms that represent ∼10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Outcomes for the majority of patients with PTCL are poor, and treatment approaches have been relatively uniform using cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone-based therapy. For example, large registry studies consistently demonstrate 5-year overall survival of ∼30% to 40%. However, as our understanding of the biology underpinning the heterogeneity of PTCL improves and as treatments specifically for PTCL are developed, risk stratification has become a more relevant question. Tools including positron emission tomography-computed tomography and minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring offer the potential for dynamic risk stratification. In this review, we first summarize registry data describing outcomes in the most common subtypes of PTCL: PTCL not otherwise specified, nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. We describe current clinically based prognostic indices validated for PTCL and highlight emerging tools for prognostication including novel molecular biomarkers, imaging-based metrics, and MRD dynamics.

Perspectives on the Mature T-Cell Lymphomas in the Middle East: A Comprehensive Review of the Present Status

Background: T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) are rare and aggressive malignancies associated with poor outcomes, often because of the development of acquired drug resistance as well as intolerance to the established and often toxic chemotherapy regimens in elderly and frail patients. The many subtypes of TCL are well established to exhibit marked geographic variation. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of TCLs in the Middle East (ME) are yet to be explored; hence, limited data are available about these entities in this part of the world. Aim: Therefore, in this review article, we aim to discuss the available data regarding the T-cell neoplasms in the ME, including the incidence of specific subtypes of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), as well as the trends in survival and treatment, all in an effort to understand the natural history of these complex entities across the ME.

Novel serous effusion-related risk models and biomarkers for predicting prognosis in T-cell lymphoma patients

T-cell lymphomas (TCLs) are a cluster of lymphoproliferative diseases with high heterogeneity, which lack accurate prognostic models and standard treatment regimen at present. Serous effusion (SE) is a relatively common manifestation and poses more challenges for risk stratification in TCLs. In this study, entire of 518 newly diagnosed TCLs patients were included. SE was found to be tightly correlated to clinical characteristics and prognosis in TCL patients, and SE volume (SEV) > 1000 ml was identified as a potential prognostic factor. Novel AEBS risk model, including age > 60, ECOG PS > 1, β2-microglobulin (BMG) > 3.0 mg/L and SEV > 1000 ml, which exerted superior efficacy for risk stratification compared to the current risk systems in TCL patients with SE. Besides, multiple RNA-seq datasets were used for the identification and function analysis of SE-related genes (SERGs). TCL patients in different SERGs-associated subgroups exhibited discrepancy in the infiltration of immunocytes and the expression of immune checkpoints. SERGs signature, including HIF1A, FERMT2, NFATC1 and COL1A1, was established and demonstrated to have distinguishing capacity for predicting prognosis in TCL patients. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that SE-related molecule HIF1A was reductively expressed and related to inferior prognosis in TCL patients, especially in SE group. Pan-cancer analysis found HIF1A expression was decreased in several tumors, and chemosensitivity analysis revealed that HIF1A was associated with sensitivity of several anti-tumor drugs, such as Sorafenib, Navitoclax, and Venetoclax. Our findings provide evidence for identifying high-risk population and facilitating individualized treatment in TCL patients with SE.

New insights into the biology of T-cell lymphomas

ABSTRACT

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) encompass a heterogeneous group of postthymic T-cell lymphomas with >30 distinct subtypes associated with varied clinicopathological features. Unfortunately, the overall survival of the major PTCL subtypes is dismal and has not improved for decades; thus, there is an urgent unmet clinical need to improve diagnosis, therapies, and clinical outcomes. The diagnosis is often challenging, requiring a combinatorial evaluation of clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features. PTCL pathobiology is difficult to investigate due to enormous intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity, limited tissue availability, and the paucity of authentic T-cell lymphoma cell lines or genetically faithful animal models. The application of transcriptomic profiling and genomic sequencing has markedly accelerated the discovery of new biomarkers, molecular signatures, and genetic lesions, and some of the discoveries have been included in the revised World Health Organization or International Consensus Classification. Genome-wide investigations have revealed the mutational landscape and transcriptomic profiles of PTCL entities, defined the cell of origin as a major determinant of T-cell lymphoma biology, and allowed for the refinement of biologically and clinically meaningful entities for precision therapy. In this review, we prioritize the discussion on common nodal PTCL subtypes together with 2 virus-associated T-cell and natural killer cell lymphomas. We succinctly review normal T-cell development, differentiation, and T-cell receptor signaling as they relate to PTCL pathogenesis and biology. This review will facilitate a better biological understanding of the different PTCL entities and their stratification for additional studies and target-directed clinical trials.

Possible Association of CD3+CD4-CD8- Phenotype of T-Cell Lymphoma with Peripheral Blood Eosinophilia

INTRODUCTION

Because the prognosis of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma is poor compared to that of patients with B-cell lymphoma, we want to avoid further organ damage by eosinophilia. Moreover, in patients with some types of lymphoma, blood eosinophilia is implicated in a worse prognosis. To study the risk factors of eosinophilia, the association between lymphoma type, immunophenotypic features, and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were examined in the patients with mature T-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 28 patients with mature T-cell lymphoma who were admitted to our hospital and whose immunophenotypic features were confirmed using flow cytometric, immunohistochemical analysis, or both between December 2012 and November 2023.

RESULTS

We report a possible association between peripheral eosinophilia and peripheral T-cell lymphoma - not otherwise specified and CD3+CD4-D8- (double-negative) phenotypes. Mild eosinophilia was observed in various types, but moderate and severe eosinophilia were observed in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma - not otherwise specified. Double-negative phenotype was rarely observed; however, all patients with double-negative phenotype exhibited peripheral blood eosinophilia. In addition, four of the five cases of the double-negative type were peripheral T-cell lymphoma - not otherwise specified.

CONCLUSION

Here, we retrospectively examined patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma whose immunophenotypic features were confirmed and report a possible association between peripheral eosinophilia and peripheral T-cell lymphoma - not otherwise specified and CD3+CD4-CD8- (double-negative) phenotypes. In addition, clinicians should be aware of the possible risk that patients with lymphocytic hypereosinophilic syndrome of the double-negative phenotype may develop peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma invasion of the liver: The underappreciated hypoechoic periportal cuffing on ultrasound-A case report and literature review

Liver involvement in lymphoma often manifests as nonoccupying diffuse infiltration, posing challenges in distinguishing it from primary liver disorder. Herein, we present the case of a 21-year-old female who underwent two separate diagnoses within a nine-month interval before being ultimately diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Our review of this case identified an ultrasound imaging feature, the hypoechoic periportal cuffing. When combined with associated increased lymphocyte count and liver enlargement, it can serve as a noninvasive suggestion for malignant disorders, in particular hemic and lymphatic diseases.

Clinicopathological diagnosis of Lennert lymphoma: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Lennert lymphoma (LL) is a variant of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS), also known as a lymphoepithelioid variant of PTCL. Because of the rarity and lack of clear-cut diagnostic criteria, LL is susceptible tomisdiagnosis. Although previously diagnosed with LL might be reclassified and evaluated with the advent of of molecular and/or genetic findings, cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry are still the key to give rise to correct diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a patient who was diagnosed as LL based on cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry. Routine stain (Hematoxlin and Eosin-H&E) revealed tumor cells were mainly small to medium-sized CD4(+) T cells, the CD8 +/TIA-1 + cytotoxic cells were less minority, no expressions of follicle helper T cell markers (CD10, BCL6, PD1, CXCL13, ICOS) or CD21(+) hyperplastic FDC network, or proliferation of high edndothelial venules were noted; however, numerous epithelioid histiocytes are noted in the background and scattered EBV(+) cells were also present. The patient was achieved complete remission after six courses of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisone regimen. She was followed for 5 years without recurrence or progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Classic LL is not difficult to diagnose by cytomorphology and immunohistochemistry, and the mutation profiles can be helpful to distinguish LL from other lymphomas.

Efficacy of chidamide maintenance therapy versus autologous stem cell transplantation versus observation as a post-remission choice in the survival of adult patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma: Post hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter, phase 2 study in China

In this prospective, multicenter, Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02987244), patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) who had responded to first-line chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin or epirubicin, vincristine or vindesine, etoposide, and prednisone (Chi-CHOEP) were treated by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) or with chidamide maintenance or observation. A total of 85 patients received one of the following interventions: ASCT (n = 15), chidamide maintenance (n = 44), and observation (n = 26). estimated 3 PFS and OS rates were 85.6%, 80.8%, and 49.4% (P = 0.001). The two-year OS rates were 85.6%, 80.8%, and 69.0% (P = 0.075).The ASCT and chidamide maintenance groups had significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) than the observation group (P = 0.001, and P = 0.01, respectively). The overall survival (OS) differed significantly between the chidamide maintenance group and the observation group ( P = 0.041). The multivariate and propensity score matching analyses for PFS revealed better outcomes in the subjects in the chidamide maintenance than observation groups (P = 0.02). The ASCT and chidamide maintenance groups had significant survival advantages over the observation group. In the post-remission stage of the untreated PTCL patients, single-agent chidamide maintenance demonstrated superior PFS and better OS than observation. Our findings highlight the potential benefit of chidamide in this patient subset, warranting further investigation through larger prospective trials. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov, NCT02987244. Registered 8 December 2016, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02987244 .

Chidamide in combination with azacitidine for an elderly patient with peripheral T cell lymphoma‑not otherwise specified: A case report

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a type of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with poor prognosis. PTCL-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is one of its most common pathological types. PTCL is not sensitive to conventional chemotherapy regimens and treatment is particularly limited in elderly patients due to their poor tolerance to chemotherapy. The present report shares the treatment experience of one elderly PTCL-NOS case, which achieved complete remission by reduced-intensity chemotherapy with chidamide in combination with azacitidine following the onset of organ failure and chemotherapy insensitivity. The 9-month follow-up showed sustained remission and the long-term efficacy of this regimen is also promising.

Increased PSMA-Targeted 18 F-DCFPyL Uptake in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a heterogenous group of lymphomas with a high rate of extranodal disease. We present a case of increased 18 F-DCFPyL uptake in peripheral T-cell lymphoma of subcutaneous tissue and bone. Familiarity with the increased 18 F-DCFPyL uptake and extranodal presentation of peripheral T-cell lymphomas can avoid misinterpretation for metastatic disease.

Novel clinical risk stratification and treatment strategies in relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) represents a group of heterogeneous hematological malignancies, which are notoriously challenging to treat and outcomes are typically poor. Over the past two decades, clinical prognostic indices for patient risk stratification have evolved, while several targeted agents are now available to complement combination chemotherapy in the frontline setting or as a salvage strategy. With further understanding of the molecular pathobiology of PTCL, several innovative approaches incorporating immunomodulatory agents, epigenetic therapies, oncogenic kinase inhibitors and immunotherapeutics have come to the forefront. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the progress in developing clinical prognostic indices for PTCL and describe the broad therapeutic landscape, emphasizing novel targetable pathways that have entered early phase clinical studies.

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified: a case report and literature review

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (ITCL, NOS), primarily affects the small bowel but can involve the stomach and large bowel. This report presents an uncommon case of ITCL, NOS in a patient affecting the large bowel, supported by a literature review. An 87-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and weight loss. Imaging revealed nodular thickening of the transverse and right colon, confirmed as polypoid mass lesions with ulceration through colonoscopy and biopsy, indicating ITCL, NOS. CT scan showed adrenal nodes classifying it as stage VI. The patient was referred for palliative care and passed away 40 days later, likely due to tumor progression. This case underscores the rarity of large bowel ITCL, NOS and the diagnosis challenge.

Role of plasma EBV-DNA load and EBER status on newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

To explore the prognostic and therapeutic role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) on peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

METHODS

Totally 262 newly diagnosed PTCL patients who were hospitalized from January 2014 to December 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Molecular analysis included 31 eligible patients. EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) presence in tumor tissue and EBV DNA levels in patients at baseline (DNA1) and after 4 cycles of chemotherapy (DNA4) were assessed.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that the EBER-positive cohort exhibited significant differences compared to counterparts in overall survival (OS, P = 0.047) and progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.009). Both DNA1 and DNA4 were significantly associated with inferior OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DNA4 independently affected PTCL prognosis for OS (hazard ratio = 5.1617; 95% confidence interval 1.1017-24.1831; P = 0.037). Treatment with the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus azacytidine regimen showed a better OS compared to CHOP or CHOP plus etoposide for patients with partially positive EBER and EBER positive statuses (P = 0.192), although the improvement was not statistically significant. This study delineated the genetic paradigm of PTCL, comparing genetic differences by EBV status and found that EBER partially positive plus positive patients were more likely to have DNMT3A (P = 0.002), RHOAG17V (P = 0.023), and TET2 mutations (P = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

EBER, DNA1, and DNA4 emerged as sensitive markers for prognosis. CHOP plus azacytidine might present a preferable option for PTCL patients with DNA methylation due to EBV infection.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Mature T/NK-Cell Lymphomas in Children

Mature T/NK-cell lymphomas (MTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders, relatively rare in adults and children. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be considered in some cases as a consolidation and is the first choice for refractory forms and relapses. We retrospectively analyzed 19 pediatric patients with MTCL who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a haploidentical or unrelated donor on the αβ T cell depletion platform. Among the studied patients, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in 5, hepatosplenic γδT-cell lymphoma in 4, ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 9 patients, and 1 had nasal T/NK cell lymphoma. All patients received myeloablative conditioning based on treosulfan or total body irradiation. Non-relapse mortality was 5%, the cumulative incidence of relapse or progression at 5 years was 27%, 5-year event-free survival was 67%, and 5-year overall survival was 78%. Thus, our data support that allogeneic αβ T-cell-depleted HSCT can provide long-term overall survival of children with high-risk mature T-cell lymphomas.

Clinical significance and predictive risk factors for event-free survival at 24 months in patients with PTCL, NOS

Peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS), is a heterogeneous and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a bleak prognosis. This study was designed to assess the value of EFS24 as an alternative clinical endpoint and identify prognosis-related factors in PTCL, NOS. Patients diagnosed with PTCL, NOS were retrospectively collected and slides were reviewed by two hematopathologists. EFS was defined as the time from diagnosis to the occurrence of disease progression after initial treatment, retreatment, or death. Subsequent overall survival (OS) was defined from EFS24 or time of progression, if it occurred within 24 months, to the last follow-up or death. 97 cases with complete follow-up were selected. Approximately 66 patients (68.04%) failed to achieve ES24, with the median OS of 12.17 months, and 5-year OS rate of 15.17%. While patients who reached EFS24 had a median OS of 60.57 months and a 5-year OS rate of 68.77%. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that bone marrow involvement and elevated β2 Microglobulin (β2-MG) were associated with a poor prognosis. B symptoms, extranodal involvement more than one site, and a high Ki67 index were significant factors in predicting the failure of EFS24. EFS24 can help stratify the subsequent outcomes of PTCL, NOS. Patients who achieve EFS24 have a favorable prognosis, although it does not reach that of the general population. On the other hand, patients who do not achieve EFS24 have an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, EFS24 can be used for patient risk stratification, patient counseling, and study design.

Structure-guided engineering of immunotherapies targeting TRBC1 and TRBC2 in T cell malignancies

Peripheral T cell lymphomas are typically aggressive with a poor prognosis. Unlike other hematologic malignancies, the lack of target antigens to discriminate healthy from malignant cells limits the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. The T cell receptor expresses one of two highly homologous chains [T cell receptor β-chain constant (TRBC) domains 1 and 2] in a mutually exclusive manner, making it a promising target. Here we demonstrate specificity redirection by rational design using structure-guided computational biology to generate a TRBC2-specific antibody (KFN), complementing the antibody previously described by our laboratory with unique TRBC1 specificity (Jovi-1) in targeting broader spectrum of T cell malignancies clonally expressing either of the two chains. This permits generation of paired reagents (chimeric antigen receptor-T cells) specific for TRBC1 and TRBC2, with preclinical evidence to support their efficacy in T cell malignancies.

Allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplant for patients with refractory T-Cell lymphomas

OBJECTIVE

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) may have a curative potential due to the graft versus lymphoma effect. In this study, we aimed to compare transplant outcomes between refractory-T-NHL (ref-NHL) and Chemosensitive-T-NHL (CS-T-NHL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 26 ref-NHL and 29 CS-T-NHL consecutive patients who underwent allo-SCT at our center and compared the transplant outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

All patients were heavily pretreated with 27% of patients relapsing post-auto-SCT and two patients in the ref-T-NHL post-allo-SCT. Patients were transplanted mainly from unrelated donors. There were no differences in leucocytes and platelet engraftment between the two groups. At 3 years, the relapse incidence was 34% in Ref-TNHL and 19% in CS-TNHL (p = .33), with non-relapse mortality rates of 28% and 22%, respectively (p = .52). Female patients and those with a previous auto-SCT had lower relapse incidence (p = .045, p = .003). The 3-year overall survival was 39% in Ref-TNHL and 56% in CS-TNHL (p = .15). Trends for improved progression-free survival (PFS) and graft-versus-host disease relapse-free survival (GRFS) were observed in the CS-TNHL group (PFS: 60% vs. 30%, p = .075; GRFS: 38% vs. 21%, p = .1).

CONCLUSION

Acknowledging the retrospective nature of our study, our results indicate that allo-SCT has a curative potential in patients with T-NHL even in refractory status.

Decoding the diagnostic dilemma: Peripheral T‑cell lymphoma presenting as acute pancreatitis: A case report

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the origin of mature T-cells. PTCL demonstrates atypical clinical features and involves both nodal and extra-nodal sites. The diagnosis and treatment of PTCL can prove to be challenging, as it is often detected at advanced stages and is resistant to conventional chemotherapy treatments. The present report describes a 55-year-old male patient who presented with acute pancreatitis, and imaging suggested a soft tissue mass in the pancreatic head indicating pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Further investigation through ultrasound-guided biopsy led to the diagnosis of pancreatic PTCL not otherwise specified.

Predictive model for treatment outcomes of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, in Taiwanese patients

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for PTCL-NOS patients in the real world.

METHODS

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from adult patients with PTCL-NOS treated at a single center in Taiwan.

RESULTS

104 PTCL-NOS patients with a median age of 53.0 years were enrolled. Patients with the International Prognostic Index (IPI) or prognostic index for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PIT) scores of zero had a longer overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS), while patients with IPI or PIT scores ≥1 did poorly. For patients who are eligible for transplantation, the use of pralatrexate as salvage chemotherapy has shown better OS (2-year OS 83.3% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.011) compared to patients who did not. By multivariate analysis, age >60 years, male, B symptoms, ECOG >1, lung involvement, and thrombocytopenia were independent adverse factors for OS. Incorporating factors in multivariate analysis, we established a novel predictive index for PTCL-NOS which efficiently stratifies patients into low (0-1 factor), intermediate-1 (2 factors), intermediate-2 (3 factors), and high risk (4-6 factors) groups with 2-year OS rates of 81.5%, 32.9%, 8.8%, and 0%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PTCL-NOS patients have a dismal prognosis in Taiwan. Novel agents may improve the outcomes of PTCL-NOS patients. The usefulness of the novel prognostic index for PTCL-NOS needs further validation.

Primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, treated with partial nephrectomy

Introduction

Renal involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is very rare, and the kidney as the primary site of this lymphoma is much more uncommon. We report a case of primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, treated with partial nephrectomy.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man was hospitalized with coronavirus infectious disease, emerged in 2019 in the emergency department. Computed tomography examination showed a 2-cm renal mass in the right kidney. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography examination revealed that the noted mass showed good enhancement in the corticomedullary phase and washout in the nephrogenic phase. No metastatic lesions were found. He was diagnosed as having cT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma, and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. He has been followed for 20 months after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy without additional treatment and recurrence.

Conclusion

We experienced a primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified that was followed up without treatment after surgery.

Pathobiology of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas: current understanding and future directions

Predominantly nodal is the most common clinical presentation of peripheral T- (and NK-) cell lymphomas (PTCL), which comprise three main groups of diseases: (i) systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL), whether positive or negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); (ii) follicular helper T-cell lymphomas (TFHL); and (iii) PTCL, not otherwise specified (NOS). Recent advances in the genomic and molecular characterization of PTCL, with enhanced understanding of pathobiology, have translated into significant updates in the latest 2022 classifications of lymphomas. ALK-negative ALCL is now recognized to be genetically heterogeneous, with identification of DUSP22 rearrangements in approximately 20-30% of cases, correlated with distinctive pathological and biological features. The notion of cell-of-origin as an important determinant of the classification of nodal PTCL is best exemplified by TFHL, considered as one disease or a group of related entities, sharing oncogenic pathways with frequent recurrent epigenetic mutations as well as a relationship to clonal hematopoiesis. Data are emerging to support that a similar cell-of-origin concept might be relevant to characterize meaningful subgroups within PTCL, NOS, based on cytotoxic and/or Th1 versus Th2 signatures. The small group of primary nodal Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphomas of T- or NK-cell derivation, formerly considered PTCL, NOS, is now classified separately, due to distinctive features, and notably an aggressive course. This review summarizes current knowledge of the pathology and biology of nodal-based PTCL entities, with an emphasis on recent findings and underlying oncogenic mechanisms.

Impact of primary organ site of involvement by peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified on survival

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is a rare, highly heterogeneous group of mature T-cell neoplasms that historically has been associated with poor outcomes. We sought to investigate the influence of primary disease site on PTCL-NOS outcomes using a large national cancer registry.

METHODS

Baseline clinical and demographic data including primary organ of involvement and Ann Arbor disease stage were extracted from the SEER database. Patients were grouped into nine organ system groups and compared to nodal disease acting as a control. Cox regression models were utilized for adjusted survival analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 3095 patients were identified in the SEER database and included in the final analysis. The median age was 61 and a majority of patients were male (60%) and identified as non-Hispanic white (68%). A plurality of patients had stage IV disease (32%). Lymph nodes and spleen were the most common primary disease sites (67%), while central nervous system was the least common (1%). Patients with early-stage PTCL-NOS of the gastrointestinal/genitourinary systems had worse overall survival [HR = 1.97 (1.50-2.59); p < 0.001] and lymphoma-specific survival [HR = 1.74 (1.26-2.40); p < 0.001] which was statistically significant even after adjusting for other variables. Early-stage PTCL-NOS of the central nervous system also had worse overall survival [HR = 1.90 (1.11-3.27); p = 0.020] and lymphoma-specific survival [HR = 2.11 (1.17-3.80); p = 0.013]. Early-stage PTCL-NOS of the skin had better overall survival [HR = 0.54 (0.42-0.68); p < 0.001] and lymphoma-specific survival [HR = 0.388 (0.28-0.53); p < 0.001] which was statistically significant even after adjustments.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest an association between primary organ involved by PTCL-NOS and both overall and lymphoma-specific survival even after adjusting for common variables. These results warrant validation in future prospective studies.

Comparison of the prognostic impact of IPI and PIT in peripheral T-cell lymphoma in real-world practice with a large elderly population

We compared the predictive ability of the International Prognostic Index (IPI), a frequently used prognostic model for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), with that of a type-specific prognostic model, the Prognostic Index for PTCL-U (PIT). We retrospectively analyzed 113 patients diagnosed with PTCL. The median age was 67 years (range, 16-88 years), 75 patients (66%) were male, and the most common disease type was PTCL, not otherwise specified (69%). With a median follow-up of 6.8 years (interquartile range, 2.7-9.9 years), 5-year survival rates for the four groups in IPI were 85%, 62%, 49%, and 13%, respectively. Similarly, 5-year survival rates for the four groups in PIT were 83%, 64%, 49%, and 19%, respectively. The area under the receiving operating characteristic curve for predicting mortality from PIT (0.725) was not significantly different from that from the IPI (0.685, P = 0.134). Multivariable analysis showed that performance status ≥ 2 (P < 0.0001) and extranodal lesions ≥ 2 (P = 0.029) were significantly associated with lower overall survival. The present study found no significant difference in prognostic ability between the IPI and PIT for PTCL, and both models appear useful as predictive models.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves survival outcomes in peripheral T-cell lymphomas: a multicenter retrospective real-world study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the survival benefit of consolidative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL). In this retrospective study, the ASCT group underwent consolidative ASCT after first-line therapy at 14 transplantation centers in China between January 2001 and December 2019. Data were collected over the same time frame for the non-ASCT group from the database of lymphoma patient records at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute. A total of 120 and 317 patients were enrolled in the ASCT and non-ASCT groups, respectively, and their median ages were 43 years and 51 years, respectively. In the ASCT group, 101 patients had achieved complete remission (CR) and 19 patients had achieved partial remission at the time of ASCT. The median follow-up time was 40.2 months and 68 months, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 80.6% and 48.9% (p < 0.001) for the ASCT and non-ASCT groups, respectively. The beneficial effect of ASCT for OS remained even after propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis (81.6% vs 68.3%, p = 0.001). Among the 203 patients who were aged ≤ 65 years and achieved CR, ASCT conferred a significant survival benefit (3-year progression-free survival [PFS]: 67.4% vs 47.0%, p = 0.004; 3-year OS: 84.0% vs 74.1%, p = 0.010), and this was also maintained after PSM analysis (3-year PFS: 66.6% vs 48.4%, p = 0.042; 3-year OS: 84.8% vs 70.5%, p = 0.011). Consolidative ASCT improved the survival outcome of PTCL patients, even those who achieved CR after first-line therapy.

A Rare Case of CD4 Positive Cytotoxic PTCL, NOS With Leukemic Presentation

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS) is a relatively rare mature T-cell lymphoma that cannot be categorized under any of the well-defined category. This type of aggressive lymphoma mostly involves the lymph nodes, though any other organ can be affected. Leukemic presentation is extremely rare. No case report of isolated leukemic presentation was found after detail literature search. Herein we present a case of PTCL, NOS with leukemic presentation.

The clinical features, treatment, and prognostic factors for peripheral T-cell lymphomas: A single-institution analysis of 240 Chinese patients

AIM

This study aimed to analyze the clinical features, treatment, survival, and prognostic factors of Chinese patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) excluding natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL).

METHODS

Data on patients with newly diagnosed PTCLs between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with NKTCL were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 240 patients were included. PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), was the most frequent subtype (42.5%), followed by angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (21.3%), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALK-ALCL) (16.7%), ALK-positive ALCL (ALK+ALCL) (10.8%) and others (8.8%). With a median follow-up of 81.1 months, the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 30.4% (95% CI 25.0%-37.0%) and 48.8% (95% CI 42.6%-55.7%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, no consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and not achieving complete response after first-line chemotherapy retained independently prognostic value for inferior PFS and OS. Besides, bone marrow involvement and serum albumin level were independent factors for PFS, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 was significantly predictive of inferior OS. Compared with PTCL-NOS, significantly superior PFS and OS were observed for ALK+ALCL and ALK-ALCL.

CONCLUSION

The survival outcomes with current treatment for most PTCL subtypes are still unsatisfactory. Prospective randomized studies are needed to establish the value of consolidative ASCT in PTCL, and novel therapeutic approaches should be explored.

The SALENTO prognostic model for limited-stage peripheral T-cell lymphoma from the International T-Cell Project Network

The natural history of limited-stage peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) remains poorly defined. We investigated outcomes and prognostic variables in patients registered in the T-Cell Project (TCP) (#NCT01142674) to develop a model to predict overall survival (OS) for the common nodal PTCL subtypes (PTCL-NOS, AITL, ALCL). The model was validated in an independent data set from Australian and Brazilian registries. 211 patients registered in the TCP between 2006-2018 were studied. The median age was 59 years (range 18-88) and median follow-up was 49 months. One hundred twenty-seven patients (78%) received anthracycline-based regimens, 5 patients (3%) radiotherapy alone (RT), 24 patients (15%) chemotherapy+RT. 5-year OS and PFS were 47% and 37%, respectively. Age >60 years, elevated LDH and low serum albumin were independent prognostic factors. The model identified 3 groups with low- (26%, score 0), intermediate- (41%, score 1), and high-risk (33%, score 2-3) with 5-year OS of 78% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 29-127), 46% (95% CI, 24-68), and 25% (95% CI, 20-30), respectively (P < 0.001) and 5-year PFS of 66% (95% CI, 33-99), 37% (95% CI, 9-65), and 17% (95% CI, 9-25), respectively (P < 0.001). The model demonstrated greater discriminatory power than established prognostic indices and an analogous distribution and outcomes in the 3 groups in the validation cohort of 103 patients. The SALENTO Model (Limited Stage Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Prognostic Model) is an objective, simple and robust prognostic tool. The high-risk group has poor outcomes, comparable to advanced stage disease, and should be considered for innovative first-line approaches.

TP53 mutations identify high-risk events for peripheral T-cell lymphoma treated with CHOP-based chemotherapy

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), the most common PTCLs, are generally treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-based curative-intent chemotherapy. Recent molecular data have assisted in prognosticating these PTCLs, but most reports lack detailed baseline clinical characteristics and treatment courses. We retrospectively evaluated cases of PTCL treated with CHOP-based chemotherapy that had tumors sequenced by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrated Mutational Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets next-generation sequencing panel to identify variables correlating with inferior survival. We identified 132 patients who met these criteria. Clinical factors correlating with an increased risk of progression (by multivariate analysis) included advanced-stage disease and bone marrow involvement. The only somatic genetic aberrancies correlating with inferior progression-free survival (PFS) were TP53 mutations and TP53/17p deletions. PFS remained inferior when stratifying by TP53 mutation status, with a median PFS of 4.5 months for PTCL with a TP53 mutation (n = 21) vs 10.5 months for PTCL without a TP53 mutation (n = 111). No TP53 aberrancy correlated with inferior overall survival (OS). Although rare (n = 9), CDKN2A-deleted PTCL correlated with inferior OS, with a median of 17.6 months vs 56.7 months for patients without CDKN2A deletions. This retrospective study suggests that patients with PTCL with TP53 mutations experience inferior PFS when treated with curative-intent chemotherapy, warranting prospective confirmation.

Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas: disease spectrum, relationship with clonal hematopoiesis, and mimics. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop

Follicular helper T-cell lymphomas (TFH lymphomas) were discussed in session V of the lymphoma workshop of the European Association for Haematopathology (EA4HP)/Society for Hematopathology (SH) 2022 meeting in Florence, Italy. The session focused on the morphologic spectrum of TFH lymphoma, including its three subtypes: angioimmunoblastic-type (AITL), follicular-type, and not otherwise specified (NOS). The submitted cases encompassed classic examples of TFH lymphoma and unusual cases such as those with early or indolent presentations, associated B-cell proliferations, or Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg-like cells. The relationship between TFH lymphoma and clonal hematopoiesis was highlighted by several cases documenting divergent evolution of myeloid neoplasm and AITL from shared clonal mutations. The distinction between TFH lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS), was stressed, and many challenging examples were presented. Various cases highlighted the difficulties of differentiating TFH lymphoma from other established types of lymphoma and reactive conditions. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma expressing TFH markers, particularly when resulting in lymph node involvement, should be distinguished from TFH lymphomas. Additional immunophenotyping and next-generation sequencing studies were performed on various cases in this session, highlighting the importance of these technologies to our current understanding and classification of TFH lymphomas.

Hemoglobin-platelet index as a prognostic factor in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of aggressive lymphomas with a poor prognosis. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the Prognostic Index for PTCL-unspecified (PIT) is used to predict the prognosis of PTCL. The hemoglobin-platelet index (HPI), based on anemia and thrombocytopenia status, is associated with the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, its significance in terms of predicting the prognosis of PTCL has not been fully investigated. We herein retrospectively analyzed 100 patients with newly diagnosed PTCL in our department. At a median follow-up of 3.2 years, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-1.2) years and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.5-4.7) years, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and hypoalbuminemia were independent adverse variables for PFS. The HPI showed significant predictive value for both PFS and OS. As a new prognostic model comprising the HPI, LDH, and albumin, the LA-HPI allowed the stratification of patients into four distinct risk subgroups: low risk (zero risk factors), low-intermediate risk (one risk factors), high-intermediate risk (two or three risk factors), or high risk (four risk factors). The PFS and OS differed significantly among the patients by the LA-HPI score. The LA-HPI demonstrated better predictive performance compared to the IPI, PIT, and HPI. Our data demonstrated the prognostic utility of the HPI in patients with PTCL. The LA-HPI, incorporating four readily obtainable parameters, exhibited superior performance compared to traditional indices.

The prognostic role of red cell distribution width on all-cause and cause-specific outcomes in peripheral T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective cohort study

Readily accessible biomarkers for risk stratification in settings with limited resources are lacking. We evaluated the effect of high red distribution width-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) values (>14%) on all-cause and lymphoma-specific mortality outcomes among 118 patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) who received systemic treatment at two tertiary centers between 2010 and 2019. With a median follow-up of 45 months, patients with a high RDW-CV had a lower 4-year overall survival rate (34% vs. 45%, p = 0.015) and higher cumulative incidence of lymphoma mortality (54% vs. 34%, p = 0.007). RDW-CV >14% was associated with all-cause (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-3.56) and lymphoma-specific mortality (aHR 2.64, 95% CI 1.32-5.29). In our study, RDW-CV emerges as an easily accessible and complementary prognostic biomarker for risk stratification among treated patients with de novo PTCL. Further research should validate the predictive role of RDW-CV in prospective cohorts.

Retrospective Analysis With Propensity Score Matching of Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Treated Frontline With Brentuximab Vedotin and Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Since Food and Drug Administration approval of brentuximab vedotin in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (A + CHP) as initial therapy for previously untreated CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), there has been limited research on real-world patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed claims of patients with PTCL treated with frontline A + CHP or CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) using the Symphony Health Solutions database. Adults with International Classification of Diseases-9/10 PTCL diagnosis codes who initiated A + CHP or CHOP between November 2018 and July 2021 were included. A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was performed that adjusted for potential confounders between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1344 patients were included (A + CHP, n = 749; CHOP, n = 595). Before matching, 61% were men; median age at index was 62 (A + CHP) and 69 (CHOP) years. The most common A + CHP-treated PTCL subtypes were systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL; 51%), PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS; 30%), and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL; 12%); the most common CHOP-treated subtypes were PTCL-NOS (51%) and AITL (19%). After matching, similar proportions of patients treated with A + CHP and CHOP received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (89% vs. 86%, P = .3). Fewer patients treated with A + CHP received subsequent therapy than CHOP overall (20% vs. 30%, P < .001) and specifically with the sALCL subtype (15% vs. 28%, P = .025).

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics and management of this real-world PTCL population who were older and had a higher comorbidity burden than that in the ECHELON-2 trial demonstrate the importance of retrospective studies when assessing the impact of new regimens on clinical practice.

Thirty Years of Experience With Ocular Adnexal T-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the disease characteristics and survival of patients with ocular adnexal T-cell lymphoma.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma of the ocular adnexa seen between 1992 and 2022. Demographic data, clinical presentation, imaging, histology, immunohistochemistry, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in the study with the mean age at diagnosis of 50 years old (range 7-85). The most common presenting symptoms were ulcerated eyelid skin lesions (40%) followed by eyelid swelling (13.3%), and lacrimal passageways obstruction (13.3%). The anaplastic large cell lymphoma (33%) and primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (33%) were the most diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma subtypes, followed by the nasal type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (27%) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (7%). The most prevalent stage of disease progression was stage I and stage IV (Ann Arbor classification) with seven (47%) patients each. Eight (53%) patients succumbed to the disease process of which three (37.5%) deceased in the first six months and six (75%) within the first year of diagnosis. We identified a strong statistical association between stage and disease-related death ( p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma occurring in the orbit and ocular adnexa is extremely rare. Advanced stage at diagnosis leads to almost certain death from the disease despite aggressive local and systemic treatment. Early diagnosis improves the chances of survival but can be hindered by this condition's ability to simulate benign inflammatory conditions both clinically and histologically.

Estimating long-term progression-free and overall survival in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma: A US population-based oncology simulation model based on 5-year results from the ECHELON-2 trial

BACKGROUND: The ECHELON-2 5-year update showed continued clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival with frontline (1L) A+CHP (brentuximab vedotin in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) vs CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) in CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). OBJECTIVE: To estimate PTCL annual prevalence in the United States in 2031 without and with A+CHP using data from the ECHELON-2 5-year update. METHODS: Population-level outcomes were estimated using a dynamic oncology simulation model. Utilization of 1L CHOP (65% utilization) and CHOP plus etoposide (35% utilization) were varied over time and compared with scenarios incorporating 1L A+CHP (20%-50% utilization; base case: 40% utilization) per expert clinicians' opinion. Additional inputs included PTCL incidence and PFS for consolidation and post-1L therapies from published sources. PFS (51.4% [95% CI = 42.8%-59.4%] vs 43.0% [35.8%-50.0%]) and overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.72 [0.53-0.99]) for A+CHP and CHOP came from ECHELON-2. RESULTS: In 2031, an estimated 2,082 patients will be diagnosed with PTCL. Approximately 1,412 additional patients will be alive and progression free, and 106 fewer patients will require second-line therapy with 40% A+CHP utilization vs no A+CHP utilization. Varying 1L A+CHP utilization from 20%-50% vs no 1L A+CHP utilization added 732 to 1,752 patients alive and progression free. CONCLUSIONS: In this oncology simulation model, the improvements in survival outcomes seen with A+CHP vs CHOP in the ECHELON-2 5-year results translated into more estimated patients with PTCL progression free and alive for at least 5 years following 1L A+CHP vs CHOP and a decreased need for post-1L therapy. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Seagen Inc. Dr Liu and Dr Yu are employees and shareholders of Seagen Inc. Mr Bloudek is and Dr Mordi was an employee of Curta Health, which received funding from Seagen Inc. for the conduct of this study. Dr Burke received consulting fees from Genentech/Roche, AbbVie, Seattle Genetics, Bayer, AstraZeneca, Adaptive Biotechnologies, Verastem, MorphoSys, Kura, Epizyme, BeiGene, Kymera, Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, TG Therapeutics, Lilly, and Nurix; and received payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events in speakers bureaus for BeiGene and Seagen Inc. Dr Phillips received consulting fees from AstraZeneca, MorphoSys, Epizyme, Roche/Genentech, Epizyme Eli Lilly, AbbVie, BeiGene, Pharmacyclics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Xencor, Seagen Inc., TG Therapeutics, Bayer, Incyte, and Gilead; and received payment for honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Epizyme and Seagen Inc.

Romidepsin-induced durable remission for relapsed nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma with T follicular helper phenotype after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Patients with recurrent peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have dismal outcomes. Nodal PTCL with the T follicular helper phenotype (PTCL-TFH) is uniquely sensitive to histone deacetylase inhibitors compared to non-TFH phenotypes. We report the case of a 19-year-old man who experienced recurrence of PTCL-TFH shortly after allogeneic HCT and subsequently achieved durable remission with romidepsin. Before HCT, the patient had refractory disease after CHOP and ESHAP chemotherapies but achieved a partial response after two cycles of romidepsin as salvage treatment. HLA-haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was performed using conditioning with fludarabine 180 mg/sqm, melphalan 80 mg/sqm, and total body irradiation 2 Gy, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide. One month after HCT, disease progression was observed in the lung. Romidepsin was readministered every 2 weeks at a reduced dose of 12 mg/sqm. After two cycles of romidepsin, the patient achieved a complete metabolic response without severe GVHD or other non-hematological toxicities. Romidepsin was discontinued after seven treatment cycles due to prolonged lymphopenia. The patient remains in complete remission 30 months after the last dose of romidepsin. Our experience suggests that romidepsin could be safely administered soon after allogeneic transplantation.

PTCL, NOS: An update on classification, risk-stratification, and treatment

The peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are relatively rare, heterogeneous, and therapeutically challenging. While significant therapeutic gains and improved understanding of disease pathogenesis have been realized for selected PTCL subtypes, the most common PTCL in North America remains "not otherwise specified (NOS)" and is an unmet need. However, improved understanding of the genetic landscape and ontogeny for the PTCL subtypes currently classified as PTCL, NOS have been realized, and have significant therapeutic implications, which will be reviewed here.

Primary extranodal soft tissue Lennert lymphoma (lymphoepithelioid variant of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified): a case report and review of the literature

Lennert lymphoma (LeL) is a rare variant of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL/NOS) that is rich in epithelioid histiocytes. LeL may pose great diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the pathologist and clinician. Primary extranodal soft tissue LeL is even rarer and has not been reported. Herein, we report a case of LeL arising from soft tissue.A 65-year-old male presented for evaluation of a painless mass in the subcutaneous soft tissue of the left forehead. There was no invasion of the bone and no ulceration on the surface of the skin. The surrounding skin was erythematous and swollen. Grossly, the tumor was gray-red and 30 mm × 20 mm × 10 mm in size.Microscopically, the demarcation between the lesion and surrounding tissues was unclear without a capsule. The tumor invaded the surrounding striated muscle and adipose tissue. The tumor had a diffuse proliferation of small-sized atypical lymphocytes and numerous large clusters of epithelioid histiocytes. Plasma cells, eosinophils, and Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells were not identified. Rare multinucleated histiocytes were noted, and well-formed granulomas were not present. Rare mitotic figures were noted, but no necrosis. The immunophenotypic features in this case were as follows: CD2⁺/CD3⁺/CD5^low+/CD7⁺/CD4^low+/ CD8⁺/CD30^-/CD56^- in neoplastic lymphocytes; CD163⁺/CD31⁺/CK(pan)^- in epithelioid histiocytes; and CD20^-/CD30^-/TdT^-/CD5^-/ALK^-/S-100^-/CD1α^-/CD21 + 23^-/SSTR2^- in neoplastic lymphocytes and epithelioid histiocytes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) was negative. The Ki-67 index was elevated to 60%. PCR showed a polyclonal pattern for IgH and a monoclonal TCR γ-chain rearrangement.The final diagnosis was PTCL/NOS, lymphoepithelioid cell variant (LeL), which arose from soft tissue and had a rare double-positive CD4^low+/CD8⁺ immunophenotype. The patient received four cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin liposomes, vincristine, and prednisone tablets (CHOP) and was followed for 20 months. Overall treatment efficacy was achieved without lymphadenopathy, and no other discomfort or illnesses were reported.

Pretreatment C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio predicts clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an aggressive and heterogenous T-cell lymphoid malignancy. The prognostic value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) has never been assessed in PTCL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 76 patients diagnosed with various subtypes of PTCL. A CAR cutoff value of 0.794 was determined, and clinical outcomes, including response rate, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS), were compared between the high (> 0.794) and low (≤ 0.794) CAR groups.

RESULTS

After induction therapy, complete response was achieved in 8 (32.0%) and 39 patients (76.5%) in the high and low CAR groups, respectively. During the median follow-up of 57.5 months, the high CAR group had significantly worse 5-year PFS and 5-year OS rates. Even with adjustment for the International Prognostic Index (≥ 3), Prognostic Index for PTCL-unspecified (≥ 3), and T cell score (≥ 2), high CAR remained a significant prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.04-7.86, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.33-6.64, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

CAR may play a complementary role in predicting prognosis in patients with PTCL, considering its simplicity, objectivity, and easy accessibility.

Emerging predictive biomarkers for novel therapeutics in peripheral T-cell and natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) are rare subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that are typically associated with poor treatment outcomes. Contemporary first-line treatment strategies generally involve the use of combination chemoimmunotherapy, radiation and/or stem cell transplant. Salvage options incorporate a number of novel agents including epigenetic therapies (e.g. HDAC inhibitors, DNMT inhibitors) as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, validated biomarkers to select patients for individualized precision therapy are presently lacking, resulting in high treatment failure rates, unnecessary exposure to drug toxicities, and missed treatment opportunities. Recent advances in research on the tumor and microenvironmental factors of PTCL and NKTCL, including alterations in specific molecular features and immune signatures, have improved our understanding of these diseases, though several issues continue to impede progress in clinical translation. In this Review, we summarize the progress and development of the current predictive biomarker landscape, highlight potential knowledge gaps, and discuss the implications on novel therapeutics development in PTCL and NKTCL.

Anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate therapy in lymphoma: current knowledge, remaining controversies, and future perspectives

CD30 is overexpressed in several lymphoma types, including classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), some peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), and some cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin targets CD30-positive cells and has been evaluated for the treatment of various lymphoma entities. This narrative review summarizes 10 years of experience with brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of CD30-positive lymphomas, discusses novel therapies targeting CD30 in development, and highlights remaining controversies relating to CD30-targeted therapy across lymphoma types. The collective body of evidence for brentuximab vedotin demonstrates that exploitation of CD30 can provide sustained benefits across a range of different CD30-positive lymphomas, in both clinical trials and real-world settings. Preliminary experience with brentuximab vedotin in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for relapsed/refractory cHL is encouraging, but further exploration is required. The optimal use of brentuximab vedotin for first-line therapy of PTCL remains to be determined. Further research is required on brentuximab vedotin treatment in high-risk patient populations, and in rare lymphoma subtypes, for which no standard of care exists. Novel therapies targeting CD30 include chimeric antigen receptor therapies and bispecific antibody T-cell engagers, which may be expected to further improve outcomes for patients with CD30-positive lymphomas in the coming years.