Lower 24-Month Relative Survival among Black Patients with Non- Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Analysis of the SEER Data 1997-2015

Background

Recent progress in the therapies used in patients with Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma has improved survival. The incidence has been reported to be decreasing in the last few years, accounting for 4% of all cancers. This study analyzed time trends for incidence, mortality, and prevalence of NHL.

Methods

We analyzed the SEER Cancer Database from 1997 to 2015. Join point regression analysis was used to determine age-adjusted incidence rates, 24-month relative survival rate, and to identify racial/ethnic groups with a lower survival.

Results

The trend in incidence of NHL decreased between 2008 and 2011 at an annual percentage change rate of 3.74%. The male predominance among NHL patients between 1997-2015 was 57%. The number of male patients affected with NHL has been similar in the last 20 years. Female predominance with NHL was higher in 1998 at 46 %, and lower in 2010 at 42.85%. The 24-month relative survival rate was higher among white patients as compared to black patients with NHL.

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrated that the incidence of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has decreased among minorities; however, the outcomes are inferior in terms of survival. This analysis showed an inferior 24-month relative survival rate among black patients compared with white patients. This analysis demonstrates the need for further research in NHL to determine the biological differences and social factors that influence the lower survival among black patients with NHL.

Diagnostic Dilemma: An Unusual Case of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma Manifesting as Bone Marrow Non-Caseating Granuloma

We present here a rare and unusual presentation of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with non-necrotizing granuloma of bone marrow. We did not find any case reports of such case in our literature search. A 77-year-old man presented with shortness of breath, generalized weakness, fatigue and weight loss. Laboratory data revealed elevated white count, low platelets and anemia. Imaging studies revealed generalized lymphadenopathy. A bone marrow biopsy showed hypercellular marrow with non-caseating granuloma which was non-diagnostic and lymph node biopsy showed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified

The peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS) belongs to a heterogeneous class of aggressive neoplasms. Although several morphologic subtypes of this tumor have been described, no particular genetic, immunological, or distinct clinical features define this disease. Patients can experience night sweats, fever, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, splenomegaly, and/or skin changes. Common laboratory tests reveal that patients have anemia, thrombocytosis, lymphocytosis, eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia, or increased lactate dehydrogenase. In this case study, a patient presented with massive lymphadenopathy and right lower limb swelling, which he developed over 6 weeks. A tissue biopsy and supporting investigations confirmed the diagnosis of PTCL, NOS.

Is now the time for molecular driven therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma?

INTRODUCTION

Recent genetic and molecular discoveries regarding alterations in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) deeply changed the approach to this lymphoproliferative disorder. Novel additional predictors of outcomes and new therapeutic strategies are being introduced to improve outcomes. Areas covered: This review aims to analyse the recent molecular discoveries in DLBCL, the rationale of novel molecular driven treatments and their impact on DLBCL prognosis, especially in ABC-DLBCL and High Grade B Cell Lymphoma. Pre-clinical and clinical evidences are reviewed to critically evaluate the novel DLBCL management strategies. Expert commentary: New insights in DLBCL molecular characteristics should guide the therapeutic approach; the results of the current studies which are investigating safety and efficacy of novel 'X-RCHOP' will probably lead, in future, to a cell of origin (COO) based upfront therapy. Moreover, it is necessary to identify early patients with DLBCL who carried MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements double hit lymphomas (DHL) because they should not receive standard R-CHOP but high intensity treatment as reported in many retrospective studies. New prospective trials are needed to investigate the more appropriate treatment of DHL.

Clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: analysis of web-based data from the Korean Lymphoma Working Party Registry

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to survey the clinical spectrum of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in terms of epidemiology, pathologic subtypes, stage, and prognostic index as well as treatment outcomes.

METHODS

In 2007-2008, 13 university hospitals evenly distributed in the Korean peninsula contributed to the online registry of DLBCL at www.lymphoma.or.kr and filed a total of 1,665 cases of DLBCL recorded since 1990.

RESULTS

Our analysis showed a higher prevalence of DLBCL in male than in female individuals (M:F=958:707), and extranodal disease was more common than primary nodular disease (53% vs. 47%). Among the 1,544 patients who had been treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or rituximab-CHOP (R-CHOP) therapy with or without radiation, 993 (63.9%) were alive, with 80% free of disease, 417 were dead (26.8%), with 13% free of disease, and 144 (9.3%) were lost to follow-up, with 23% free of disease. Age below 60 years, stage at diagnosis, international prognostic index (IPI) score regardless of age, and addition of rituximab to CHOP therapy in low- and low-intermediate-risk groups according to IPI scores significantly increased survival duration.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiology, clinical spectrum, and biological behavior of DLBCL in Korea are similar to those observed in Western countries, and the advent of rituximab improved survival.