title: Stem cell transplantation as a biological therapy for peripheral T-cell lymphomas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in which conventional chemotherapy has been characterized by poor outcomes when compared with most aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Autologous, and to a lesser extent allogeneic, hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) have been advocated as potential means to improve and consolidate remissions in PTCL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Given the absence of large-scale randomized clinical controlled trials of transplantation for PTCL, we review existing data addressing the role and timing of HSCT in PTCL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A detailed overview of the available data of overall and progression-free survival associated with HSCT in PTCL with discussion of existing studies, data on determinants of HSCT outcome in PTCL, and future directions for research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The optimal roles and timing of HSCT in PTCL remain unclear. Accordingly, clinicians are encouraged to register their patients in PTCL registry studies and enroll them in clinical trials investigating the role of HSCT. Risk-adapted treatment strategies utilizing identified prognostic parameters may provide future means for identifying the optimal use of HSCT for patients with PTCL, but additional studies are needed before such approaches can be routinely applied.
authors.affiliation: Mercer University, Hematology Oncology Care of Central Georgia, Department of Internal Medicine, Macon, Georgia 31201, USA.
authors.forename: Abeer N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Abouyabis
authors.forename: Pareen J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Shenoy
authors.forename: Mary Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lechowicz
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Flowers
mesh_terms: D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016399:Lymphoma, T-Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome