Twenty Years of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Single Portuguese Center Experience.
BACKGROUND
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can be cured in 60% - 70% of patients. Autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard treatment for relapsed disease. This high-intensity treatment after first complete remission in patients with high International Prognostic Index remains controversial and was performed in our department during some years.


METHODS
Retrospective study, review of clinical records.


RESULTS
This study evaluates the outcome of 113 patients transplanted between 1992 and 2012. Considering status before transplantation patients were divided in groups: a) first complete remission after 1 line of chemotherapy (n = 64); b) first complete remission after ≥ two chemotherapy lines (n = 15); c) second complete remission (n = 15); d) more advanced diseased (n = 19). Chemotherapy used in first line therapy was mainly R-CHOP (n = 71) and CHOP (n = 28). The median follow-up of patients still alive was 34 months (1 - 221). At five years, overall survival was 73% (± 5) and disease free survival was 75% (± 5).


CONCLUSIONS
Conventional chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant is a safe and efficient option for selected patients. In our series 70% high-risk patients were free from disease with this strategy.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
Margarida
M
Dantas Brito
Bone Marrow Transplantation Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
Fernando
F
Campilho
Bone Marrow Transplantation Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
Rosa
R
Branca
Bone Marrow Transplantation Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
Carlos
C
Vaz
Celular Therapy Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
Susana
S
Roncon
Bone Marrow Transplantation Service. Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto. Porto.
António
A
Campos
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D064592:Autografts; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult