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Update on the Treatment of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

  • T-Cell and Other Lymphoproliferative Malignancies (J Zain, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Given the rarity of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), studies evaluating new therapies have typically grouped ALCL together with other peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL). Thus, the treatment paradigm for ALCL largely mirrors that of PTCL in general. In this review, we discuss the current standard of care as well as emerging therapies, including antibody-based drugs, in systemic ALCL as well as primary cutaneous and breast implant-associated ALCL.

Recent Findings

High CD30 expression in ALCL has allowed the use of brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate, in both systemic and primary cutaneous ALCL. Recent clinical trials with brentuximab have shown substantial activity in the relapsed/refractory setting. A randomized phase III study is ongoing comparing brentuximab plus CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) with standard CHOP in the front-line setting.

Summary

The use of targeted therapies and other novel agents have improved outcomes for ALCL patients and in the future can complement or even replace the current standard of care and front-line treatment options.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Khoan Vu

  2. Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, M1286, Box 0324, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0324, USA

    Weiyun Ai

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on T Cell and Other Lymphoproliferative Malignancies

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Vu, K., Ai, W. Update on the Treatment of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 13, 135–141 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-018-0436-z

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