Next Steps in Front-Line Treatment of Lymphoma: The Road Ahead

Prof Zelenetz opened the symposium on the evolving front-line treatment options for follicular lymphoma (FL) and discussed the potential of novel agents to replace chemotherapy. Prof Zelenetz presented the heterogeneity of diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (DLBCL) with regard to the diagnosis and subtypes of DLBCL to describe the specificity of new agents towards certain DLBCL subgroups, whilst Prof Dreyling spoke about the current diagnosis and treatment pathways for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and briefly described recent trial results. The final presenter, Prof Coiffier, discussed the lack of efficacy of front-line chemotherapy regimens for peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL), and highlighted potential new treatments based upon CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). He then addressed the use of transplantation for first-line and refractory disease, and called for research to optimise therapy using existing agents.