Long-term outcome after autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with recurrent follicular lymphoma

Thirty-five consecutive patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) receiving SCT at our institution between January 2000 and December 2010 were included in this study. At the time of presentation, 30 (86%) had advanced stage disease and 25 (71%) received three or more chemotherapy regimens prior to transplantation. In all, 12 (34%) patients were in complete response pre-SCT following salvage therapy. At the time of analysis (median follow-up 6 years from diagnosis and 4 years from transplantation), 24 patients were alive with an estimated 5-year OS and PFS of 66.5 and 53%, respectively. OS and PFS in patients receiving auto-SCT (91.7%, 73.3%) were superior compared with patients receiving allo-SCT (53.9%, 43%). Our data support early use of auto-SCT in patients with FL and suggest the need to improve allo-SCT outcome. Integrating novel agents in a combined modality approach may improve long-term outcome in FL.