Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the world. Clinically, biologically, and pathologically, DLBCL is a heterogeneous entity with a range of potential outcomes. Immunochemotherapy regimens, consisting of the chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, have improved the outcomes. Relapsed DLBCL is generally treated with salvage immunochemotherapy followed by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation; however, DLBCL is not yet curable in up to a third of patients. The real promise for cure lies in novel agents and their rational combinations. The improved understanding of DLBCL subtypes and gene expression profiling has led to the identification of targeted drugs that may allow for subtype specific therapy. We have summarized the existing data on the prognostic factors and the treatment of DLBCL, including the use of novel agents such as lenalidomide, carfilzomib, and ibrutinib. We also share our thoughts on the direction of future clinical trials.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 541-556 |
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Journal | Annals of Hematology |
| Volume | 93 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgments This manuscript has been approved by philanthropy funding for Edward E. Crutchfield and Thomas Hunter III. This work was supported by the China Scholarship Council, National Nature Science Foundation of China (81372883, 81001052), Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, China (2011B031800222), Young Talents Project of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (to Cai Qingqing), Young Talents Project of Sun Yat-sen University (to Cai Qingqing).
Keywords
- Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
- Immunochemotherapy
- Novel biological agents
- Rituximab
