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This letter to the editor discusses a study that compared the effectiveness and safety of two chemotherapy regimens, R-DHAOx and R-DHAC, in patients with certain types of lymphoma. The study included 88 adult patients from four French centers and analyzed outcomes such as overall survival, progression-free survival, and relapse rates. The results showed that while there was no significant difference in overall survival and progression-free survival between the two regimens, R-DHAC was associated with a lower incidence of relapse and seemed more beneficial for long-term remission. The choice of regimen may depend on the toxicity profile and subsequent treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

Aggressive CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CD30+CTCL) are associated with unfavorable prognosis. Anthracycline-based polychemotherapy (CHOP) and brentuximab-vedotin (BV) monotherapy are related to poor outcomes in case of extracutaneous involvement or rapidly-progressing disease. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of BV + CHP in aggressive CD30+CTCL. We included 7 patients treated with BV + CHP from April 2015 to January 2022: 4 had mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation, 2 had primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, and 1 harbored a primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8-positive T-cell lymphoma. After a median [IQR] follow-up of 17.2 [13.2–21.0] months, 6/7 patients achieved an ORR lasting ≥4 months. The median [IQR] duration of response was 9.5 [5.9–11.1] months and the median [IQR] progression free survival was 14.9 [11.6–16.4] months. Four patients displayed progression with a median (range) time to next treatment of 15.8 (6.5–16.3) months. Two grade-3 adverse events were reported: febrile neutropenia and thromboembolic event. BV + CHP displayed substantial antitumor activity and favorable safety profile in 7 patients with aggressive CD30+CTCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor flare reaction associated with lenalidomide treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia predicts clinical response. Here, we provide a detailed analysis of 6 cases of pseudoprogression after CAR T-cell infusion, and the 6 patients represent approximately 5% of patients treated with CAR T-cells at our center at the time of the study. Early PET-CT evaluation has the possibility of false-positive patients and can be used to propose salvage therapy, whereas these patients may be spontaneously in the metabolic response at M1. A. Timeline showing tumor flare reaction timing after CAR T-cell infusion, CAR T-cell toxicities and management, and response status. [Extracted from the article]

This phase I/II study assessed the combination of brentuximab vedotin (BV) with ifosfamide-carboplatin-etoposide (ICE) as a second-line therapy in refractory/relapsed (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients. Phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BV (10 patients) and phase II evaluated the rate of complete metabolic response (CMR) after 2 cycles of BV-ICE (42 patients). There were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) during phase I recommending BV 1.8 mg/kg for phase II. Twenty-six patients (61.9%) achieved CMR after 2 cycles of BV-ICE and 37 patients (88%) were transplanted. With a median follow-up of 38 months, the 3-year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rate were 64.3% and 100%, respectively. Hematological toxicities (81%) and infections (21%) were the most frequent adverse event encountered BV-ICE regimen is feasible with manageable toxicities and could be an alternative to other salvage treatments. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02686346 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of second autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT2) for patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) after a first transplantation (ASCT1). Outcomes for 56 patients receiving an ASCT2 registered in the EBMT database were analyzed. The 4-year cumulative incidences of non-relapse mortality and disease relapse/progression were 5% and 67%, respectively. The 4-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 62% and 28%. In univariate analysis, relapse of HL within 12 months of ASCT1 was associated with a worse OS (35% versus 76%, p = 0.01) and PFS (19% versus 29%, p = 0.059). Chemosensitivity at ASCT2 predicted better outcomes (4-year OS 72% versus 29%, p = 0.002; PFS 31% versus 12%, p = 0.015). This series shows that ASCT2 is a safe procedure and a relatively effective option for patients with late relapses after ASCT1 and with chemosensitive disease who are not eligible for an allogeneic transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited data support the use of bendamustine in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of bendamustine in 28 patients with refractory HL or relapsed HL after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) used as part of a compassionate use program. The median number of therapies before bendamustine was 5 (3-8). ASCT and non-myeloablative allogeneic transplant were previously performed for 25 and six patients, respectively. The median number of bendamustine cycles administered was 3 (1-12). The objective response rate was 50% with complete response (CR) in 29% of patients. The median progression-free survival was 5.7 months, and 10.2 months in patients with CR. During the first six cycles, two patients had a febrile neutropenia and four patients had grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. Bendamustine was effective in these highly pretreated patients with HL. It might be used earlier in the treatment strategy of HL and in combination with other active drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with FCGR2A and FCGR3A polymorphisms in classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

AbstractPurposeMethodFindingsInterpretationImplications for psychosocial providers or policyThis study questions the quality of life of young to mid-life hematology patients during lockdowns in France.Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2022.Thematic content analysis identified three main themes: (1) regulating fear of COVID-19 during the health crisis, (2) maintaining relationships and fostering social support during the pandemic, and (3) removing the stigma of cancer with COVID-19: a positive factor for patients’ quality of life.Study participants experienced the restrictions imposed on the entire population in the face of COVID-19 in various ways, including positive events. In fact, for some, the lockdown situation allowed them to better “fit in” and feel less stigmatized because of their patient status. Indeed, lifestyles specific to them became common barrier gestures to the whole population.The results underline the importance of broadening the communication fields and fostering psychosocial skills in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses a study which aims to analyze the incidence of pneumonitis on patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) following the immunochemotherapy with rituximab. Information regarding the use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in chemotherapy, progression of disease, and the use of interstitial pneumonitis (IP) after immunochemotherapy on patients, are discussed.