Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and Timing of Local Radiation Therapy in Patients With Malignant Lymphoma: Results of the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Background/aim: Malignant lymphoma (ML) including Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often treated with local radiation therapy (RT) in combination with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to prevent relapse; however, the efficacy and optimal timing of this approach is unclear. In this study, a national survey conducted by the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group reviewed ML cases from 2011 to 2019 to determine whether RT should be added to ASCT, focusing on the use of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT), a predominant form of ASCT.

Patients and methods: The survey encompassed 92 patients from 11 institutes, and assessed histological ML types, treatment regimens, timing of RT relative to auto-PBSCT, and associated adverse events.

Results: The results indicated no significant differences in adverse events, including myelosuppression, based on the timing of RT in relation to auto-PBSCT. However, anemia was more prevalent when RT was administered before auto-PBSCT, and there was a higher incidence of neutropenia recovery delay in patients receiving RT after auto-PBSCT.

Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the variable practices of auto-PBSCT and local RT in ML treatment, emphasizing the need for optimized timing of these therapies to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

Keywords: Malignant lymphoma; autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation; local radiation therapy; myelosuppression.