Stem cell transplantation for peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) consist of many subtypes with variable clinical presentation. Long-term prognosis of most subtypes is unfavorable and novel therapeutic approaches are needed. This review attempts to summarize what is known on the feasibility and efficacy of high-dose therapy supported by stem cell transplantation (SCT) in PTCL. In patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL, the outcome of autologous SCT (ASCT) seems to be comparable to that of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Although excellent treatment results have been encountered with ASCT in patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the superiority of this approach over chemotherapy alone needs confirmation in randomized studies. In less favorable subtypes (e.g. alk-negative ALCL, PTCL not otherwise specified, enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma) high-dose consolidation of the first remission should be studied in prospective trials. Minimal experience is currently available on allogeneic SCT in patients with PTCL. Given the high relapse rate after ASCT in high-risk patients and potential for graft-vs.-lymphoma effect, also this approach should be studied. Due to rarity of PTCL, international collaboration is mandatory in order to study the various aspects of SCT in this patient population.