Management of peripheral T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas are an uncommon and heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that are noted for their particularly poor prognosis. Their rarity has resulted in few data being available to allow formulation of optimal treatment approaches. There remains no widely accepted standard therapy. A new and increasing interest in studying these lymphomas is leading to advances in our understanding, which is widening options for management.

Historically, peripheral T-cell lymphomas were treated with strategies borrowed from management of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Investigators have recognized the inadequacy of these approaches, and we are beginning to receive results, often preliminary, of studies specifically designed to evaluate T-cell lymphomas. These range from transplantation approaches, to better prognostic schemes and to attempts at molecular characterization, and new drugs are being developed specifically for their activity against T-cell lymphomas.

Research in T-cell lymphomas is still mainly preliminary and studies tend to be small. Nonetheless, our understanding of these disorders is increasing, and data on new and hopefully better approaches are emerging.