High-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation

Results of conventional or high-dose chemotherapy for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) are unsatisfactory, leaving a potential role for autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. There are a number of retrospective studies and a few prospective studies on autologous transplantation for first-line PTCL treatment. Studies show that autologous transplant is feasible in relapsed and previously untreated patients, and efficacy is comparable to results in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Allogeneic transplant may also have a role in relapsed PTCL, especially in the context of reduced-intensity conditioning, which has decreased nonrelapse mortality. However, it is unclear whether there is a role for allogeneic transplant as a frontline treatment option.