Treatment of elderly patients with mantle cell lymphoma

Treatment of elderly patients with a mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a challenge. High-dose cytarabine and autologous transplantation, both important components of the treatment in younger patients, are not feasible for most elderly patients. However, in fit elderly patients long progression-free survival and molecular remissions are possible. The regimen most commonly used is rituximab combined with an anthracycline-combination therapy, ie, R-CHOP. An alternative is rituximab combined with a purine analogue-containing regimen, ie, fludarabine with cyclophosphamide (R-FC). The results of a large randomized study comparing these two regimens are expected soon. Maintenance therapy with rituximab after induction improves progression-free survival. Relapse of lymphoma will occur in all patients, as cure of MCL is not yet achieved with standard therapy. Second-line treatment regimens with reasonable results are described. Treatment of the frail elderly patient and of patients after first relapse should aim at reducing symptoms and maintaining quality of life. It therefore should be individualized, and benefits and possible side effects should be carefully balanced. It is advised to include patients with MCL in clinical trials to obtain a better understanding of the value of different treatment options and new developments.