[Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma]

The prognosis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) used to be poor and this lymphoma was one of the most difficult lymphoma subtypes to treat. However, in recent years, novel treatment strategies have been applied, and the prognosis has greatly improved. Simultaneous chemoradiotherapy is currently regarded as the standard for nasal ENKL limited at most to neck lymph nodes. For advanced or relapsed ENKL. L-Asparaginase containing regimen such as SMILE or AspaMetDex is recommended. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is also recommended for such advanced, relapsed or refractory patients. For all patients with ENKL, fragmented Epstein-Barr virus-DNA in blood is a good indicator of tumor burden and can predict tumor response and adverse reaction by chemotherapy. By using these appropriate strategies, the ENKL is currently recognized as a lymphoma subtype with intermediate prognosis. Further studies are thus warranted for this particular lymphoma.