Predictors of delay in diagnosis and treatment in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and impact on survival

There is a paucity of data on the impact of diagnostic and treatment delays on outcomes in haematological malignancies, particularly in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Our database of patients treated for DLBCL between 2002 and 2010 was interrogated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between sociodemographic or disease-specific variables and delays. Cox Regression analysis was used to discern the impact of delays on survival. Patients (n = 278) waited a median of 4 weeks before seeking medical attention. It took a median of 8 weeks for a non-haematology physician to diagnose DLBCL and refer to a haematologist. A median of 3 weeks elapsed between specialist consultation and chemotherapy initiation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, bone marrow involvement [odds ratio (OR) = 0·41, P = 0·018], Charlson comorbidity index (OR = 1·42, P = 0·017) and urgent inpatient chemotherapy (OR = 0·40, P = 0·012) were associated with diagnostic delays >6 weeks. Lack of pathological diagnosis at the time of haematology referral was the only factor that independently predicted for treatment delays >4 weeks (OR = 8·25, P < 0·01). Diagnostic or treatment delays did not impact survival or progression-free survival. In conclusion, selected disease and patient-related factors are associated with delays in management of DLBCL, but do not impact outcomes.