Follicular lymphoma: an Institutional Analysis

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common adult lymphoma in Western countries, accounting for 20% of cases.
• Limited data exists on FL specifically within the Indian population.
• This study addresses the need for more information on FL in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinico-pathological profile of follicular lymphoma patients in India.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes and identify prognostic factors for survival.
• To contribute the largest single-institute dataset on FL from India.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 181 FL patients treated between 1996 and 2012.
• Evaluation of clinico-pathological features, treatment regimens, and survival data.
• Application of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) for risk stratification.

Main Results:

• The median age of patients was 51 years, with 120 males and 61 females.
• Common presentations included lymphadenopathy (71%), fatigue (23%), and fever (20%).
• Ann Arbor stages III and IV constituted 58% of cases; 80% received treatment, with CHOP and CVP being common regimens. Overall response rate was 70%, complete remission 35%. Median overall survival was 5.5 years.
• High-risk FLIPI scores and failure to achieve complete remission were significant predictors of poor overall survival.

Conclusions:

• Follicular lymphoma constitutes 9% of adult lymphomas in this Indian cohort.
• A majority of patients (80%) presented with advanced stage (III/IV) disease.
• High-risk FLIPI and failure to achieve complete remission are critical prognostic variables impacting overall survival in Indian FL patients.