Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: Still the Standard for Fit Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare malignancy, comprising fewer than 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. It is a heterogeneous disease, and although most patients experience an aggressive clinical course, some have a more indolent disease and may not require immediate therapy. There are currently few reliable prognostic markers, making it difficult to accurately predict which patients require early intensive treatment. We argue that consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation in first remission remains the standard of care for the young and fit patient population, based on long-term data from phase II and III trials demonstrating that early transplantation extends both progression-free and overall survival. Novel targeted agents are currently being investigated in both the upfront and relapse settings, but to date there are few data to suggest durable treatment responses that compare favorably with results of transplantation.