Update on the Treatment of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Given the rarity of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), studies evaluating new therapies have typically grouped ALCL together with other peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL). Thus, the treatment paradigm for ALCL largely mirrors that of PTCL in general. In this review, we discuss the current standard of care as well as emerging therapies, including antibody-based drugs, in systemic ALCL as well as primary cutaneous and breast implant-associated ALCL.

High CD30 expression in ALCL has allowed the use of brentuximab vedotin, an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate, in both systemic and primary cutaneous ALCL. Recent clinical trials with brentuximab have shown substantial activity in the relapsed/refractory setting. A randomized phase III study is ongoing comparing brentuximab plus CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) with standard CHOP in the front-line setting. The use of targeted therapies and other novel agents have improved outcomes for ALCL patients and in the future can complement or even replace the current standard of care and front-line treatment options.