Mucosal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma in Southeast Asia: A 15-Year Retrospective Multicenter Study

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Marginal-zone lymphoma (MZL) is a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
• Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma represents the most frequent subtype of MZL.
• Understanding the epidemiology and prognostic factors of MALT lymphoma is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of MALT lymphoma.
• To identify survival rates and prognostic factors associated with MALT lymphoma.
• To establish a risk stratification for MALT lymphoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Data from the Thai Lymphoma Study Group (TLSG) registry were analyzed.
• Included demographic, therapeutic, and survival data from 670 MALT lymphoma patients.
• Multivariate analysis identified predictors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Main Results:

• MALT lymphoma constituted 77.8% of MZL cases in the cohort.
• Common primary sites included ocular adnexa (49.2%), stomach (12.9%), and sinonasal region (12.5%).
• ECOG performance status > 2, age > 65, and involvement of >2 extranodal organs were significant adverse prognostic factors. Patients with no risk factors had significantly better 5-year PFS (83.3%) and OS (97.8%) compared to high-risk patients.

Conclusions:

• MALT lymphoma is the predominant subtype of MZL in this Thai cohort.
• A simple risk classification based on ECOG status, age, and extranodal involvement can predict outcomes.
• Risk-stratified management may improve outcomes for MALT lymphoma patients.