Introduction: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for approximately 30-40% of all in different geographic regions [Cancer Causes Control 2019;30(5):489-99], while its clinical data from Asian countries in recent years are lacking. It is unclear whether outcomes and disease natural history is similar to reported series with numbers of new drugs come out to be used [Haematologica 2016;101(10):1244-50].

Methods: In this retrospective study, we investigated the pathology, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of patients with newly-diagnosed DLBCL.

Results: Three hundred and three patients with DLBCL diagnosed between January 2010 and October 2022 were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 65 years, and 55% were males. Eighty-two patients (27%) had stage I/II disease and were treated with combined chemotherapy (n=71), BTK inhibitor combined with chemotherapy (n=7) or lenalidomide combined with chemotherapy (n=4). Two hundred and twenty-one patients (73%) had stage III/IV disease and were treated with combined chemotherapy (n=167), BTK inhibitor combined with chemotherapy (n=44) or lenalidomide combined with chemotherapy (n=10). The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 47 months. Patients with stage I/II disease, compared to those with stage III/IV disease, had superior 2-year progression free survival (PFS) 55% vs 24% (P = 0.03) and overall survival (OS) 55% vs. 21% (P= 0.002). Outcomes were significantly different between stage III/IV patients who received combined chemotherapy vs. BTK inhibitor combined with chemotherapy with 2-year PFS (17% vs. 55%; P= 0.001) and OS (14% vs. 61%; P= 0.04). No significant differences in outcomes were noted based on gender or EBER positive/negative.

Conclusions: This series represents the experience of DLBCL treated at our center. Our data are consistent with multi-center studies. Further research is necessary to identify more pathological markers, IPI score, CD4+ lymphocyte and the ratio of neutrophils/lymphocytes.

Disclosures

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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2024
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