Document Type

Letter to the Editor

Publication Date

4-1-2012

Publication Title

American Journal of Hematology

Abstract

In patients with recurrent Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can offer potential for cure or long-term remission. Because of potential toxicity, elderly patients are usually not considered candidates, but data regarding tolerability and efficacy in this group are lacking. The transplant database at Weill Cornell Medical College was reviewed to identify patients with lymphoma undergoing ASCT at age 69 or greater. Clinical data and comorbidities were correlated with outcome. Twenty-one patients were identified. Sixteen of 19 evaluable patients (76%) achieved complete remission following ASCT, while 2 patients died before response assessment. Median progression-free survival following ASCT was 8 months and median overall survival was 18 months. Age was not predictive of overall survival, but patients 75 and older had inferior progression-free survival compared to younger patients. High-risk status by hematopoietic stem cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) was associated with short overall survival and high transplant-related mortality. ASCT is feasible and of potential benefit in selected elderly lymphoma patients. Consideration of comorbidities, rather than age alone, may allow selection of patients likely to tolerate and benefit from ASCT.

DOI

10.1002/ajh.23108

Version

Postprint

Volume

87

Issue

4

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