International expert consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) can affect children and adults with a wide variety of dinical manifestations, including unifocal, single-system multifocal, single-system pulmonary (smoking-associated), or multisystem disease. The existing paradigms in the management of LCH in adults are mostly derived from the pediatric literature. Over the last decade, the discovery of clonality and MAPK-ERK pathway mutations in most cases led to the recognition of LCH as a hematopoietic neoplasm, opening the doors for treatment with targeted therapies. These advances have necessitated an update of the existing recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of LCH in adults. This document presents consensus recommendations that resulted from the discussions at the annual Histiocyte Society meeting in 2019, encompassing clinical features, classification, diagnostic criteria, treatment algorithm, and response assessment for adults with LCH. The recommendations favor the use of F-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-based imaging for staging and response assessment in the majority of cases. Most adults with unifocal disease may be cured by local therapies, while the first-line treatment for single-system pulmonary LCH remains smoking cessation. Among patients not amenable or unresponsive to these treatments and/or have multifocal and multisystem disease, systemic treatments are recommended. Preferred systemic treatments in adults with LCH include cladribine or cytarabine, with the emerging role of targeted (BRAF and MEK inhibitor) therapies. Despite documented responses to treatments, many patients struggle with a high symptom burden from pain, fatigue, and mood disorders that should be acknowledged and managed appropriately.

Automated summary

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease that can affect children and adults, with various clinical manifestations. Recent research suggests that LCH can be considered as a hematopoietic neoplasm and can be treated with targeted therapies. Therefore, an update of the existing recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of LCH in adults is necessary. The use of F-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-based imaging is recommended for staging and response assessment in most cases. Local therapies may cure unifocal disease, while systemic treatments are recommended for patients with multifocal and multisystem disease. Appropriate management of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and mood disorders is important.