High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a retrospective comparison with non-transplantation cases

To determine the role of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation ( HDC/ASCT) in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma patients, we conducted a retrospective analysis. In our previous study, we searched for patients who had received HDC/ASCT and identified 16 eligible patients and compared the treatment outcome with historical control group ( n = 246). Nine patients received HDC/ASCT in the first ( CR1) or second complete remission ( CR2), while seven patients received HDC/ASCT as salvage. Twelve of 16 patients achieved or maintained CR after HDC/ASCT. Among the 12 patients, five patients relapsed. Estimated 2-year overall survival ( OS) and relapse-free survival ( RFS) rates were 71.3 +/- 712.4% and 25.8 +/- 714.3%, respectively. There was a tendency of better survival in patients who received HDC/ASCT as compared to those who did not ( P=0.091). In subset analysis, patients who underwent HDC/ASCT at CR ( P=0.049) and patients with stage III or IV ( P=0.001) had a favorable outcome. Patients with NKIPI 3,4 or EUNKTL, who underwent HDC/ASCT had more prolonged survival without statistical significance ( P=0.055 and 0.056). In conclusion, HDC/ASCT may be considered as a treatment option for patients with extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, especially those in CR, with advanced disease ( stage III/IV or EUNKTL) and high NKIPI scores.