BACKGROUND: Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL-US) is one of the entities from the infrequent family of nodal mature T-cell lymphomas. The clinical course is aggressive, and despite multiagent chemotherapy, the median survival is about 2 years. Published data are limited to retrospective, mostly single-center studies or reviews and usually include more lymphoma subtypes. AIM: To evaluate the current treatment modalities, clinical outcome and prognostic factors in unselected, new diagnosed patients with PTCL-US in the population of the central european region (Czech Republic). METHOD: Czech Lymphoma Study Group is a national scientific organization which provides an on-line database registry which collects a data about almost all new diagnosed lymphoma patients since year 2000. All diagnostic biopsies were reviewed by a reference pathologist. RESULTS: We analyzed 63 patients with new diagnosis of PTCL-US. The median age was 59 years (25-81), chemotherapy (CHT) was administered in 56 of the 63 patients: anthracyclin-based CHT in 51%, intensive CHT in 21% and non-anthracyclin regimen was applied in 13% of the patients. The overall response rate was 74.4%, (CR in 57.4%). After a median follow-up of 19.6 months, 41% of the patients were in CR, 3.4% in PR or stable disease and 55% of the patients died. The estimated survival probability in 3 years was 36%. Clinical stage (IV) and CR achievement were found to be independent survival predictors in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the current treatment modalities are mostly ineffective in PTCL-US, appropriate intensive treatment may lead to prolonged remission but not survival.

Czech Lymphoma Study Group Charles University General Hospital Prague

Department of Hemato oncology University Hospital Olomouc

Department of Medical Biophysics Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Palacky University Olomouc

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