Autologous bone marrow transplantation for low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: The European Bone Marrow Transplant Group experience

Summary Background Influenced by successful results treating intermediate- and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), high-dose therapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) is increasingly applied in low-grade NHL. However, the published data are limited. Patients and methods In the European Bone Marrow Transplant Group (EBMT) Registry 92 patients with low-grade NHL treated with ABMT could be identified. Results The overall progression-free survival was 52% at 5 years with a median follow-up of 19 months. Patients with a complete remission or responsive disease at ABMT had a better outcome. There was no benefit for patients transplanted with either total body irradiation in the conditioning regimen or a purged autograft. Conclusions Although the median follow-up is short, the data are very promising and warrant a randomized trial analyzing the value of high-dose therapy and purging in low-grade NHL.