The prognosis of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) has improved over the last decades. However, most patients with FL will eventually relapse. The management of FL is mainly determined by clinical stage and tumor burden. For localized-stage patients, an involved-field radiation therapy is recommended. For advanced-stage low tumor burden patients, watchful waiting remains the standard treatment, whereas rituximab monotherapy may be an alternative option. Immuno-chemotherapy combined with rituximab maintenance has been the standard care for patients with high tumor burden. Recently, the novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody obinutuzumab was approved for the treatment of FL. Obinutuzumab with chemotherapy followed by obinutuzumab maintenance is considered one of the standard therapeutic options. After relapse or progression, it is necessary to consider a treatment strategy based on several disease-related, treatment-related, and patient-related factors. During the last decade, the development of biological knowledge and use of molecularly targeted agents offer new therapeutic perspectives with chemo-free strategies. This review highlights the current standards for the treatment of FL.
Keywords: Follicular lymphoma; Immuno-chemotherapy; Obinutuzumab; Rituximab.