Palliative Radiotherapy for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2021 Oct;21(10):650-658. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.05.007. Epub 2021 May 19.

Abstract

Recent improvements in chemoimmunotherapies, targeted agents, hematopoietic stem cell transplants, and cellular therapies have revolutionized treatment paradigms for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Even in the relapsed or refractory setting, contemporary treatment options are delivered with curative intent and can lead to lasting remissions. Although such therapies have improved overall outcomes, they have increasingly led to a wide variety of presentations of recurrent tumors in need of palliation. Here, we review the use of radiotherapy (RT) in the palliation of DLBCL. We draw particular attention to the evolving role for hypofractionated RT and low-dose RT for DLBCL. We review the available literature on these topics and focus on commonly encountered clinical scenarios.

Keywords: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; Lymphoma; Palliation; Palliative radiotherapy; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / mortality
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / radiotherapy*
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Progression-Free Survival