Characteristics, treatment patterns, prognostic determinants and outcome of peripheral T cell lymphoma and natural killer/T cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in older patients: The result of the nationwide multi-institutional registry Thai Lymphoma Study Group

• Main Authors: Kitsada Wudhikarn, Udomsak Bunworasate, Jakrawadee Julamanee, Arnuparp Lekhakula, Supachai Ekwattanakit, Archrob Khuhapinant, Suporn Chuncharunee, Pimjai Niparuck, Tontanai Numbenjapon, Kannadit Prayongratana, Nonglak Kanitsap, Somchai Wongkhantee, Nisa Makruasi, Peerapon Wong, Lalita Norasetthada, Weerasak Nawarawong, Chittima Sirijerachai, Kanchana Chansung, Tawatchai Suwanban, Pannee Praditsuktavorn, Tanin Intragumtornchai
• Format: Journal
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Medicine
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85063582476&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/65840
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

© 2019 Introduction: Peripheral T cell NHL (PTCL) and natural killer/T cell NHL (NKTCL) are relatively rare disorders. Data on clinical presentation, treatment and outcome are limited especially in older age groups. Methods: We identified 127 patients with PTCL and NKTCL, excluding cutaneous T/NK cell lymphoma, aged over 60 years old from Thailand nationwide multicenter registry. Results: Of 127 patients, median age of diagnosis was 67 years old. Patients aged older than 75 years old had similar characteristics to younger (60–74 years old) but higher comorbidity index. Seventy-nine patients (62.2%) received intensive/definite multi-agent chemotherapy, however, the proportion was significant lower in older patients (70.4% vs 34.5%, p <.001). After a median follow up duration of 17.3 months, 2-year progression free survival and overall survival were 38.1% and 48.5%. Univariate and multivariable analysis demonstrated older age, poor performance status and absence of definite multi-agent chemotherapy were associated with inferior survival. Definite multi-agent lymphoma specific chemotherapy was an independent factor for overall survival after adjustment for age, comorbidity index, performance status and prognostic index for T cell lymphoma. Conclusion: Despite overall poor prognosis of PTCL and NKTCL in older adults, chemotherapy could result in objective response and long-term survival in selected patients of this vulnerable age group thus emphasizing the importance of comprehensive geriatric evaluation.