Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Remains an Effective Strategy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma in a Brazilian Real-world Cohort
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains a consolidation strategy in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), although recent studies have questioned its role in the era of targeted therapies. However, in settings with heterogeneous access to treatment, such as Brazil, ASCT may still influence real-world outcomes. We evaluated the impact of ASCT, treatment intensity, access to therapy, and differences between public and private healthcare systems in Brazilian patients with MCL. Clinical data from 229 patients included in the Brazilian MCL registry were analyzed. After exclusion of cases with insufficient data or rapidly progressive disease, 198 patients were stratified into three groups: first-line ASCT (ASCT group), ASCT-ineligible patients (>70 years; ineligible group), and transplant-eligible patients who did not undergo ASCT (non-ASCT group). Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for the overall cohort were 52.8 and 21.0 months, respectively. Median OS was 98.4, 47.4, and 41.8 months for the ASCT, ineligible, and non-ASCT groups, respectively. Median PFS was 36.0, 16.4, and 15.2 months. The ASCT group showed superior OS and PFS compared to the other groups (P=0.019 and P<0.001). Among non-transplanted patients, high-intensity chemotherapy did not improve OS or PFS compared to conventional regimens. In contrast, ASCT was associated with superior OS and PFS versus non-transplanted patients (OS: 98.4 vs. 43.6 months, P=0.008; PFS: 36.0 vs. 16.4 months, P=0.044). Preliminary analyses suggest favorable response to induction therapy as the main reason for not proceeding to ASCT, followed by early disease progression. Updated analyses with additional patients and reasons for ASCT omission will be presented at the congress.
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223108197