The management of mantle cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma remains a challenge for many oncologists. Unlike the more common follicular or diffuse-large B-cell lymphomas, there is a paucity of prospective controlled trials, and there are no standards for the management of these diseases. Practice patterns can vary considerably from center to center.
Heterogeneous in nature the management of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma all present complex clinical problems, requiring an ever evolving multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing that patient quality of life and survival are significantly improved when these cancers are detected early and treated appropriately.
This issue of Grand Rounds in Hematology covers a number of diverse topics related to the diagnosis and treatment of and T-cell lymphomas and highlights an evening educational session at the 2009 American Society of Hematology meeting in San Francisco. Several key opinion leaders in the field gathered to present their thoughts on a number of topics, including the pathophysiology of T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, current treatment options for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), treatment strategies for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome), an overview of the biology and treatment options for extranodal gastric marginal zone lymphomas of mucosalassociated lymphoid tissue (MALT), and fi nally approaches to the treatment of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL).
The management of multiple myeloma has changed dramatically over the past 2 decades. Testing of new treatment options continues at a rapid pace. The advances have resulted in improved survival rates not only in clinical trial participants, but these benefits have been applied to general practice and survival rates are improving in population-based studies as well. Although cure largely remains beyond a realistic prospect, durable control of disease is achievable in the majority of patients.