A patient with plasmablastic lymphoma achieving long-term complete remission after thalidomide-dexamethasone induction and double autologous stem cell transplantation: a case report
Alessandro Broccoli,
Laura Nanni,
Vittorio Stefoni,
Claudio Agostinelli,
Lisa Argnani,
Michele Cavo,
Pier Luigi Zinzani
Affiliations
Alessandro Broccoli
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Laura Nanni
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Vittorio Stefoni
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Claudio Agostinelli
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Lisa Argnani
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Michele Cavo
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Pier Luigi Zinzani
Institute of Haematology “L. e A. Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna
Abstract Background No standard of care is established for plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) and prognosis remains extremely poor, given that patients relapse early after chemotherapy and display resistance to commonly applied cytostatic drugs. Case presentation We report a case of nodal, HIV-unrelated PBL in a patient who achieved and maintained a very long lasting complete remission after an intensive therapy consisting consisting of thalidomide plus dexamethasone followed by a consolidation with double autologous stem cell transplantation. Our approach was based on the full application of a standard multiple myeloma treatment and, to the best of our knowledge, it represents the only reported experience so far. This treatment was overall well tolerated. Conclusions Multiple myeloma-like treatment may represent a possible alternative to intensive lymphoma-directed therapies.
