Lymphopenia as a prognostic factor in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified

Leuk Lymphoma. 2010 Oct;51(10):1822-8. doi: 10.3109/10428194.2010.508189.

Abstract

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCLU) is the most common T-cell lymphoma variant. The molecular heterogeneity of PTCLU is reflected by a diverse clinical course. Several prognostic factors have been studied, but further refinement is needed. The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the presence of lymphopenia, defined as a lymphocyte count of<1000 cells/mm³, as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with PTCLU. Sixty-nine cases with a pathological diagnosis of PTCLU were included in our analysis. Lymphopenia was seen in 38% of the patients and was statistically associated with a worse response to chemotherapy. In univariate analysis, lymphopenia, IPI score>2, and Prognostic Index for PTCLU (PIT) score>2 were associated with a worse overall survival. In multivariate analysis, lymphopenia and a PIT score>2 were the only independent poor prognostic factors, implying an important role of the patient's immune system in both response to therapy and survival.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / classification
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / pathology*
  • Lymphopenia / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult