Background: Multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP) results from gastrointestinal involvement by a B-cell lymphoma that originates from the mantle zone of lymphoid follicles. This well described clinicopathologic entity has a poor prognosis: the rate of complete response after conventional chemotherapy is very low. High dose radiochemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), which is one of the most intensive treatments of lymphoma, to the authors' knowledge has not been evaluated in the treatment of MLP.
Methods: Four consecutive patients with MLP were treated with high dose radiochemotherapy and ASCT while they were in partial response after conventional chemotherapy.
Results: Three patients achieved a complete clinical and histologic response and one achieved a complete clinical resolution of symptoms, but with persistent histologic lesions. Progression free survival ranged from 11 to 35 months.
Conclusions: Autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with MLP is feasible and may be more effective than conventional chemotherapy. However, further studies are needed to assess the actual place of this type of treatment in the management of MLP.