Radioimmunotherapy in follicular lymphoma: An update

摘要

Treatment planning and recommendations for newly diagnosed FL must take into account the patient's presenting stage, histologic grade, Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score, as well as the presence of referable symptoms. The newly diagnosed patient who presents with no significant symptoms and favorable prognostic features can be monitored without immediate treatment. This "expectant observation" approach is predicated upon the incurability of disease for the vast majority of patients, coupled with the potential toxicities associated with treatment in a patient who is otherwise feeling well. However, well-tolerated targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibody therapy, immunotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy (RIT), are challenging this traditional paradigm. It is also important to note that although a significant percentage of patients will not require immediate therapy, individual patient characteristics impact the degree to which referable symptoms warrant treatment. What may be tolerable to one patient may prompt therapeutic intervention in another.