High Grade B-Cell Lymphoma: Pathologic Classification and Treatment Recommendations (SOHO 2023)
Whereas R-CHOP or polatuzumab vedotin + R-CHP are now both standard treatments for DLBCL, in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, dose adjusted EPOCH-R has become the standard of care based on prospective trials demonstrating that this treatment can obviate the need for mediastinal radiation in most patients.12,13 In the case of traditional Burkitt lymphoma, the Magrath regimen of R-CODOX-M/IVAC is frequently used for young/fit patients although there are also prospective data supporting the use of dose adjusted EPOCH-R for Burkitt lymphoma.14,15 For double/triple hit lymphoma, more intensive chemotherapy regimens are frequently recommended for fit patients including dose adjusted R-EPOCH, R-hyperCVAD, and R-CODOX-M/R-IVAC based on prospective single-arm trials and/or retrospective experience.16,17 In the case of HGBL, NOS, it is generally assumed that one of these intensive regimens should be used, as outcomes with R-CHOP are generally unsatisfactory, but comparative data are lacking. In conclusion, as outlined in the 2016 WHO classification and carried forward to updated classifications, HGBL remains an imperfectly described disease with lack of consensus diagnostic or treatment recommendations. In general, aggressive treatment regimens are recommended, if feasible, and future research is needed to study a larger number of cases with advanced molecular techniques and to prospectively assess different treatment regimens to improve outcomes for patients with these high-risk lymphomas.