Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prognostic significance of extranodal sites in stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains uncertain, making it challenging to select appropriate treatment strategies for individual patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of different extranodal sites on prognosis in young patients with stage IV DLBCL who achieved complete remission (CR) following initial chemo-immunotherapy and to explore the potential of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as a consolidation treatment for specific patient subgroups. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from 119 patients with DLBCL aged < 60 years who achieved CR after chemo-immunotherapy between 2008 and 2020. Patient survival rates were analyzed in correlation with different extranodal sites using univariate and multivariate models. Additionally, we assessed the effect of ASCT on 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with different extranodal sites involved. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective bicenter study. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed a significant decrease in survival rates in patients with a Deauville score of 3 and those with extranodal DLBCL affecting the spleen, bone marrow, nasosinus, and liver. In multivariate analysis, only nasosinusal involvement remained a significant predictor of reduced OS. Patients with spleen involvement benefited significantly from ASCT in terms of 5-year PFS and OS, whereas those with nasosinusal involvement did not demonstrate any survival advantage with ASCT. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the influence of specific extranodal sites on the prognosis of patients with stage IV DLBCL. The data indicate a clear need for precise patient stratification based on extranodal involvement for more effective treatment planning. Notably, patients with spleen involvement appear to benefit from ASCT, suggesting that this strategy could be useful in this subgroup. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm and incorporate these findings into clinical practice.