Real-world data of autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with mantle cell lymphoma in Argentina

BACKGROUND: For eligible patients with mantle cell lymphoma who respond to induction therapy, first-line consolidation with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation remains a standard treatment. However, outcomes for these patients in Argentina have not been fully characterized. This paper aims to describe the factors linked to improved survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma after transplantation in Argentina. In addition, the association between relapse within the first 24 months after transplant and overall survival was evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was carried out. Patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma who received autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation from 2007-2023 at centers affiliated with the Argentine Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (GATMO-TC) were included. For the survival analysis, a landmark approach was utilized: overall survival was calculated from the date of progression for the group that relapsed within 24 months, and from the 24-month post-transplantation landmark for those who did not. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-six patients from nine Argentine centers were included, 128 of whom were men (77%). The median age at transplantation was 58 years. Eighteen (11%) had blastoid morphology. The pretransplant status was complete response in 145 (87%) patients. With a median follow-up of 38.4 months, the median overall survival and progression-free survival were 102 and 48.8 months, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the blastoid variant, an age ≥55 years, and a transplant comorbidity index ≥2 were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: >70% achieved prolonged survival. Blastoid morphology, age older than 55 years, and comorbidities diminished outcomes after transplantation.