What is Lymphoma?
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Treatment Options
Treatment for Cutaneous ALCL
Treatment options for primary cutaneous ALCL depends on the extent of the skin lesions. If the disease is confined to a single lesion or area, radiation therapy or surgical excision will result in complete remission in approximately 95 percent of patients. If there are multiple lesions or relapsed disease in the skin, radiation can eradicate the skin lesions, but will not reduce the likelihood of new lesions developing.
Those with primary cutaneous ALCL in multiple sites on the body usually need systemic treatment, which travels through the blood and affects many parts of the body.
The following treatments are approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma:
- Bexarotene (Targretin)
- Brentuximab Vedotin (Adcetris)
- Romidepsin (Istodax)
- Vorinostat (Zolinza)
Treatment for Systemic ALCL
Many patients with newly diagnosed systemic ALCL respond well to common first-line chemotherapy regimens such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), although long-term remission disease outcome depends on the subtype and other factors. ALK-positive disease usually responds very well to CHOP or CHOEP (CHOP plus etoposide). In contrast, ALK-negative patients may be more likely to relapse with similar treatments. In some circumstances, higher doses of chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation may be prescribed.
See Also:
Download the Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Fact Sheet.
Download the Understanding Cellular Therapy Guide.