Management of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is one of the most common peripheral T-cell lymphomas, and the incidence is higher in blacks than non-Hispanic whites. ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL are distinct subtypes that have different characteristics and clinical outcomes. Breast implant–associated ALCL is a rare lymphoma that has a good survival outcome, and a recent study showed that total capsulectomy is essential for treatment. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is a standard treatment for relapsed/refractory ALCL. The response rate is high at 80–90%; however, once the disease progresses in patients on BV, survival outcome is very poor, with a median overall survival of less than two months.