Canadian Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Canadian Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma - Lymphoma Canada

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in North America. While most patients often respond well to frontline treatment, there is a significant proportion of patients (30-40%) that will either be refractory to or relapse following frontline therapy. The standard of care for patients in the relapsed/refractory setting includes salvage therapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for patients whose disease demonstrate chemosensitivity and who are fit and transplant eligible. However, there is a group of patients that do not demonstrate chemosensitivity to salvage therapy, are ineligible for ASCT, or relapse post-SCT. For this group of patients, there are variable treatment options which may differ across the Canadian provinces due to access and funding. In Canada, no unified national guideline exists for the treatment of relapsed/refractory DLBCL, and the provincial guidelines in existence vary.

A national treatment guideline supported by Canadian hematologists is warranted to ensure that patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL are treated according to best practice and have equitable access to best available care. A group of experts from across Canada have developed a national evidence-based treatment guideline to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on the management of relapsed or refractory DLBCL. Results of the current provincial guidelines in existence are presented with consensus recommendations based on available evidence.


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