Several lymphoma experts discuss the current T-cell lymphoma landscape, the need for new therapies, and ongoing research in the space.
Author Titles
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in oncology, specifically targeting hematological malignancies, including T-cell lymphomas. This innovative therapeutic strategy involves the genetic engineering of a patient’s T cells to express CARs that specifically recognize and bind to tumor-associated antigens, ultimately enabling the T cells to eliminate malignant cells.1 The process typically entails the isolation of T cells from a patient’s blood, modification of these cells to express CARs, extensive expansion in vitro, and subsequent reinfusion into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells.1
Despite the promise of CAR T-cell therapy, significant challenges remain, particularly in the treatment of T-cell lymphomas, a group of heterogeneous malignancies that originate from T lymphocytes. T-cell lymphomas, such as peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), are characterized by their aggressive behavior and diverse subtypes, which present unique clinical challenges. PTCL is classified into various subtypes, including angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), each defined by distinct genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations.1,2 The prognosis for patients with PTCL is often poor, with limited treatment options available and a median survival of approximately 1 to 2 years.3
Challenges specific to CAR T-cell therapy in T-cell lymphomas include severe toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, alongside issues such as antigen escape and limited persistence of T cells in the tumor microenvironment.4,5 Additionally, the autologous nature of the therapy restricts accessibility, as just about 20% of patients with T-cell lymphomas qualify for CAR T-cell treatment.6 High costs, manufacturing complexities, and extended production timelines further limit the therapy’s widespread application.7
Jasmine Zain, MD, director of the T-Cell Lymphoma Program at City of Hope in Duarte, California, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges through her research on CAR T-cell therapies in T-cell lymphomas. Her expertise and commitment to advancing this field are critical for developing strategies that enhance the efficacy and accessibility of these potentially lifesaving treatments. Zain’s keynote presentation at MedNews Week delved into the clinical significance of epigenetic components in nodal PTCL, exploring how specific genetic pathways can inform treatment strategies.8,9
Understanding the genetic landscape of nodal PTCL is essential for developing personalized immunotherapeutic approaches. For instance, mutations in genes such as IDH2 and TET2 have been identified as significant prognostic markers, influencing patient outcomes and guiding treatment decisions.10,11 Moreover, current therapeutic approaches for PTCL, which may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation, often have limited efficacy, especially in relapsed/refractory cases.12,13
Ongoing research into novel agents, such as EZH2 inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, and HDAC inhibitors, is crucial in exploring new therapeutic avenues for nodal PTCL.14 These agents are undergoing clinical trials and have shown promising results in enhancing treatment outcomes for this challenging lymphoma subtype.15 Furthermore, approved therapies, including pralatrexate, romidepsin, and brentuximab vedotin, have provided some success but highlight the pressing need for continued research and innovation.16
Zain’s presentation will additionally offer valuable insights into the latest advancements in T-cell lymphoma treatment and provide guidance on managing complex clinical cases. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving field, the discussion aims to foster a deeper understanding among health care professionals and researchers. Continued exploration through clinical trials and collaboration in the field is imperative for improving outcomes for patients with T-cell lymphomas, ultimately offering hope for those with limited treatment options (Figure 1)17-20.
Figure 1. Summarizes the current available treatment options available for peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
The clinical categorization of nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) is primarily driven by specific genetic and molecular pathways. Subtypes such as T-follicular helper (TFH) cell lymphoma, defined by TFH cells, and cases involving IDH2 mutations are examples where genetic markers are crucial for distinguishing among different forms of nodal PTCL. These markers not only aid in diagnosis but also guide therapeutic decisions and help predict patient outcomes.21 A deeper understanding of these pathways is essential for developing targeted therapies aimed at improving survival rates in patients with PTCL.22 Novel therapeutic approaches focusing on epigenetic mutations, cell surface receptors, and the tumor microenvironment have shown promise. These include therapies targeting signaling pathways, kinase inhibitors, and agents inhibiting non-cell signaling pathways.23
Recent advances in epigenetic-targeted therapies, such as EZH2 inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, and HDAC inhibitors, have demonstrated efficacy in treating PTCL with epigenetic abnormalities.24 Clinical trials have reported encouraging results, providing new hope for patients with aggressive forms of PTCL.25 By identifying specific molecular aberrations, clinicians can tailor treatment regimens to individual patients, enhancing treatment response and outcomes.25 Additionally, the ongoing investigation of PTCL-not otherwise specified molecular subgroups has opened doors to more personalized treatment approaches, potentially improving outcomes for these patients.25
The TP53 mutation has emerged as a significant prognostic marker in PTCL, with mutations associated with poorer survival.26 Identifying patients with TP53 mutations allows for more accurate prognostication and the opportunity to adjust treatment strategies accordingly.27 In a cohort of 396 patients with PTCL undergoing MSK-IMPACT sequencing, 66% lacked baseline clinical prognostic data, underscoring the need for a comprehensive evaluation for proper risk stratification.28 Among the patients, 141 received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-based treatment, which remains a common first-line regimen despite its limited efficacy in certain subtypes.29 The necessity of improved therapeutic options is further highlighted in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), where the evaluation of molecular biomarkers, including ALK status, has proven instrumental in guiding treatment and predicting outcomes.30
Future research into the genetic markers of PTCL, particularly in understanding the role of epigenetic modifications, holds promise for the development of novel, less toxic therapies. By targeting aberrant gene expression patterns, these therapies have the potential to significantly improve survival outcomes and the quality of life for patients with PTCL.31
Treatment of T-cell lymphomas involves a multifaceted approach, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation, all tailored to the specific subtype and individual patient characteristics. The first-line therapy typically consists of combination chemotherapy regimens, such as CHOP or its variants. However, CHOP has shown limited efficacy, with overall response rates ranging from 50% to 70% and progression-free survival (PFS) of less than 2 years in aggressive subtypes, such as angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and PTCL.32,33 These limitations underscore the need for more effective treatment strategies.
Consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in the first complete remission is often employed to eradicate minimal residual disease after induction chemotherapy, aiming to reduce relapse rates and prolong both PFS and overall survival.34 However, this strategy carries significant risks, especially for older patients or those with comorbidities, making patient selection crucial. Research is ongoing to refine the criteria for ASCT and to integrate novel therapies, such as targeted agents and immunotherapies, to improve long-term outcomes.35
The emergence of targeted therapies has significantly changed the treatment landscape for T-cell lymphomas. Brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD30, has demonstrated substantial efficacy in CD30-positive subtypes such as ALCL.36 This targeted approach enhances tumor specificity while reducing systemic toxicity compared with traditional chemotherapy.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, have also shown promise in relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphomas, including AITL. However, their use remains experimental due to concerns about potential T-cell depletion, which increases the risk of immunosuppression and infections.37
CAR T-cell therapy, while successful in B-cell malignancies, presents unique challenges in T-cell lymphomas. One major obstacle is “fratricide,” where CAR T cells attack each other due to shared T-cell antigens, leading to severe T-cell aplasia. Additionally, the risk of contamination by malignant T cells in CAR T-cell products can lead to poor treatment outcomes.38 This remains a significant limitation in the application of CAR T-cell therapy for T-cell lymphomas.
Mutations in TET2 and DNMT3A are pivotal in understanding the prognosis of T-cell lymphomas, particularly in AITL and other PTCL subtypes. These mutations are critical in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, influencing DNA methylation and tumor progression. TET2 mutations, for example, have been associated with improved PFS due to altered DNA demethylation, which makes tumor cells more susceptible to therapeutic interventions.39
Future research is focused on optimizing treatment strategies for T-cell lymphomas, including refining patient selection criteria for ASCT and incorporating emerging therapies, such as targeted agents and immunotherapies. These advances hold significant promise for improving long-term survival and minimizing toxicity, marking a new era in the treatment of T-cell lymphomas.40
ASCT remains the only known curative option for patients with relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma, but it is associated with significant toxicities, including lifelong immunosuppression and a high risk of infections. Unfortunately, patients who are older or frail, as well as those with contraindications, are often excluded from allogeneic transplantation. In such cases, treatment aims to either achieve remission or provide palliation. For this purpose, agents that induce a high remission rate with minimal toxicity are preferred, as recommended by the NCCN guidelines.41
Second-line agents, as outlined in the NCCN guidelines, are typically used in patients who are ineligible for transplantation or as a bridge to transplant for those who qualify. T-cell lymphoma presents several challenges, including its rarity and heterogeneity, contributing to limited interest from pharmaceutical companies and a lack of adequate tumor models for research.42 FDA-approved agents for relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma include pralatrexate, romidepsin, belinostat, brentuximab vedotin, and mogamulizumab.43 More aggressive regimens, such as ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide (ICE); etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, and cisplatin (ESHAP); bendamustine; and gemcitabine-based therapies, are also used, although they were originally designed for other lymphoma types.44,45 These regimens are sometimes used as a bridge to transplant in patients with high response rates.
At the time of Zain’s presentation, epigenetic therapies have shown promise, although no epigenetic agents have been approved as of 2023. For example, oral azacitidine demonstrated a 33% response rate in the phase 3 ORACLE trial (NCT03593018) for relapsed AITL, although it failed to meet its primary end point.46 Other ongoing studies include the combination of pembrolizumab and romidepsin, which has shown a 39.5% response rate, and the combination of romidepsin with azacitidine, which demonstrated a 73% response rate, particularly in patients with TFH subtypes.47,48 Romidepsin combined with azacitidine is a commonly used regimen, with positive results presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting 2022.49
Promising clinical trials include PRIMO (NCT03372057), a phase 2 study of duvelisib monotherapy, which showed an overall response rate of 50% and a median PFS of 6 to 9 months. This regimen is well tolerated and offers an alternative to chemotherapy for patients requiring palliative care or as a bridge to transplant.50 In cases where chemotherapy toxicity is a concern, especially in older patients, less toxic agents such as romidepsin or pralatrexate are preferred for palliation or as a bridge to transplantation.51 The combination of azacitidine and romidepsin had a 61% response rate, with higher responses observed in patients with TFH subtypes, and was well tolerated.52,53
Mutation analysis is critical in guiding treatment decisions when feasible. For example, epigenetic therapies such as romidepsin are preferred in TFH subtypes, while ALK inhibitors are recommended for ALCL-ALK-positive subtypes. In cases of ALCL-ALK negative, brentuximab vedotin can be used, particularly in patients who are not refractory.54 Overall, patients should be evaluated for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, as this remains the only curative option available. Studies from the City of Hope have shown that patients who have relapsed and are undergoing allogeneic transplants can achieve survival rates of 50% to 60%, offering a chance for long-term remission.55
CAR T-cell therapy for T-cell lymphomas presents unique challenges, such as fratricide, T-cell aplasia, and contamination. One solution under investigation involves targeting CD70 with CAR T cells, a novel approach currently being explored in clinical trials.56,57 Another strategy is using non-T-cell CAR therapies. While CAR T-cell therapy has been successful in B-cell malignancies such as relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, its application in T-cell lymphomas remains experimental due to the unique challenges posed by T-cell biology.58 In some cases, standard chemotherapy regimens continue to offer favorable outcomes, particularly in relapsed or refractory cases where novel agents are not available or accessible.59
PTCL remains a challenging diagnosis to manage, with current 5-year survival rates ranging from 30% to 40%, heavily influenced by the stage at diagnosis and specific subtype.58 This disheartening prognosis underscores the urgent need for improved treatment strategies. Ongoing research aims to tailor therapies to the distinct PTCL subtypes encountered in patients.59 This individualized approach is essential, as PTCL is a heterogeneous disease, and patients often respond differently to treatment. By focusing on subtype-specific interventions, we can significantly enhance treatment outcomes for patients.
Furthermore, this personalized approach is particularly crucial for patients with relapsed/refractory PTCL, who frequently face challenges in finding effective treatment options. Many of these patients are encouraged to participate in clinical trials, which offer access to innovative therapies aimed at addressing their unique disease characteristics.60 Although these treatments are still undergoing evaluation and have yet to receive regulatory approval, early evidence suggests promising responses among participants.61-63
In addition to pharmacologic therapies, stem cell transplantation and targeted therapies hold potential benefits for patients.64 However, the associated lifelong risks of stem cell transplants, which remain the only FDA-approved treatment for relapsed/refractory PTCL, often exclude many patients from this option.64 Thus, ongoing research into novel pharmaceuticals and combination therapies is vital to ensure that every patient has access to effective treatment options that optimize their prognosis.
Through continued research, progression of clinical trials, and the development of personalized treatment strategies, we aim to advance toward crucial cures and treatment modalities that enhance the 5-year survival rate for patients with PTCL across all subtypes. It is imperative that patients gain access to more effective treatment options to improve survival rates, highlighting the essential nature of ongoing research in this area.
Conceptualization was performed by JG, YL, and VC; methodology was developed by JG, YL, and VC; formal analysis was conducted by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; the investigation was carried out by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; resources were provided by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; data curation was managed by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; writing—original draft preparation was done by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; writing—review and editing was performed by JG, YL, and VC; visualization was executed by JG, YL, VC, JG, SK, KI, and CHP; supervision was provided by JG, YL, and VC; and project administration was handled by JG, YL, VC, and JG. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. All authors jointly agree to the accuracy of this work and are in favor of submitting it for publication.
This research received no external funding.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
No patient data was directly utilized in this study.
We thank Jasmine Zain for the opportunity to learn from a global leader in medicine. We are grateful to be part of MedNews Week. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jill Gregory for her invaluable assistance in significantly improving the figures of this manuscript.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Highlighting Insights From the Marginal Zone Lymphoma Workshop
Clinicians outline the significance of the MZL Workshop, where a gathering of international experts in the field discussed updates in the disease state.