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Support >  Marginal Zone Lymphoma in the News

Last update: 07/02/2012

MZL support Page

NEWS ITEM:  

Cancer: Prognostic value of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score in marginal zone lymphoma: An analysis of clinical presentation and outcome in 144 patients.

COMMENT:  

As always, the associations between risk factors and outcomes for a group do not predict outcomes for individuals.

It's important to note that the FLIPI index cannot account for unknown biological factors that can influence the clinical course of the lymphoma and its sensitivity to treatments.

So the purpose of using risk-factor-indexes (in this case FLIPI) is to guide therapy decisions as noted in the conclusion of the abstract, and also to help interpret the results of trials based on the risk factors of the participants.  

Notable quote:  When considering prognostic indexes we should bear in mind that:  "Prognostic factors reflect the outcome of very specific treatments, and as treatment changes, prognostic factors change. When you include patients who did not receive uniform therapy, prognostic factor analysis and the impact on PFS may not be accurate."  
~ Dr. Younes.  journals.lww.com/oncology

RELATED INFORMATION:

FLIPI risk factors for follicular Lymphoma

Copying and parsing abstract to improve readability:

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), clinical and follow-up data on large cohorts of patients are difficult to obtain. The objective of this single-center, retrospective analysis of a large cohort of 144 patients with MZL was to elucidate the role of prognostic markers, treatments, and outcomes in this disease.

METHODS:

In total, 144 patients were identified who were diagnosed with MZL at the authors' institution between 2003 and 2010. Data on clinical parameters, treatments, response, and survival were analyzed. In addition, the validity of the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) prognostic scores were tested in patients with MZL.

RESULTS:

Among 144 patients with MZL,

96 patients (67%) had extralymph node (extranodal) MZL,
32 patients (22%) had lymph node (nodal) MZL, and
16 patients (11%) had splenic MZL.

The 5-year progression-free survival rate was

82% in the nodal MZL group,
88% in the extranodal MZL group, and
74% in the splenic MZL group and did not different between the 3 groups (P = .60).

The 5-year overall survival rate was excellent in all 3 MZL groups

nodal MZL, 89%;
extranodal MZL, 92%;
splenic MZL, 82%; P = .46).

In our cohort, the FLIPI score was a significant prognostic marker:

The 5-year progression-free survival rate for patients who had FLIPI scores of 0 to 2 (low or intermediate risk) was excellent at 92%,

... whereas it was only 62% for patients who had FLIPI scores of 3 to 5 (poor risk; P = .003).

Similarly, the 5-year overall survival rate for patients who had FLIPI scores of 0 to 2 was 95%, whereas it was only 62% for patients who had FLIPI scores of 3 to 5 (P = .0009).

CONCLUSIONS: The FLIPI score had strong prognostic value in patients with MZL. Patients who have low-risk or intermediate-risk FLIPI scores have an excellent prognosis, whereas patients with poor-risk FLIPI scores are candidates for novel treatment approaches. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society."

Link to Abstract:

Cancer: Prognostic value of the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score in marginal zone lymphoma: An analysis of clinical presentation and outcome in 144 patients. http://1.usa.gov/KK6Tv5

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