Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Is there a place for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant in first remission in the era of chemo-immunotherapy?

While rituximab-based chemo-immunotherapy has improved response and long-term survival rates in diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL), relapse and death from recurrent disease is still the eventual outcome in a significant proportion of patients, especially those with high-risk disease. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) in first remission, which was studied mainly before the advent of rituximab, has lost its appeal due to several small negative trials. However, definitive data do not exist to determine the role of AHSCT in first remission. In this review, we critically evaluate studies investigating AHSCT in DLBCL in first remission. Most available studies have shortcomings that limit the applicability of their findings. AHSCT in first remission may have a role in selected patients with high-risk DLBCL, but a carefully designed prospective study is required to appropriately evaluate this concept.