Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of mantle cell lymphoma

Expert consensus • Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología (ACHO)

Abstract

Introduction: among the sub-types of lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, or what was previously known as intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma, accounts for 3-10% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Treatment is directed according to the patient’s classification, age, functional status and comorbidities, and is directly related to the ability to receive intensive treatment or transplantation. It is important to homogenize treatments to offer the best alternatives in the Colombian context, as there are different diagnostic and therapeutic options today, most of which are financed by the Colombian healthcare system.

Objective: to structure a series of considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL within the Colombian context.
Methods: a formal, mixed (Delphi/nominal) expert consensus was developed. The options for each question were scored in two masked rounds and an open nominal session. The information was consolidated in Excel and analyzed using STATA 13.

Results: 25 considerations were developed for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL. Twenty-two specialists participated: 16 hematologists and hematologist-oncologists, four hematopathologists, one radiation therapist and one nuclear medicine specialist from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, with an average of 10.5 years’ of practical experience and who were members of the Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología [Colombian Association of Hematology and Oncology].

Conclusions: the consensus established 26 considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL, according to the Colombian context, aimed at healthcare professionals with a direct relationship with this disease. It is expected that clinical management will be homogenized by a consideration of this consensus and the referenced literature.