CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOMAS FOR AUTOLOGOUS HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is a well-established standard treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas. However, optimal patient selection remains critical to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing treatment-related mortality (TRM). This article aimed to systematically examine the current evidence on criteria guiding patient selection for AHSCT in lymphoma. Chemosensitivity, performance status, disease type and remission status, organ function, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) response assessment constitute the core selection criteria. Disease-specific nuances are identified across Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and T-cell lymphoma. Individualized, multidimensional patient selection integrating disease biology, functional status, comorbidity burden, and body composition is essential to optimize outcomes in the era of emerging novel therapies.