Retrospective assessment of clinical and demographic data of patients WHO were diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma:A single center experience

Introduction and aim: Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are B-cell lymphomas derived from post-germinal center marginal zone B cells. MZL account for 7-8% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases according to the current data from the World Health Organization. It is the 3rd most common type of lymphoma among all NHL. There are three distinct subtypes: Extranodal MZL (50-70%), splenic MZL (10-20%), and Nodal MZL (10-20%). MZL is a rare lymphoma subtype with an indolent course that differs from other lymphoma types with different clinical features and heterogeneous courses. Besides that, it can progress with frequent relapses and aggressive lymphoma transformation. Therefore, the factors that affect prognosis are important fields of study. This study, it was aimed to determine the prognostic factors associated with MZL. Also, the effects of these prognostic factors and current options on survival were investigated. Material and method: Between January 2000 and June 2022, 111 patients who applied to Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Department of Hematology, diagnosed with MZL, and continued their follow-up in our center were included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median follow-up was 66 months. Twenty-nine (26.1%) patients had relapsed or refractory disease. Twenty-two (19.8%) patients died during the follow-up. Mean overall survival (OS) was 13 years, 5-year OS, and 10-year OS were 90.1% and 79.1%, respectively. Mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.3 years, 5-year PFS, and 10-year PFS were 75% and 68.4%, respectively. Age 65 and older, high ECOG-PS score (2-4), presence of bone marrow involvement, presence of B symptoms, paraproteinemia and relapsed refractory disease were found to be associated with reduced survival. Aggressive lymphoma transformation was observed in 6 (5%) patients. It was observed that the Ki-67 index and LDH levels at the time of diagnosis were significantly higher. Conclusion: Although MZL is an indolent lymphoma type and there are many prognostic factors affecting its prognosis, it may show relapsed or refractory disease course or histological transformation. For to predict the prognosis and effective treatment of the disease, reliable biomarkers are needed at the time of diagnosis.