The HemOnc Pulse Alan Skarbnik, MD, Gives the Lowdown on Treating Patients with Follicular Lymphoma
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Apr 20, 2023 Dr. Alan Skarbnik, Director of the CLL and lymphoma program at Novant Health, brings his expertise in follicular lymphoma to the table. He discusses patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of tailoring therapies to individual preferences. The conversation dives into the treatment landscape, including innovative bispecific antibodies and CAR-T therapies, and addresses the challenges of managing relapses. Skarbnik also highlights the need for personalized strategies in the evolving field of molecular therapies, ensuring patients receive the most effective and compassionate care.
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Follicular Lymphoma Heterogeneity
- Follicular lymphoma is biologically and clinically heterogeneous, requiring personalized treatment approaches.
- Patients range from having indolent to aggressive disease phenotypes that impact therapy choices.
Frontline Treatment Advice
- Use bendamustine plus rituximab for frontline treatment in patients who tolerate chemotherapy.
- Tailor the approach for older or unfit patients, possibly using single-agent rituximab for symptom control.
Maintenance Therapy Caution
- Avoid routine maintenance rituximab after initial therapy due to lack of survival benefit and increased infection risk.
- Discuss maintenance pros and cons with patients but personally, do not recommend it.