Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Management in East and Southeast Asia: Real-World Challenges and Aspirations of the Asian Lymphoma Study Group

Abstract

Purpose: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) encompass a group of rare and diverse disease entities for which contemporary frontline treatment options are limited. Patient outcomes for PTCL remain poor globally, and disparities in health care resources and health care system variability across East and Southeast Asia (hereafter referred to as Asia) further complicate PTCL management in the region. This article reviews the practice landscape for PTCL in Asia, provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by physicians in the region, and suggests how patient outcomes can be improved.

Methods: A panel of lymphoma experts from 10 countries/territories across Asia convened at the Singapore Lymphoma Scientific Symposium 2024 to discuss local PTCL management practices. Discussions were supplemented by perspectives from an expert from the United States and a review of published literature on PTCL in Asia in the past 10 years. Meeting discussions and relevant aspects of Asian PTCL practice preferences are summarized in this article.

Results: In Asia, PTCL diagnosis and management are hindered by the lack of available domain experts, limitations in infrastructure support and funding, and substantial challenges in accessing novel drugs; relapsed/refractory PTCL, in particular, remains an area of great clinical unmet need. To improve the standard of care for patients with PTCL, cross-country collaborative efforts will be required to facilitate cross-border knowledge sharing, enhance access to expertise and specialized pathology services, increase local clinical trial presence, and offer educational and research opportunities.

Conclusion: Significant challenges remain for PTCL management in Asia. Concerted efforts to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve access to innovative therapies, and establish robust international partnerships are crucial for achieving better outcomes for patients with PTCL in the region.