Prof John Gribben (Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK) chairs a discussion with Prof Randy Gascoyne (British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada), Dr Wyndham Wilson (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, USA) and Dr Myron Czuczman (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, USA) about the highlights from day one of the 12th iwNHL.
There is an increasing recognition of the lymphoma microenvironment in influencing tumour progression and clinical outcomes. In peripheral T-cell lymphomas, progress in understanding the interaction between tumour cells of origin and non-tumour cells may allow rational and novel therapeutic targeting. Future treatment options for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who are not treated with standard CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, vincristine [Oncovin®], prednisolone) therapy are examined. There is a current need to consider novel drug combinations and a rational pathophysiologic approach is recommended. The panel concludes that important future considerations include an improved understanding of the genetics of the microenvironment and a collaborative approach in therapy development.