Prognostic significance of the number and type of extra nodal localizations of DLBCL in the rituximab era

Abstract Introduction The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of the number and type of extra nodal localizations of DLBCL as well as other factors included in IPI in the rituximab era. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical documentation of 178 patients with DLBCL treated in two oncology centers between 2006 and 2011. We distinguished 3 subgroups of patients: with only nodal localization of DLBCL (A, n  = 80), with 1 extra nodal site (B, n  = 66) and with ≥2 extra nodal sites (C, n  = 32). Results The presence and the number of extra nodal lesions did not have a prognostic impact both on the response and survival. Probabilities for OS were 79.4% ± 6, 85.5% ± 5 and 78.5% ± 8 for groups A, B and C respectively. Most common extra nodal localizations of DLBCL were: digestive duct, bones and skin. The site of involvement also did not have a prognostic significance. In a multivariate analysis negative prognostic factors for OS probability were: elevated LDH level (HR: 3.12 [95% CI: 1.3–7.47], p  = 0.01) and disease stage ≥III (HR: 4.61 [95% CI: 1.32–16.1], p  = 0.02). Conclusions Neither the number of extra nodal lesions nor their localization affects prognosis in patients with DLBCL in the rituximab era.