Session co-moderator Carla Casulo, MD, offered her thoughts on the response-adapted use of ultra-low–dose radiotherapy in gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, as reported by the investigators from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Casulo is Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology and Fellowship Program Director in Hematology/Oncology at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute of the University of Rochester in New York.

“This was an important study because it was the first attempt to assess a risk-adapted approach in MALT using radiotherapy. Gastric MALT is historically an exquisitely radiosensitive disease. Exploring opportunities to minimize therapy is an important step forward for patients to decrease toxicity, reduce cost, and improve quality of life,” she said.

“The authors emphasized the importance of appropriate timing for disease assessment,” Dr. Casulo continued. “Responses were assessed approximately 3 months after radiotherapy and then again at 6 to 9 months. The median time to complete response was 9 months, underscoring the role of adequate time to observe the efficacy of this approach. Further explorations into biomarkers of response, such as the role of the t(11;18) translocation, are ongoing,” she noted.

Dr. Casulo believes this approach could be instituted in a “select population” at this time. Its application may be broadened, she added, “when we have randomized studies with a larger group of patients.”

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Casulo reported no conflicts of interest.