Summary - The ASCO Post

Stem Cell Transplant May Not Be Necessary in First Remission for Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Undetectable MRD

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) does not improve survival outcomes for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who achieve a deep first complete remission with undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) after induction therapy, according to data presented during the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exhibition.¹

Chase Doyle

The ASCO Post 3/14/2025 11:37 AM

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) does not improve survival outcomes for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who achieve a deep first complete remission with undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) after induction therapy. Initial results of the ECOG-ACRIN EA4151 trial showed that ASCT provided no significant benefit in overall survival or progression-free survival for these patients, regardless of treatment assigned or treatment received. Authors emphasized the shift in the role of ASCT in the context of increasingly effective induction and maintenance regimens for mantle cell lymphoma. MRD testing plays a critical role in tailoring treatment decisions for these patients. Results demonstrate that ASCT may not be necessary for all patients in first remission, particularly those with undetectable MRD.