Optimal induction treatment regimens for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: lessons learned, challenges, and proposals

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is a highly aggressive and Epstein-Bar virus (EBV)-associated hematologic malignancy, most prevalent in the Far East and South America. No standard treatment strategy has been defined. It is well recognized that combination of asparaginase-based chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) benefit early-stage ENKTCL. It has been validated that upfront RT can cure most stage I patients of ENKTCL without risk factors, and asparaginase (either L-asparaginase or pegaspargase) is the backbone of chemotherapy for ENKTCL.