Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma: A retrospective analysis of its clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes in a tertiary cancer center of eastern India

Background: Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin′s Lymphomas (NHL) is an uncommon entity. It is diverse in its presentation, morphology, histology, and immunophenotyping. No clear-cut consensus exists regarding its management. Indian data is lacking regarding biology and treatment of disease. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinicopathological features and assess treatment modalities utilized and their outcomes in patients with primary extranodal NHL and also the outcome with involved field radiotherapy (IFRT). Settings and Design: This is a retrospective observational study from prerecorded hospital data. Materials and Methods: Cases of primary extranodal NHL attending the radiotherapy outpatient department of our institute during the last 5 years (July 2007-June 2012) were taken for this study. Hospital recorded data were taken and analyzed regarding the demography, clinical features, histopathological features, and treatment modalities and their outcomes. Result: Total 41 patients were identified, out of which six patients did not turn up for any form of treatment. Almost all patients (33 out of 35, 94.28%) received chemotherapy while around 55% (19 out of 35) patients received radiotherapy. During follow-up, around 23% patients had relapsed, that too mostly outside the primary site. Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry is essential in all cases to identify the subset which would respond excellently to rituximab (CD20 positive). IFRT has definite role in the management of extranodal NHL in patients having residual disease following chemotherapy.