Lymphomas in pregnancy

Abstract

Lymphoma in pregnancy is an uncommon occurrence. This diagnosis is challenging, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists in obstetrics, anesthesiology, neonatology, hematology psychology should participate in the management of this condition. The choice of treatment regimen depends on the histotype and the gestational age. In Hodgkin lymphoma, ABVD is safe if administered after the thirteenth week of pregnancy. In indolent non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) a watchful waiting approach is reasonable; in case of aggressive NHLs, if the diagnosis occurs in the first gestational weeks, a termination of the pregnancy might be considered or if it occurs after the thirteenth week of pregnancy, a standard R-CHOP regimen is safe. Regarding new anti-lymphoma drugs, available data on the potential fetotoxicity of these agents are limited. Data collection regarding the use of new drugs in pregnant patients is mandatory in order to learn more about their safety and facilitating clinical decision making in this setting of patients.