Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Profile of Patients with Follicular Lymphoma from 2012 to 2015 in Casablanca (Morocco)

Background: Follicular lymphomas are indolent lymphomas of low incidence in Africa. They are considered incurable, but recent progress has led to a significant increase in survival. The aim of our work is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of patients followed for follicular lymphoma in Casablanca, Morocco. Patients and methods: During the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015, were included, all patients diagnosed of follicular lymphoma on a histological and immunohistochemical study of the ganglion or the affected tumor tissue. The treatment was either a therapeutic abstention or chemotherapy with or without Rituximab. Results: 53 (6.4%) of the 841 patients followed-up for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma had follicular lymphoma, only 35 were included in this study. The median age of diagnosed patients was 56.1 years [27; 87] and the sex ratio 2. The primary site was the ganglion in 28 (80%) patients and 71.5% of the patients were at stage III and IV of Ann Arbor at diagnosis. According to the FLIPI score 1 about 1/3 of the patients were classified as low risk, intermediate risk and high risk, respectively. 3 (9.4%) patients were under supervision/observation, 1 patient under CVP, 13 (40.6%) patients on CHOP, 1 patient on R-chloraminophen, 14 (43.6%) on R-CHOP. In the R-CHOP group, 85.7% of the patients were on CR with a median remission of 25.8 months. 3 patients in the R-CHOP group had/received maintenance with rituximab. Discussion and conclusion: Follicular lymphoma is of low frequency and is often revealed by lymphadenopathy. The patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The R-CHOP protocol with rituximab maintenance is the most used and best protocol for our patients