DLBCL – Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Canada. Yet, no unified national guideline exists for the treatment of DLBCL in the frontline or relapsed/refractory settings. There are some existing provincial guidelines, but these vary or do not provide extensive detail. Therefore, an evidence-based national treatment guideline supported by Canadian hematologists was warranted to ensure consistent and optimal therapy for frontline and relapsed/refractory treatment of DLBCL patients. Led by Lymphoma Canada, a group of experts from across Canada developed a national evidence-based treatment guideline to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidelines and best practices for the management of DLBCL.  Results of the current provincial guidelines in existence are presented within the guideline, along with consensus recommendations based on available evidence.

You can download the guidelines here:

Frontline DLBCL Treatment Guideline

Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL Treatment Guideline

We would like to express our thanks to the hematologists and medical oncologists who provided their clinical expertise throughout the development of these guidelines:

Dr. John Kuruvilla, Hematologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Ontario

Dr. Mona Shafey, Hematologist, Tom Baker Cancer Center, Alberta

Dr. Kerry Savage, Medical Oncologist, Centre for Lymphoid Cancer – British Columbia Cancer Agency, British Columbia

Dr. Pamela Skrabek, Hematologist, Max Rady College of Medicine, Manitoba

Dr. Mark Bosch, Saskatoon Cancer Centre and College of Medicine, Saskatchewan

Dr. Mahmoud Elsawy, Hematologist, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia

Dr. Mary-Margaret Keating, Hematologist, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia

Dr. Richard Tsang, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Ontario