Comment: Sinonasal Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Systematic Review

Sinonasal Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Systematic Review

We recently had the opportunity to read the systematic review on sinonasal plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) conducted by Chen et al.[1] This article contributes significantly to our understanding of a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, highlighting its prevalence in the sinonasal region, associated risk factors, and treatment outcomes. While the study provides valuable insights, I would like to suggest several methodological enhancements that could potentially strengthen future research in this area.

The review primarily utilized PubMed as the database for literature search. Including additional databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE might broaden the scope of the research, encompassing a more diverse range of studies and potentially uncovering additional cases that were not captured through PubMed alone. This expansion could provide a more comprehensive view of the disease and its global impact.

The study synthesizes findings from various cases, focusing on treatment modalities like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, a more detailed breakdown of specific chemotherapy protocols, doses, and duration, along with a concurrent evaluation of patient responses, would be immensely beneficial. Detailed reporting could aid in understanding which treatments yield the best outcomes and why, providing clearer guidance for clinical practice.

While the review collects data on age, sex, and immune status, integrating additional patient demographics and clinical history such as genetic markers, previous treatments, and comorbid conditions could enhance the analysis. These factors could influence disease progression and treatment response, offering a more nuanced understanding of patient outcomes.

Given the variability in treatment regimens and outcomes, employing meta-analytical techniques could quantify the effects of different treatment modalities across studies. Meta-analysis would provide a higher level of evidence regarding the efficacy of treatment options, potentially guiding more effective clinical decisions. The retrospective design of the reviewed studies provides valuable insights. However, prospective studies or longitudinal follow-ups could offer a deeper understanding of the long-term efficacy of treatments and the disease's natural progression. These studies would allow for real-time data collection and a more dynamic observation of treatment responses and survival rates.

This systematic review is a commendable effort in shedding light on sinonasal PBL. By considering these methodological improvements, future research could further elucidate this rare lymphoma's characteristics, improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We look forward to seeing continued research in this important field, building upon the strong foundation this review has provided.

Publication History

Received: 01 January 2025

Accepted: 19 March 2025

Article published online:
21 May 2025

• Reference

• 1 Chen S, Chen H, Song S, Wang MB. Sinonasal plasmablastic lymphoma: a systematic review. J Neurol Surg Rep 2024; 85 (04) e167-e177