Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma in 2026: Evolving Treatment Strategies in the Canadian Context

Authors

  • Mary-Margaret Keating, MD, FRCPC

Abstract

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent lymphoma, characterized by a relapsing-remitting course over many years and repeated need for systemic therapy.1 Although outcomes for many patients are excellent, with median overall survival (OS) now exceeding 20 years, a subset of patients experiences early relapse, treatment resistance, or histologic transformation associated with inferior outcomes.2 Management of relapsed disease has relied on sequential chemoimmunotherapy, with treatment selection guided by duration of remission and patient fitness. This paradigm is now evolving with the availability of novel therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.3 In addition, maturation of data on lenalidomide-based triplet combinations and the emergence of bispecific antibodies are expected to further reshape treatment algorithms, pending Canadian funding decisions. This review outlines an updated approach to relapsed FL, focusing on treatment sequencing, evolving therapeutic strategies, and Canadian access considerations.

Author Biography

Mary-Margaret Keating, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Mary-Margaret Keating is a hematologist and Clinical Associate Professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She specializes in lymphoma and co-leads the lymphoma clinical trials program at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. She has a particular interest in medical education, and earned a master’s in medical education from Acadia University and has a passion for teaching medical students, residents and patients. She is the program director for the hematology residency training program and the unit head for the skilled clinician course at Dalhousie Medical School.

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2026-09-24

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Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma in 2026: Evolving Treatment Strategies in the Canadian Context. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 24 [cited 2026 Sep. 24];5(2):5-12. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/5-2-Keating_et_al

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Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma in 2026: Evolving Treatment Strategies in the Canadian Context. Can Hematol Today [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 24 [cited 2026 Sep. 24];5(2):5-12. Available from: https://canadianhematologytoday.com/article/view/5-2-Keating_et_al