Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a slow-growing yet incurable form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), representing approximately 20-25% of NHL cases in the US. While many patients achieve remission with initial therapy, FL is characterized by cycles of relapse and retreatment. For those with relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease, the duration of response typically shortens with each treatment line. Advances in therapy, including immunochemotherapy, targeted agents, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, have expanded treatment options for patients with R/R FL. However, navigating therapy selection remains complex, requiring careful consideration of disease aggressiveness, prior treatments, and individual patient factors. As treatment options evolve, ongoing research is also refining strategies for optimizing sequencing and combination therapies. Clinical trials continue to explore novel treatment combinations and sequencing strategies to improve long-term outcomes, particularly for patients with early relapse or high-risk disease.
Effective management of FL extends beyond treatment selection to include comprehensive, patient-centered care. Multidisciplinary coordination, timely access to emerging therapies, and clinical trial enrollment play key roles in optimizing patient outcomes. Shared decision-making is essential, empowering patients to weigh the risks, benefits, and quality-of-life implications of different treatment options. Additionally, addressing barriers such as financial toxicity and geographic disparities in access to advanced therapies remains a priority. Strengthening care pathways and integrating supportive services can help ensure that patients receive guideline-directed care while maintaining their overall well-being throughout the treatment journey.
For more information on any of these resources, please contact the ACCC Provider Education department.
Navigating Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: National Survey Findings
This infographic highlights real-world practice patterns, barriers, and resource needs shaping R/R FL care. Explore national survey findings on treatment sequencing, quality of life, and care coordination.
Effective Practice Guide: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Treating Patients With R/R FL
Explore patient- and provider-informed insights gained from ACCC membership about 7 key domains of R/R FL care. Download now for actionable strategies to strengthen care coordination, improve shared decision-making, mitigate financial toxicity, and more.
Putting Guidance Into Practice: Real-World Approaches to Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
Nicole A. Colwell, MD
October 24, 2025
Navigating R/R FL: A Patient Centered Approach [Podcast] Ep.216
Nov 24, 2025
Relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) is challenging to treat, requiring thoughtful clinical decision-making during treatment selection and sequencing. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Benjamin Heyman, MD, hematologist and clinical associate professor at City of Hope, about the importance of individualized care, shared decision-making, clinical trial referrals, and multidisciplinary collaboration. CANCER BUZZ also speaks with Laurie Adami, patient advocate with R/R FL, about her real-world experience with multiple lines of therapy, clinical trials, and patient advocacy.
December 7, 2025
Accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, December 6-9, 2025.