Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI)
Understanding FLIPI
The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) is a widely used prognostic tool for patients with follicular lymphoma. It helps predict survival outcomes and guides treatment decisions by considering five key clinical factors.
What is FLIPI?
FLIPI was developed through a large international study of follicular lymphoma patients. It evaluates:
- Age (> 60 years)
- Ann Arbor stage (III-IV)
- Hemoglobin level (< 12 g/dL)
- Number of nodal sites (> 4)
- Serum LDH (above normal)
Risk Groups
FLIPI scores classify patients into three risk groups:
- Low risk (0-1 points): 10-year overall survival ~71%
- Intermediate risk (2 points): 10-year overall survival ~51%
- High risk (3-5 points): 10-year overall survival ~36%
Clinical Significance
Low Risk (0-1 points)
- Better prognosis
- 10-year overall survival: ~71%
Intermediate Risk (2 points)
- Moderate prognosis
- 10-year overall survival: ~51%
High Risk (3-5 points)
- Less favorable prognosis
- 10-year overall survival: ~36%
When to Use FLIPI
FLIPI is most useful:
- At initial diagnosis
- When planning treatment
- For risk stratification in clinical trials
- For comparing patient outcomes
Clinical Applications
FLIPI helps clinicians:
- Assess prognosis
- Plan treatment strategies
- Compare outcomes across studies
- Communicate risk to patients
Start calculating now to better understand the prognosis!
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