8562 Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) usually relapses early following treatment but some relapses happen 5 years or later. Few data exist regarding clinical characteristics and outcome of these patients (pts). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all pts from two centers in Lyon/France between 1980–2003 who presented a biopsy proven relapse 5 years or later following diagnosis of DLBCL. All available biopsies were revised and immunohistochemistry (IHC) completed. Results: Among 1492 pts with DLBCL, 54 were eligible. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis were: median age 57 y; stage I-II 63% (34/54); IPI low/low intermediate 84% (41/49) and extranodal involvement (EN) 66% (35/53). IHC at diagnosis: CD20 100% (46/46), CD10 28% (10/36), bcl-6 53% (9/17), MUM1 48% (11/23), bcl-2 68% (19/28), germinal-center phenotype (GC) 57% (12/21) and non-GC 43% (9/21). 47/53 received CHOP/ACVBP-like regimens, 1 autologous transplantation (ASCT) and 1 rituximab. Median time from diagnosis to relapse was 7.4 years (5–20.5 years). 44 pts (81%) had DLBCL histology at time of relapse and 10 pts (19%) indolent histology. MUM1 expression at diagnosis was associated with DLBCL histology at relapse (p=0.037). Clinical characteristics at relapse were: median age 66 y; stage I-II 48% (26/54); 73% (31/43) with DLBCL at relapse had EN. 54% (15/28) with DLBCL at relapse had a GC phenotype and 46% (13/28) a non-GC phenotype. Treatment at relapse included rituximab in 21/54 and ASCT in 15/54 with 7 pts receiving both. Estimated 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) after relapse were 25% and 35% for all pts. Pts with DLBCL histology at relapse had an estimated 5-year EFS and OS of 18% and 28%. Pts with indolent histology had an estimated 5-year EFS and OS of 55% and 67%. Conclusions: Patients with DLBCL who present a late relapse usually had localized stage, favorable IPI and extranodal involvement at diagnosis. However, even if initial characteristics at time of first treatment were favorable, outcome of pts with DLBCL at time of relapse remains poor and aggressive treatment, such as ASCT, should be pursue whenever possible. Some patients relapsed with indolent histology and have a better outcome. No significant financial relationships to disclose.