Backgroud The existence of an association between hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BNHL) is demonstrated in different reports. HCV infection persists chronically in host tissue and triggers a sustained lymphoid proliferation. Chronic antigen-dependent immune stimulation due to HCV infection can induce the development of a B-NHL over time. In particular, marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), a low grade lymphoma, seems to be strictly correlated to HCV infection and to other infectious agents. We have evaluated the role of antiviral treatment in HCV-associated MZL . Methods Seven consecutive patients with histologically proven MZL characterized by an indolent course and carring chronic HCV infection were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon (180mcg or 1,5mcg/kg once a week) associated to ribavirine (800-1200 mg orally daily). Antiviral response was evaluated at 6 months (genotype 2) and 12 months (genotype 1) from the beginning of the treatment. A complete hematologic response or partial or no response was evaluated after 6 months from the completion of treatment. Results Of the seven patients with histologically proven MZL, six (85%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) with negative HCV-RNA assay after 6 months from the interruption of antiviral treatment. A complete hematological response was achieved in the six patients with SVR while a partial response was present in the patient non responder to antiviral treatment. All the data are reported in the Table. Conclusion This study strongly provides a role for antiviral treatment in the patients affected by HCV related low grade lymphoma. In particular, this study confirms the efficacy of antiviral treatment in the antigen dependent low grade lymphoma and confirms that chemotherapy should be reserved to more aggressive lymphoma (high grade lymphoma) in which the role of HCV stimulation could be marginal.
MARGINAL ZONE LYMPHOMA AND HCV INFECTION: ROLE OF ANTIVIRAL TREATMENT
Picardi A;
2008-01-01
Abstract
Backgroud The existence of an association between hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (BNHL) is demonstrated in different reports. HCV infection persists chronically in host tissue and triggers a sustained lymphoid proliferation. Chronic antigen-dependent immune stimulation due to HCV infection can induce the development of a B-NHL over time. In particular, marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), a low grade lymphoma, seems to be strictly correlated to HCV infection and to other infectious agents. We have evaluated the role of antiviral treatment in HCV-associated MZL . Methods Seven consecutive patients with histologically proven MZL characterized by an indolent course and carring chronic HCV infection were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon (180mcg or 1,5mcg/kg once a week) associated to ribavirine (800-1200 mg orally daily). Antiviral response was evaluated at 6 months (genotype 2) and 12 months (genotype 1) from the beginning of the treatment. A complete hematologic response or partial or no response was evaluated after 6 months from the completion of treatment. Results Of the seven patients with histologically proven MZL, six (85%) achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) with negative HCV-RNA assay after 6 months from the interruption of antiviral treatment. A complete hematological response was achieved in the six patients with SVR while a partial response was present in the patient non responder to antiviral treatment. All the data are reported in the Table. Conclusion This study strongly provides a role for antiviral treatment in the patients affected by HCV related low grade lymphoma. In particular, this study confirms the efficacy of antiviral treatment in the antigen dependent low grade lymphoma and confirms that chemotherapy should be reserved to more aggressive lymphoma (high grade lymphoma) in which the role of HCV stimulation could be marginal.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
