Hepatitis C virus ( HCV ) plays a role in the development of both hepatocellular carcinoma and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( B-NHL ).

A multicenter study, coordinated by D Vallisa, Department of Oncology and Hematology, G. da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza ( Italy ), evaluated the role of antiviral ( anti-HCV ) treatment in B-NHL associated with HCV infection.

Thirteen patients with low-grade B-NHL, characterized by an indolent course, and carrying HCV infection were enrolled on the study.

All patients underwent antiviral treatment with PegInterferon and Ribavirin.

Twelve patients were assessable for response.

The median follow-up was 14 months.

A complete hematologic response was documented in 7 ( 58% ) patients, a partial response in 2 (16%).
Two patients had stable disease with only one patient experiencing progression of disease.

Hematologic responses were associated to clearance or decrease in serum HCV viral load following treatment ( P = .005 ).

Virologic response was more likely to be seen in HCV genotype 2 ( P = .035 ), while hematologic response did not correlate with the viral genotype.

Two patients, one of whom achieved complete response, discontinued treatment because of side effects.

This study provides a role for antiviral treatment in patients affected by HCV-related, low-grade, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2005


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