Primary effusion lymphoma in two HIV-negative patients successfully treated with pleurodesis as first-line therapy.

Abstract

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) mostly occurring in HIV-positive patients. It is characterized by the development of effusion in one or more body cavities, with no tumor masses and a positive human herpes virus-8 (HHV8) status. It has a poor survival profile and no optimal treatment is yet defined. We report two HIV-negative, HHV8-positive patients with PEL of the pleural cavity who achieved a durable remission after pleurodesis with bleomycin and no systemic therapy. We also perform a review of the relevant literature regarding the clinical data, treatment, and survival of PEL in HIV-negative patients.

• Authors: X Yiakoumis, G A Pangalis, M-C Kyrtsonis, T P Vassilakopoulos, F N Kontopidou, C Kalpadakis, P Korkolopoulou, G Levidou, A Androulaki, M P Siakantaris, S Sachanas, A Andreopoulos
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 30 Issue 1 Pg. 271-6 (Jan 2010) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 20150647 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bleomycin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bleomycin (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Herpesviridae Infections (complications)
• Herpesvirus 8, Human (isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Lymphoma, Primary Effusion (drug therapy, virology)
• Male
• Pleurodesis