Regression of an HCV-associated disseminated marginal zone lymphoma under IFN-free antiviral treatment.

Regression of an HCV-associated disseminated marginal zone lymphoma under IFN-free antiviral treatment Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is prevalent in B-cell–associated lymphomas, including marginal zone and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. 1 A step-wise model of lymphomagenesis induced by chronic antigenic stimulation and/or a direct pro-oncogenic effect of intracellular HCV proteins is a possible mechanism. 2 Interferon-based HCV treatment may induce remission and improve prognosis of HCV-associated lympho-mas. 3 Whether these effects are due to HCV clearance or to an anti-proliferative effect of interferon remains unknown. We describe a patient with a complete hematologic response of an HCV-associated disseminated marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) to an interferon-free anti-HCV treatment. Figure 1. Representative pictures from the positron emission tomography scanner before and after interferon-free anti-HCV treatment. Left panels: photos before antiviral treatment of (A) infiltrated cervical lymph node, (B) left humeral shaft lesion, and (C) right breast lesion. Right panels: photos after sustained virologic response of (D) same cervical area, (E) left humeral shaft, and (F) right breast. White stars indicate the localization of the lymphoma.