Treatment of gastric marginal zone lymphoma of MALT type.
BACKGROUND
Gastric marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT type) represent approximately half of all cases of lymphomas arising in the stomach. They have been strongly associated with chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis. Treatment aimed at eradicating this infection results in lymphoma remissions in the majority of patients (approximately 80%) and this represents a unique case of anticancer treatment based on the eradication of the causing factor.


METHODS
The effects of H. pylori eradication in suppressing the growth of this lymphoma with particular emphasis on the long-term disease control results are presented in this review. Trials of different treatment modalities for patients not responding to antibiotics are also covered.


RESULTS
Understanding of the effects of H. pylori eradication on suppressing the growth of gastric MALT lymphoma. Readers will learn how to distinguish between clinical, histological and molecular remission of the lymphoma and will learn alternative treatments for patients with H. pylori-negative disease and for cases not responding to eradication.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastric MALT lymphoma has an indolent course and most patients can achieve durable disease control after only anti-H. pylori therapy. For patients not responding to antibiotics, randomized trials are needed to define the best treatment modality.
Stathis
Anastasios
A
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland - IOSI, Ospedale San Giovanni, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.
Bertoni
Francesco
F
Zucca
Emanuele
E
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D005260:Female; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D005756:Gastritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents