Regression of primary low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma after eradication of Helicobacter pylori
In six patients, eradicating the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori with antibiotics made low-grade gastric lymphoma regress, proving that a cancer could be caused by, and treated through, a chronic infection.
Overview
Case series of six patients with primary low-grade B-cell gastric lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type and Helicobacter pylori infection treated with antibiotics to eradicate the organism.
In five patients the lymphoma regressed histologically and endoscopically after eradication, supporting the hypothesis that the lymphoma is driven by antigenic stimulation from the infection.
- Lymphoma regression in five of six patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication.
Antibiotic eradication is the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori-positive gastric MALT lymphoma, curing most patients without chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Six patients; lymphomas with t(11;18) or deep invasion often do not respond and need radiotherapy.