The possible involvement of micro-organisms other than Helicobacter pylori in the development of rectal MALT lymphoma in H. pylori-negative patients

H pylori-Negative MALT-Associated Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma: A Comprehensive Case Report and Literature Review

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (ENMZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), a rare subtype of B-cell lymphoma, is typically associated with Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, especially in gastric cases. However, this article presents 2 unique cases of H pylori-negative colonic ENMZL, challenging the conventional understanding of the disease. The first case involves an 80-year-old male diagnosed with Stage 1E ENMZL in the descending colon, and the second describes a 74-year-old male with sigmoid colon ENMZL. Both cases lacked H pylori infection, adding complexity to their management. Accompanying these case studies is a comprehensive literature review, delving into the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of H pylori-negative ENMZL, with a focus on gastrointestinal involvement. This review highlights the importance of considering H pylori-negative cases in ENMZL diagnosis and management, illustrating the need for further research and individualized treatment approaches in this uncommon lymphoma subtype.

A Rare Case of Primary Extra-Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) in the Rectum

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a unique clinical condition that can manifest in different anatomic locations. In the gastrointestinal tract, it is typically seen in the stomach but is less commonly found in other sites. There have been a few cases in the literature in which primary MALT lymphoma is found in the rectum. We describe a case of a 63-year-old male who presented with rectal pain and bleeding. Colonoscopy revealed a rectal mass, which was excised with a trans-anal approach. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen was significant for MALT lymphoma. Therefore, the patient underwent radiation therapy followed by repeat colonoscopies to monitor disease recurrence.

Colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A case report

Background

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a group of extranodal lymphomas that originate from B cells. Primary colonic MALT lymphoma is a rare disease, and there is no consensus on its endoscopic features and standard therapies. It is essential to raise awareness of colonic MALT lymphoma and choose the appropriate treatment.

Case presentation

In this case report, we describe a 0-IIb-type lesion that was found by electronic staining endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy. The patient underwent a definitive diagnostic ESD for diagnosis. The patient was evaluated for lymphoma after diagnostic ESD according to the Lugano 2014 evaluation criteria, which are divided into imaging remission on the basis of CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and metabolic remission on the basis of PET-CT evaluation. Based on the PET-CT results suggesting increased glucose metabolism in the sigmoid colon, the patient underwent additional surgical treatment. According to the pathological results of the surgery, we found that ESD could treat such lesions, which may provide a new option for colorectal MALT lymphoma.

Conclusion

The low incidence of colorectal MALT lymphoma, especially for 0-IIb lesions, which are difficult to detect, requires the use of electronic staining endoscopy to improve the detection rate. The combination with magnification endoscopy can improve the understanding of colorectal MALT lymphoma, which ultimately requires pathological support for diagnosis. According to our experience with the present patient case, ESD seems to be a feasible and economical choice for the treatment of massive colorectal MALT lymphoma. However, the combined application of ESD and another therapy scheme needs further clinical investigation.

Clinicopathologic Findings in Patients With Initial Diagnosis of Extranodal Marginal Zone B-Cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) in Colorectal Mucosa

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate clinicopathologic features, management, and behavior of colorectal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

METHODS

Clinical data, laboratory studies, and radiographic records were reviewed (2005-2018), and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were performed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were identified, six of whom were discovered as an incidental finding on endoscopy. Morphologic and immunophenotypic features were similar to MALT lymphomas at other sites except that lymphoepithelial lesions were uncommon. Three of nine patients were positive for BIRC3/MALT1 fusions, two of whom had identical B-cell clones identified in subsequent gastric biopsy specimens. Eight of 10 patients had no clinically evaluable disease after observation (±antibiotics; n = 4) or radiation/chemotherapy (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with incidental and localized colonic MALT lymphoma demonstrated an excellent prognosis with conservative management, although longer follow-up and data based on consistent staging and surveillance methods (including gastric evaluation) are necessary for informed management.

[Rectal Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Treated with Endoscopic Resection]

A primary extranodal B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a distinct clinical-pathological entity that develops in diverse anatomic locations. However, colorectal involvement is rare. The authors encountered a case of a MALT lymphoma of the rectum in a 69-year-old woman who complained of up to 3 kg weight loss during 3 months. A colonoscopy demonstrated a 1.0×1.0 cm sized subepithelial tumor (SET) at the lower rectum. The patient underwent an endoscopic mucosal resection with ligation for the SET. Pathological analysis revealed marked small to medium-sized lymphocytic infiltration. Immunohistochemistry revealed neoplastic cells positive for CD20 and bcl-2. A polymerase chain reaction detected immunoglobulin H gene rearrangement. Finally, rectal MALT lymphoma was diagnosed. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography scans showed that there was no lymph node metastasis or other organ involvement. A bone marrow biopsy was found to be negative for any neoplastic process. Therefore, the Ann Arbor stage was IeB. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was not detected in the gastric biopsy specimens. Thus far, she has had no relapse since the endoscopic resection. The incidence of rectal MALT is very rare, and treatment is unclear. This paper reports a case of rectal MALT lymphoma treated successfully with only an endoscopic resection.

Synchronous colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma found after surgery for adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is mainly involved in the gastrointestinal tract. The synchronous occurrence of colonic MALT lymphoma and adenocarcinoma in the same patient is extremely rare. We here report a case of synchronous colonic MALT lymphoma found on surveillance colonoscopy five months after surgery and chemotherapy for sigmoid adenocarcinoma.

CASE SUMMARY

A 67-year-old man was admitted because of hematochezia for two months. Colonoscopy suggested a colonic tumor before hospitalization. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed local thickening of the sigmoid colon. The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy with local lymph node dissection. The histopathology revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and partially mucinous adenocarcinoma. The pTNM stage was T3N1Mx. The patient received chemotherapy with six cycles of mFOLFOX6 after surgery. Colonoscopy was performed five months later and revealed single, flat, polypoid lesions of the colon 33 cm away from the anus. Subsequently, the patient underwent endoscopic mucosal resection for further diagnosis. The pathological diagnosis was MALT lymphoma. Positron emission tomography /CT suggested metastasis. The patient refused further treatment and died ten months later.

CONCLUSION

Colonic MALT lymphoma may occur after surgery and chemotherapy for adenocarcinoma as a synchronous malignancy. Regular surveillance colonoscopy and careful monitoring after surgery are critical.

Bacterial infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

One quarter of all cancers are linked to infectious diseases. The link between viral infection and cancer has been widely studied, but few reports have focused on the carcinogenic role of bacterial infection. Nonetheless, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni are bacteria that can be associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), the most common haematologic malignancy. Here, we review the evidence in favour of a link between these bacterial infections and NHL. Sero-epidemiological observation makes it possible to identify a link between H. pylori, C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi infection and NHL. Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni could be identified in NHL tissue samples at the site of chronic inflammation, where B and T lymphocytes are attracted to participate in follicle formation. Lymphoma remissions have been observed under antimicrobial therapies supporting the carcinogenic contribution of bacteria. If the theory of causality is characterized by the lack of universal criteria for establishing a causal link between two diseases, infection and lymphoma, epidemiological, clinical, and histological evidences reported here, should lead clinicians to pay attention to these infectious agents, to detect early lymphoma transformation.

Colonic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a case series

 = 1). Remission was achieved in 8 cases. Three patients relapsed, and 2 were re-treated. At the end of the study period, 67% of the patients were in remission. All patients were symptom-free. This current series of colonic MALT lymphomas shows the indolent nature of the disease, which may be treated with various modalities.

Guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan: 2016 Revised Edition

BACKGROUND

Since "Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection" was set as the indication in the Japanese Society for Helicobacter Research (JSHR) Guidelines 2009, eradication treatment for H. pylori gastritis is covered under insurance since 2013 in Japan, and the number of H. pylori eradication has rapidly increased. Under such circumstances, JSHR has made the third revision to the "Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection" for the first time in 7 years.

METHODS

The Guideline Committee held 10 meetings. Articles published between the establishment of the 2009 Guidelines and March 2016 were reviewed and classified according to the evidence level; the statements were revised on the basis of this review. After inviting public comments, the revised statements were finalized using the Delphi method.

RESULTS

There was no change in the basic policy that H. pylori infectious disease is an indication for eradication. Other diseases presumed to be associated with H. pylori infection were added as indications. Serum pepsinogen level, endoscopic examination, and X-ray examination were added to the diagnostic methods. The effects of 1-week triple therapy consisting of potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB), amoxicillin, and clarithromycin have improved, and high eradication rates can also be expected with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or P-CAB combined with amoxicillin and metronidazole. If the susceptibility test is not performed, the triple PPI or P-CAB/amoxicillin/metronidazole therapy should be chosen, because the PPI/amoxicillin/metronidazole combination demonstrated a significantly higher eradication rate than PPI/amoxicillin/clarithromycin. In the proposal for gastric cancer prevention, we divided gastric cancer prevention measures by age from adolescent to elderly, who are at an increased gastric cancer risk, and presented measures for gastric cancer prevention primarily based on H. pylori eradication.

CONCLUSION

We expect the revised guidelines to facilitate appropriate interventions for patients with H. pylori infection and accomplish its eradication and prevention of gastric cancer.

The Progression of Esophageal Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma after Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy: A Case Report and Discussion of Therapeutic Options

A 50-year-old woman with epigastric discomfort was referred to our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed flat, elevated, submucosal tumor-like lesions in the esophagus. Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) of the esophagus was diagnosed based on the examination of an endoscopic biopsy specimen. Computed tomography showed the enlargement of a lymph node in the gastric cardia. The present case showed disease progression despite Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and achieved partial remission after rituximab monotherapy. The patient remained in partial remission for 20 months. This case suggests that esophageal MALT lymphoma with lymph node involvement does not respond to H. pylori eradication therapy and that it requires systemic treatment.

Inflammation and the Pathogenesis of Inverted Papilloma

Background

Despite existing clinical and histopathological evidence, the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of inverted papilloma (IP) is not well understood. The goal of this study was to describe the inflammatory cell component present in sinonasal papilloma (SP), with the intention of further defining the existence of inflammation in IP and perhaps gaining insight into IP pathophysiology.

Methods

Computerized database analysis was performed to identify all patients with SP who underwent surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between 1995 and 2001. Histopathological features of all SP were reviewed and semiquantitative analysis of the inflammatory cells present was performed. IP was histopathologically graded into four categories by the extent of inflammatory infiltrate and cellular atypia. Statistical analysis of the inflammatory cell component present in the epithelial layer of exophytic papilloma and IP was performed.

Results

SP was classified into three types: cylindrical papilloma (5% [2/41]), exophytic squamous papilloma (34% [14/41]), and IP (61% [25/41]). Twenty-eight instances of IP in 25 patients were identified. Altogether, 11% were grade I (3/28), 54% were grade II (15/28), 25% were grade III (7/28), and 11% were grade IV (3/28). The inflammatory cell population was significantly greater in IP compared with other SPs and greater in grades I and II IP when compared with grade III and IV IP.

Conclusion

Inflammatory cells were identified as a significant cell population in IP, whereas it was less commonly encountered in other forms of SP. The proposed IP staging system may serve as the foundation for improved understanding of IP and, ultimately, may help to predict recurrence or apparent malignant transformation.

Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Therapy in Primary MALT Lymphoma of Rectum

Primary rectal MALT lymphoma is a very rare entity among extranodal MALT lymphomas and its therapeutic management has not been standardized. Different approaches including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been proposed in the last decades. There have been reports on complete responses after anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy, also in patients without serological or histological evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. In our patient we obtained a complete response with anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy and a disease-free survival of 34 months. Endoscopic ultrasound was useful for diagnosis and follow-up. Although the mechanisms that determined this response remain a matter of debate, anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy can be considered as first-line therapy in stage IE, nonbulky primary rectal MALT lymphoma. Endoscopic ultrasound could play a relevant role in the management of this rare condition.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma of the Colon: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Patient: Female, 56

Final Diagnosis: Colonic MALT lymphoma

Symptoms: Epigastric pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Colonoscopy and biopsy

Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) variant of primary rectal lymphoma: a review of the English literature

PURPOSE

Primary rectal lymphoma (PRL) is the third most common cause of rectal cancer following adenocarcinoma (90-95 %) and carcinoid (5 %). The most common variant of PRL is the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. To date, no study has been able to recommend an optimal treatment algorithm for this rare disease. The aim of our study was to review the English literature on primary rectal MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

A review of the English literature was conducted to identify articles describing the MALT variant of PRL.

RESULTS

Fifty-one cases were identified. A complete response was achieved in 12 of 19 cases treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, 5 of 6 with radiation, 2 of 4 cases with chemotherapy, 2 of 4 with endoscopic resection, 6 of 8 cases with surgical resection, and all 8 with combination therapies. Cases failing initial therapies were responsive to various second-line treatments. Two cases spontaneously regressed with observation alone.

CONCLUSION

Complete regression of primary rectal MALT lymphoma was achieved using various therapeutic strategies, although the numbers of different treatment modalities are too small to draw definitive conclusions.

Endoscopic features of gastro-intestinal lymphomas: From diagnosis to follow-up

Many progresses have been done in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) lymphomas during last decades, especially after the discovery of Helicobacter pylori-dependent lymphoma development. The stepwise implementation of new endoscopic techniques, by means of echoendoscopy or double-balloon enteroscopy, enabled us to more precisely describe the endoscopic features of GI lymphomas with substantial contribution in patient management and in tailoring the treatment strategy with organ preserving approaches. In this review, we describe the recent progresses in GI lymphoma management from disease diagnosis to follow-up with a specific focus on the endoscopic presentation according to the involved site and the lymphoma subtype. Additionally, new or emerging endoscopic technologies that have an impact on the management of gastrointestinal lymphomas are reported. We here discuss the two most common subtypes of GI lymphomas: the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and the diffuse large B cell lymphoma. A general outline on the state-of-the-art of the disease and on the role of endoscopy in both diagnosis and follow-up will be performed.

MALT Lymphoma of Caecum Presenting as Acute Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas (MALT lymphoma) are well known, but colonic MALT lymphomas are extremely rare. We report the first case of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the cecum from India presenting as acute intestinal obstruction with mass in right iliac fossa showing diffuse thickening of ascending colon and caecum with obliterated lumen along with nodular mass on CECT scan of abdomen. On video colonoscopy, circumferential ulcerated growth was seen at cecum, and the rest of the colon was normal. Multiple biopsies from growth suggested malignancy. Right hemicolectomy was performed. The histopathology of resected specimen demonstrated low-grade B-cell MALT lymphoma of the cecum, and the depth of invasion was up to the muscular layer. This was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Regression of rectal MALT lymphoma after antibiotic treatment in a patient negative for Helicobacter pylori

A 53-year-old man was referred to our hospital with bloody stool. Barium enema study and colonoscopy revealed multiple small nodules on the anterior wall of the lower rectum. Biopsy specimens showed proliferation of atypical lymphoid cells forming the nodules. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma was diagnosed on the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical examinations. No metastasis was detected in lymph nodes or distant organs, indicative of clinical stage I disease. Although the test results were negative for Helicobacter pylori, eradication therapy was performed. The lesion disappeared completely within 9 months after the triple antibiotic therapy. H. pylori eradication therapy may be a useful treatment option regardless of H. pylori status.

Successful treatment of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in a patient with gastric and rectal lesions with metachronous and ectopic development

A 75-year-old female, who had an abnormal stomach x-ray finding, was admitted to the hospital for further examination and therapy. Upper GI endoscopy showed reddish and swollen folds on the greater curvature of the gastric body and a biopsy was of this lesion revealed malignant lymphoma (small cell type or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma suspected). The patient was infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), however, in response to the patient's wishes, a total gastrectomy, omentectomy and splenectomy were performed and the histological diagnosis was gastric MALT lymphoma. Two courses of CHOP therapy (cyclophosphamide (CPM) 750 mg/m²/day, day 1, adriamycin (ADM) 50 mg/m²/day, day 1, vincristine sulfate (VCR) 1.4 mg/m²/day, day 1, prednisolone 100 mg/body, day 1–5) were administered as adjuvant chemotherapy. A colonoscopic examination performed about 4.5 yr after the operation revealed rectal submucosal tumors and the biopsied specimens were diagnosed as malignant lymphoma. A transanal focal resection was performed and the histological diagnosis was metachronous and ectopic development of MALT lymphoma. The histological finding was similar to the gastric lesion. About 4 and 7 yr after the first development of rectal MALT lymphoma, MALT lymphomas developed repeatedly in the rectal lesion, however, these were resected repeatedly and no developmenthas occurred during the past two years. This report presents a very rare case of metachronous and ectopic MALT lymphoma development in the gastric and rectal lesions.

Review article: common misconceptions in the management of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric MALT-lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori infection is the main cause of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

AIM

To review several common misconceptions in the management of H. pylori-associated gastric MALT-lymphoma.

METHODS

Bibliographical searches were performed in MEDLINE up to June 2011.

RESULTS

If adequate diagnostic methods are used, and if only low-grade lymphomas are considered, the prevalence of H. pylori infection is very high (almost 90%). H. pylori eradication is effective in treating approximately 80% of patients with early stage lymphoma. In H. pylori-positive gastric high-grade lymphomas, antibiotic therapy should always be prescribed, as approximately 50% of them regress after H. pylori eradication. Patients with early stage MALT lymphoma negative for H. pylori might still benefit from antibiotic treatment as the sole treatment. Complete remission of gastric MALT lymphoma after H. pylori eradication can take even >12 months. PCR assay for the detection of monoclonal B cells remains positive in many cases after complete remission has been reached. Patients with a persistent clonal band should not be treated unless the lymphoma can be histologically demonstrated. Synchronous occurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma has been repeatedly reported. In some patients in complete remission, eradication of H. pylori does not prevent later development of early gastric cancer. Gastric lymphoma recurrence occurs in some patients after both bacterial and lymphoma regression. H. pylori reinfection does not constitute a prerequisite for lymphoma recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The present article states several misconceptions in the management of H. pylori-associated gastric MALT-lymphoma in clinical practice, reviews the related scientific evidence and proposes the adequate attitude in each case.

Novel approach to treatment of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

A 78-year-old Hispanic woman with a medical history of osteoporosis, hyperlipidaemia and dyspepsia presented to a gastrointestinal clinic complaining of a small amount of rectal bleeding following bowel movements for 6 months. Colonoscopy demonstrated a 3×3 cm submucosal rectal mass. Pathological analysis revealed ulcerated colonic mucosa with diffuse proliferation suggestive of a lymphoproliferative process. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry of the specimen supported a diagnosis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The patient was treated with amoxicillin, clarithromycin and lansoprazole for 2 weeks. A C-14 urea breath test confirmed eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Repeat colonoscopy showed no regression of the tumour. The patient received external beam radiation treatment. Subsequent positron emission tomography/CT scans demonstrated no evidence of viable tumour tissue and no regional or distant metastasis. Follow-up sigmoidoscopy with biopsy revealed no evidence of lymphoma.

Regression of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma after antibiotic treatments

Only a few reports have described regression of rectal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma after antibiotic treatment are generally found to be successful for gastric tumors. We examined eight rectal MALT lymphomas treated with antibiotic treatments to determine whether they regressed after treatment. We also discuss the relationship between rectal MALT lymphomas and MALT1 gene genetic abnormalities. Eight patients who had undergone antibiotic treatments were followed up with colonoscopy after initiation of the treatment. In five of the eight cases (63%) endoscopic examination showed that the rectal tumor had disappeared, which was confirmed histologically. Polymerase chain reaction for immunoglobulin heavy chain identified a monoclonal band in seven of eight cases (88%). Of the eight cases analyzed with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for MALT1 translocation, two demonstrated MALT1 gene genetic abnormality. These cases tended to be resistant to antibiotic treatment. Investigation and analysis of a large number of rectal MALT lymphomas are needed to establish suitable standards for antibiotic treatment.

MALT lymphoma of the rectum, presenting with rectal prolapsus: a case report

Up to now, there have been only a few reported cases of Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas arising in the rectum. Its clinical presentation is indistinguishable from that of rectal carcinoma but the treatment is apparently different. Symptoms of primary lymphomas involving the rectum include; anorexia, weight loss, change in bowel habits, obstruction, and bleeding. These symptoms are not disease specific and can be seen in many other gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with polypoid masses may present with obstruction symptoms. In this rare case, a female patient admitted to the emergency service with prolapsus of a rectal mass.

The optimal treatment of rectal MALT lymphoma is not well defined yet, given the rarity of the disease. Surgical resection of the localized lesion and following adjuvant chemotherapy has proved to be an effective treatment option. However, a close and long-lasting follow-up is important.

[MALT lymphoma of the rectum: a case report treated by radiotherapy]

The mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a distinct clinical pathologic entity that develops in diverse anatomic locations such as the stomach, salivary gland, thyroid, lung, skin and breast. However, colorectal involvement is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only ten cases of primary rectal MALT lymphoma have been reported in the literature. We report a 46-year-old woman with rectal MALT lymphoma, which regressed after radiotherapy. The patient had rectal bleeding. Colonoscopy showed a pseudonodular and ulcerated big fold in the rectum. Microscopic and immunohistologic studies of the biopsy specimen showed typical features of low grade MALT lymphoma. Upper endoscopy showed chronic gastritis with lymphoid follicles but without any infiltration of lymphoma cells. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed by histology. No extra-intestinal involvement was found on the staging evaluation, which included computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen, chest, pelvis and a bone marrow biopsy. We attempted to eradicate H. pylori with a 7-day course of omeprazole, amoxycillin, and metronidazole. Eradication was proved successful by endoscopy. Repeated colonoscopy 4 months after the end of treatment showed that the rectal tumor had not regressed. Biopsy specimens confirmed the persistent infiltration of lymphoma cells. The patient was considered to be a non-responder to eradication therapy and was indicated for radiotherapy. He underwent a total of 34 Gy. Complete regression was confirmed by colonoscopic and histologic examination at 2 months after the end of treatment. He was followed up closely with colonoscopy, but no relapse of these lesions was detected after 12 months.

Successful treatment of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the rectum with radiation therapy: report of a case

We report a case of Stage IE mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma arising in the rectum, which was successfully treated with radiotherapy. A 60-year-old man had several months of altered bowel habit with rectal bleeding and was found to have a large rectal tumor with no evidence of distant spread. Histologic studies showed this to be a mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. The patient received 45 Gy in 25 fractions with external beam radiotherapy during 5 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated and review at 41 months revealed no evidence of recurrence.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma occurring in the rectum: a case report and review of the literature

The primary extranodal B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a distinct clinical pathologic entity that develops in diverse anatomic locations such as the stomach, salivary gland, thyroid, lung, and breast; however, colorectal involvement is rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 30 cases of primary rectal MALT lymphoma have been published in the English language literature, mostly from Japan. A single case has been reported from the US before this report. The most common symptoms ranged from asymptomatic to occult or gross gastrointestinal bleeding. Simultaneous involvement of the cecum or colon was seen in 20% of the patients. Ninety percent of the patients were classified as low grade, Stage 1 at the time of diagnosis. Polypoid lesions were 10-fold more common than ulcerative lesions. Seven patients were reported to have H pylori in the stomach. The majority of the patients underwent surgical or endoscopic resection as a cure; however, controversy exists with regards to antibiotic treatment or observation alone because of unknown etiopathogenesis. Infection with microorganisms other than H pylori has been postulated in the development of rectal MALT lymphoma; however, this hypothesis remains unproven. The overall prognosis of rectal MALT lymphoma appears favorable; however, long-term follow-up data is lacking. Therefore, periodic clinical monitoring should be done in these patients.

Primary gastrointestinal tract lymphoma: diagnosis and management of common neoplasms

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma represents the most common location of extranodal lymphoma. With the bulk of disease manifesting within the gastrointestinal tract and contiguous lymph nodes, many of the lymphomas occurring in the peripheral lymph nodes can also present with primary gastrointestinal tract involvement. Molecular biology has recently enabled significant progress in the diagnosis and management of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma. Herein, we will discuss the major lymphomas affecting the bowel and highlight their key morphological, immunophenotypical and molecular diagnostic attributes. Similarly, in keeping with recent therapeutic advances, we will briefly discuss some important treatment considerations. Thus, this review is intended to offer clinicians and pathologists an overview of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the transverse colon: A case report

We herein present a case of a 75-year-old female with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the transverse colon with the stage IE (Ann Arbor classification). Colonoscopy revealed the tumor’s appearance as a IIa plus IIc-like early colon cancer as defined according to the macroscopic classification of the Japanese Research Society for Cancer of Colon, Rectum and Anus, measuring less than 2 cm in diameter. Histologically, the tumor was diagnosed as MALT lymphoma because of the presence of lymphoepithelial lesions consisting of diffuse proliferation of atypical lymphocytes and glandular destruction. The majority of these lymphocytes immunohistochemically stained for the B-lymphocyte marker. The patient first underwent H pylori eradication therapy with Lansap^®. However, the tumor size gradually increased over the next 4 mo and the patient eventually underwent surgical resection. The operative procedure included a partial colectomy with dissection of the paracolic lymph nodes. The tumor measured 45 mm x 30 mm in diameter and histological examination showed that the lymphoma cells had infiltrated the muscle layer of the colon without nodal involvement. The patient has had no recurrence postoperatively without any chemotherapy.

Regression of primary low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of duodenum after long-term treatment with clarithromycin

A 74-year-old woman was referred to our department because of epigastralgia. Endoscopic findings revealed yellowish bumpy mucosa from the bulbus to the second portion of the duodenum. The patient was admitted to our hospital for further examinations and treatment for this lesion. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed on part of the lesion to obtain the final diagnosis, and then mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the duodenum was diagnosed using this procedure. In this case, no evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the patient's stomach was detected by any of the diagnostic examinations used, such as the urea breath test, histological study, culture, and serological antibody. For this reason, the patient's duodenal MALT lymphoma was treated solely with long-term clarithromycin, which had an inhibitory action on lymphocyte activation. The lesion showed slight improved during the first 12 days of treatment, and complete regression was reached after 6 months of treatment. It is suggested that the long-term use of clarithromycin may be effective for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract associated with the lymphocyte proliferation.

Acute infections as a means of cancer prevention: opposing effects to chronic infections?

PURPOSE

Epidemiological studies have found an inverse association between acute infections and cancer development. In this paper, we review the evidence examining this potentially antagonistic relationship.

METHODS

In addition to a review of the historical literature, we examined the recent epidemiological evidence on the relationship between acute infections and subsequent cancer development in adult life. We also discuss the impact of chronic infections on tumor development and the influence of the immune system in this process.

RESULTS

Exposures to febrile infectious childhood diseases were associated with subsequently reduced risks for melanoma, ovary, and multiple cancers combined, significant in the latter two groups. Epidemiological studies on common acute infections in adults and subsequent cancer development found these infections to be associated with reduced risks for meningioma, glioma, melanoma and multiple cancers combined, significantly for the latter three groups. Overall, risk reduction increased with the frequency of infections, with febrile infections affording the greatest protection. In contrast to acute infections, chronic infections can be viewed as resulting from a failed immune response and an increasing number have been associated with an elevated cancer risk.

CONCLUSION

Infections may play a paradoxical role in cancer development with chronic infections often being tumorigenic and acute infections being antagonistic to cancer.

Deep infiltrative low-grade MALT (mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue) colonic lymphomas that regressed as a result of antibiotic administration: endoscopic ultrasound evaluation

Since 1997 we have experienced three cases of low-grade colonic mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. The depth of tumor invasion was evaluated by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and the mass lesions were all diagnosed as having extended beyond the deep region of the submucosal layer. Although all of these patients tested negative for gastric Helicobacter pylori, their tumor lesions regressed after antibiotic treatment in accordance with H. pylori eradication therapy. In general, consensus has been reached regarding antibiotic therapy for gastric MALT lymphomas. However, as a prerequisite for antibiotic therapy, the therapy has been deemed effective against these gastric tumors if the extent of infiltration, as evaluated by EUS, is limited to the mucosal layer or the superficial region of the submucosal layer. Based on the therapeutic outcomes seen in the three patients studied here, it is suggested that antibiotic therapy might be useful in treating MALT lymphomas of the colon, even in patients with advanced invasive tumors, in contrast to the extent of the lesions in the stomach suitable for antibiotic treatment. The success of the antibiotic treatment also suggests that MALT lymphomas may be caused by unknown luminal microorganisms, other than H. pylori.

Nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas

Nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-derived lymphomas arise from various extranodal locations and are usually related to a particular pathogenesis with a possible external (environmental or autoimmune) event inducing the disease. We reviewed 165 patients with nongastric MALT lymphoma among the 243 patients with MALT lymphoma in our database and reviewed reports in the literature to analyze the clinical features of nongastric MALT lymphomas. The site of clinical presentation was related to the lymphoma location and was usually indolent. Dissemination of the disease at diagnosis was noticed in 48% of cases because of the involvement of multiple mucosal sites (48%) or because of a nonmucosal site involvement such as bone marrow, spleen, or liver (52%). With a median follow-up of 4 years, the estimated 5-year overall survival and 5-year freedom-from-progression rates were 89% and 50%, respectively, without any difference between patients with localized or disseminated disease or among different locations. Treatment recommendations for localized disease are based on surgery, local therapy, or chlorambucil. For disseminated disease, treatment recommendations include chemotherapy with fludarabine or chlorambucil or chemotherapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone) in cases of large tumor mass