Endoscopic ultrasonography in the local staging of primary gastric lymphoma

The diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound vs. contrast-enhanced computed tomography in local staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a bi-national multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Identification of pancreatic cancer (PC) local invasion is crucial to optimize patients' selection for surgery.

AIMS

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in local staging of PC.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter study including all patients with PC who underwent surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve patients were included. Surgical findings of peri-pancreatic lymph nodes (LN), vascular and adjacent organ involvement were seen in 67 (59.8%), 33 (29.5%) and 19 patients (17%), respectively. The diagnostic performance of EUS was better than CECT in peri-pancreatic LN. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) of CECT vs. EUS were 28.4%, 80%, 67.9% and 42.9% vs. 70.2%, 75.6%, 81% and 63%, respectively. For vascular and adjacent organ involvement, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 45.5%, 93.7%, 75%, 80.4% and 31.6%, 89.2%, 37.5% and 86.5% for CECT, respectively, vs. 63.6%, 93.7%, 80.8%, 86.1% and 36.8%, 94.6%, 58.3% and 88% for EUS, respectively. Combining both CECT and EUS, the sensitivity for peri-pancreatic LN, vascular and adjacent organ involvement improved (76.1%, 78.8% and 42%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

EUS was superior to CECT in local staging. Combined EUS and CECT had a higher sensitivity than either alone.

A study on the prevention of hemorrhage and perforation in patients with primary gastric diffuse large-B cell lymphoma during treatment with immunochemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Stomach hemorrhage and perforation are very severe and common complications in patients with primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PG-DLBCL) during treatment with immunochemotherapy. However, no relevant clinical studies have been performed on the prevention of these serious complications.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with PG-DLBCL were enrolled in this retrospective study. The prevention group received standard rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) treatment without prednisone combined with antacids and anti-Helicobacter pylori (Hp) therapy. These patients received R-CHOP-based treatment until the complete recovery of gastric ulcers, as proven by gastroscopy. The control group received a standard R-CHOP regimen. Toxicity and survival were the main endpoints.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients received preventative treatment, while 146 patients did not. Among patients with stage I, II-1, and II-2 disease, the prevention group had a lower rate of hemorrhage and perforation (0/40) than the control group (10/78, p = 0.044). At a median follow-up time of 25 months, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 97.1% in the prevention group and 66.1% in the control group (p = 0.025), and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 100% and 72.0%, respectively (p = 0.021). However, the differences in the 5-year EFS and OS of patients with disseminated disease were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventative treatment can decrease the risk of hemorrhage and perforation in patients with localized PG-DLBCL during immunochemotherapy, leading to better EFS and OS in these patients. However, preventative treatment failed to reduce the risk of gastric hemorrhage and perforation and did not improve survival (EFS and OS) in advanced-stage patients.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Masked as Gastric Varices With Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report

Extra-nodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is uncommon and difficult to diagnose due to varied clinical presentations and endoscopic appearances masquerading as other pathology. Rarely, it has been associated with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We report on a 60-year-old male who presented with an acute upper GI bleed and endoscopic findings suggestive of isolated gastric varices (GV), ultimately determined to be MALT lymphoma. Complete remission was achieved with radiation therapy, with no recurrence at a 12-month follow-up. This case highlights a unique clinical and endoscopic presentation of MALT lymphoma which providers should be aware of. We emphasize the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

Optimal Initial Workup in Patients With Superficial Primary Gastric MALT Lymphoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The prognosis of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is favorable, especially in the absence of lymph node metastasis (LNM). We investigated LNM incidence and location in superficial type gastric MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 450 patients newly diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma with tumor infiltration confined to the mucosa or submucosa as evidenced by endoscopic ultrasonography. LNM incidence and location were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 450 patients, most patients (434, 96.4%) were initially LNM negative as confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scanning. Sixteen patients (3.6%) were LNM positive. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the 2 groups except for the extent of lymphoma involvement and endoscopic findings. Among 41 patients undergoing abdominal/pelvic CT (APCT) only, LNM was detected in 1 (2.4%). There were 8 LNM cases among 238 patients undergoing both APCT and chest CT (3.4%). Among 171 patients undergoing APCT, chest CT, and neck CT, 7 cases of LNM were detected (4.1%). The detection rates for each CT were as follows: abdominal CT, 13/450 (2.9%); chest CT, 6/408 (1.5%); and neck CT, 1/171 (0.6%). Among 6 patients with chest CT-positive findings, 3 showed no evidence of LNM on APCT.

CONCLUSION

LNM was an infrequent finding in gastric MALT lymphoma patients with tumor infiltration confined to the mucosa or submucosa. Besides endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography, APCT and chest CT are considered as optimal initial workup modalities in patients with assumed primary superficial gastric MALT lymphoma.

Interobserver Reliability of Endoscopic Ultrasonography: Literature Review

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been applied to the diagnosis of various digestive disorders. Although it has been widely accepted and its diagnostic value is high, the dependence of EUS diagnosis on image interpretation done by the endosonographer has persisted as an important difficulty. Consequently, high interobserver reliability (IOR) in EUS diagnosis is important to demonstrate the reliability of EUS diagnosis. We reviewed the literature on the IOR of EUS diagnosis for various diseases such as chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic solid/cystic mass, lymphadenopathy, and gastrointestinal and subepithelial lesions. The IOR of EUS diagnosis differs depending on the disease; moreover, EUS findings with high IOR and those with IOR that was not necessarily high were used as diagnostic criteria. Therefore, to further increase the value of EUS diagnosis, EUS diagnostic criteria with high diagnostic characteristics based on EUS findings with high IOR must be established.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma]

The stomach is the most common primary site of an extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type, which is characterized by an indolent clinical course. A diagnosis of gastric MALT lymphoma requires an endoscopic biopsy that should be confirmed by an experienced pathologist. Gastric MALT lymphoma shows a variable endoscopic appearance, including erosion, erythema, discoloration, atrophy, ulcer, and subepithelial lesion. The distribution is often multifocal. Therefore, clinical suspicion and multiple biopsies are essential for an accurate diagnosis. Gastric MALT lymphoma is almost invariably associated with a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. H. pylori eradication therapy is the mainstay of treatment, which must be delivered to all patients regardless of the H. pylori infection status or stage. For patients who have failed to achieve remission following eradication therapy, radiotherapy or chemotherapy can be considered. Radiotherapy is an effective treatment modality for a localized stage and shows excellent outcomes. In the presence of disseminated or advanced disease, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, can be applied. Treatment should be individualized according to the stage and symptoms, as well as the patients' preference. Given that the clinical course of gastric MALT lymphoma is usually indolent, watchful waiting may be an adequate strategy in selected cases where scheduled follow-up is guaranteed.

Gastric MALT lymphoma in a population-based study in France: clinical features, treatments and survival

BACKGROUND

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare disease, and most available data on gastric MALT lymphoma (GML) come from clinical studies of selected patients treated in centres of excellence.

AIMS

To analyse the clinical features, management and survival of GML patients in a population-based study in France METHODS: All new cases of GML diagnosed between 2002 and 2010 in 11 French areas covered by cancer registries were included. Pathology reports were verified and, if necessary, reviewed by an expert pathologist. All clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical files and analysed using stata V. 14 software.

RESULTS

Four hundred and sixteen patients with confirmed GML (50% male, median age 67 years) were identified. Among them, 44 showed an early transformation into diffuse large B cell lymphoma and were considered to have had an initially missed high-grade lymphoma. At diagnosis, 76% of patients were at stage IE/II, and 24% at stage III/IV of the disease. Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 57% of the patients. Eradication treatment was administered to 76% of patients and complete remission (CR) was obtained in 39%. One hundred and ninety patients received at least one other treatment, including 10 already in CR after eradication. Altogether, CR was obtained in 70% of patients and the 5-year overall survival was 79% (95% CI [75-83]).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to clinical series, in the general population, GMLs are more frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, their clinical management is heterogeneous, and there is a risk of misdiagnosis and overtreatment. These results highlight the necessity of following currently available guidelines in this field.

Endoscopic features aiding the diagnosis of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

The incidence of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is increasing worldwide, but the diagnosis is difficult. Most patients are asymptomatic or complain of nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. As the endoscopic features of gastric MALT lymphoma are variable and nonspecific, the possibility of this condition may be overlooked during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and it remain undiagnosed. Therefore, this condition needs to be considered when an abnormal mucosa is observed during this procedure. Biopsy performed during endoscopy is the primary diagnostic test, but false negative results are possible; large numbers of samples should be collected from both normal and abnormal mucosae. Endoscopic ultrasonography is useful to assess the depth of invasion and to predict the treatment response. After treatment, follow-up tests are required every 3 months until complete remission is achieved, and annually thereafter. Early diagnosis of gastric MALT lymphoma is difficult, and its diagnosis and follow-up require wide experience and competent endoscopic technique.

Complications and outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with gastric lesions treated with R-CHOP

Standard therapy for gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is considered to be chemotherapy with or without involved‐field radiation therapy. Although R‐CHOP therapy alone is widely used for DLBCL with gastric lesions (DLBCL‐GL), the outcome and incidence of treatment‐related gastric complications following R‐CHOP are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome after R‐CHOP therapy in patients with gastric DLBCL including gastric complications and to identify risk factors for the complications. Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL‐GL treated with R‐CHOP between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. DLBCL‐GL was defined only when pathologically confirmed in the stomach. Of the 96 patients with DLBCL‐GL, 63 patients were diagnosed with gastric symptoms. Eighty‐eight patients (92%) completed six to eight cycles of R‐CHOP. The complete remission (CR) rate was 86%, and 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates were 80% and 73%, respectively. Patients were well stratified according to the Revised International Prognostic Index (R‐IPI). Complication rate was 8% (8/96); seven patients had bleeding and three had stenosis. No patients had gastric perforation. Bleeding occurred during the first cycle of R‐CHOP in five patients (5/7, 71%). Patients with gastric complications had a lower R‐CHOP completion rate (50%, P = 0.001) and a lower CR rate (25%, P < 0.001) than those without complications. A low serum albumin level at diagnosis was the only risk factor identified for gastric complications (P = 0.001) and six of the eight patients with complications were shown to be at stage IV. Further studies of DLBCL‐GL are warranted to identify patients at high risk for gastric complications and to provide better treatment strategies.

Endoscopic ultrasound in oncology: An update of clinical applications in the gastrointestinal tract

An accurate staging is necessary to select the best treatment and evaluate prognosis in oncology. Staging usually begins with noninvasive imaging such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography. In the absence of distant metastases, endoscopic ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal tumors, being the most accurate modality for local-regional staging. Its use for tumor and nodal involvement in pre-surgical evaluation has proven to reduce unnecessary surgeries. The aim of this article is to review the current role of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer.

The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Gastric Lymphoma

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is considered a valuable diagnostic tool during the workup of malignant gastric lesions, including primary gastric lymphomas (PGL). Although endoscopy combined with multiple biopsies remains essential in the establishment of PGL diagnosis, EUS utilization in locoregional disease staging has been well documented in the literature. Data also support the possible role of EUS in prediction of response to first-line treatment, that is, Helicobacter pylori eradication. However, its application in the posttreatment setting remains problematic, since concordance rates between endosonography and histology findings during follow-up seem to vary substantially. The aim of the present review is to summarize all available data regarding the role of EUS in the management of PGL.

Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most common type of extranodal lymphoma, and most commonly affects the stomach. Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are the most common histologic types of gastric lymphoma. Despite its increasing incidence, diagnosis of gastric lymphoma is difficult at an earlier stage due to its nonspecific symptoms and endoscopic findings, and, thus, a high index of suspicion, and multiple, deep, repeated biopsies at abnormally and normally appearing sites in the stomach are needed. In addition, testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and endoscopic ultrasonography to determine the depth of tumor invasion and involvement of regional lymph nodes is essential for predicting response to H. pylori eradication and for assessment of disease progression. In addition, H. pylori infection and MALT lymphoma development are associated, and complete regression of low-grade MALT lymphomas after H. pylori eradication has been demonstrated. Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy can be used in cases that show poor response to H. pylori eradication, negativity for H. pylori infection, or high-grade lymphoma.

Diagnosis and staging in gastrointestinal lymphoma

The diagnosis gastrointestinal lymphoma can be made on endoscopic biopsies in the vast majority of cases. Definitive subtyping of the lymphoma according to the WHO classification with the use of additional immunological and molecular markers is the cornerstone for further decision making. Several lymphomas may occur multifocally or show both small cell and large cell components. Therefore, a second endoscopy with an extensive biopsy protocol (mapping) may be mandatory. Staging procedures are required for therapeutic decision making and should include CT-scan, laboratory studies and bone marrow examination as required in other lymphomas. Additional studies must be performed depending subtype and localisation of the lymphoma. In gastric lymphoma endosonography reveals prognostic information. In marginal zone lymphoma of MALT-type attention to other MALT-sites and autoimmune diseases is necessary. In enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma screening for coeliac disease and enteroscopy are required. In several lymphomas (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma) a PET-scan is considered as standard of care. The value of staging procedures after treatment is less well defined. At least in gastric lymphomas, histology is the gold standard after treatment and during follow-up.

Staging role of EUS

Type of lymphoma and stage of disease are the two decisive prognostic factors and therapeutic determinants. For the locoregional staging, i.e. assessment of the gastric wall infiltration and perigastric lymphonodular involvement, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly useful. EUS has, therefore, to be integrated into the standard staging procedure of gastric lymphoma, although its impact on initial treatment decisions might be limited in the individual case. A benefit from the use of miniechoendoscopes, EUS elastography and EUS-guided biopsies has not yet been proven in gastric lymphoma. EUS also confers an important prognostic value regarding treatment responses to Helicobacter pylori eradication. On the contrary, EUS cannot be recommended as a regular part of follow-up investigations considering its limited value in predicting the response of the lymphoma to radiation or chemotherapy.

Combination therapy with rituximab and intravenous or oral fludarabine in the first-line, systemic treatment of patients with extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are no consensus guidelines regarding the best therapeutic option for patients with extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type.

METHODS

Patients with systemically untreated or de novo extranodal MALT lymphoma received rituximab 375 mg/m(2) intravenously on Day 1 and fludarabine 25 mg/m(2) intravenously on Days 1 through 5 (Days 1-3 in patients aged >70 years) every 4 weeks, for 4 to 6 cycles. After the first cycle, oral fludarabine could be given orally at 40 mg/m(2) on the same schedule. After 3 cycles, a workup was done. Patients who achieved a complete remission (CR) received an additional cycle, and patients who achieved a partial remission (PR) received a total of 6 cycles.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were studied, including 12 patients with gastric lymphoma and 10 patients with extragastric MALT lymphoma. Six patients (27%) had stage IV disease. In total, 101 cycles were administered (median, 4 cycles per patients). After the third cycle, 13 patients (62%) achieved a CR, and 8 patients (38%) achieved a PR. Primary extragastric disease was an adverse factor to achieve CR after 3 cycles of chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 23.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-273.3). At the end of treatment, the overall response rate was 100%, and 90% of patients achieved a CR. The progression-free survival rate at 2 years in patients with gastric and extragastric MALT lymphoma was 100% and 89%, respectively. Toxicities were mild and mainly were hematologic.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with rituximab and fludarabine is a very active treatment with favorable safety profile as first-line systemic treatment for patients with extranodal MALT lymphoma.

The impact of EUS in primary gastric lymphoma

Gastric lymphoma is the most frequent site of gastrointestinal lymphoma and is accessible for endosonographic evaluation. Most primary gastric lymphomas are classified as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphomas that develop in the course of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is regarded to be the most accurate method for the local staging of gastric lymphoma, although scientific evidence is limited. In stage uEI1 low-grade lymphoma, EUS is able to predict a high chance for cure by H. pylori eradication. The significance of EUS elastography or EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy to diagnose nodal involvement has not been investigated in prospective series yet. Since high-grade lymphoma is always treated as a systemic disease, the impact of endosonographic staging is lower than in low-grade lymphoma. After treatment of primary gastric lymphoma, EUS produces conflicting results that are not as accurate as endoscopy with biopsy. Therefore, EUS is not mandatory during follow-up.

Endoscopic diagnosis and staging of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The role of endoscopy, including endoscopic ultrasound, in the diagnosis and management of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas of the stomach has evolved steadily in the last two decades. The present review summarizes recent findings and puts them in context with studies on the diagnosis and management of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma published earlier.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent studies have emphasized the crucial role of endoscopic ultrasound in treatment planning in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This is important as early-stage gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas can be managed just by the eradication of Helicobacter pylori by appropriate antibiotic regimens. However, the more advanced lesions are treated with much more invasive treatment regimens involving radical gastrectomy, chemotherapy or radiation, or all.

SUMMARY

Endoscopic ultrasound staging is highly accurate in predicting response to Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Normalization of gastric wall thickness and architecture can be used to monitor tumor regression following treatment. Endoscopic ultrasound findings can also be used to identify treatment failures and relapses and can help identify patients who need more aggressive therapy.

CURRENT CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been developed since the early 1980s. Its clinical role in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal wall lesions and staging of gastrointestinal and lung cancer has evolved over the last two decades. Initially, it was either used as an imaging tool for gastrointestinal wall lesions or for staging of gastrointestinal tumours. However, in combination with fine-needle aspiration under real-time scanning, EUS is now being used in tissue sampling for diagnosis. In addition, EUS may be used therapeutically in coeliac plexus neurolysis or pseudocyst drainage. This review concentrates on the current applications of EUS.

Frequent and rapid progression of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in gastric mucosa of patients with MALT lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

Association of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) low-grade lymphoma and adenocarcinoma has repeatedly been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and the spreading of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in gastric mucosa of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma followed after conservative treatment.

METHODS

Forty-five patients (mean age 45 +/- 2.1 yr) with gastric MALT lymphoma, treated by Helicobacter pylori eradication, chemotherapy with per os single alkylating agents, or both treatments have been followed by gastroscopy with biopsies in antrum and corpus at least once a year. Univariate and multivariate analysis evaluated the association between the appearance of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in antrum or corpus and different factors related to patients, H. pylori status, lymphoma features, and treatment. In addition, histological aspects of gastric biopsies at the diagnosis period and at the end of follow-up were compared with those of two control groups of age-matched patients with H. pylori gastritis.

RESULTS

At the diagnosis time, only intestinal metaplasia in corpus was more frequent in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma than in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia. Within median follow-up of 54.4 months (range 9-196), the percentage of patients with gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia increased significantly and became significantly higher than in age-matched nonulcer dyspepsia patients. Multivariate analysis showed significant association between corpus intestinal metaplasia and corpus atrophy, intestinal metaplasia in antrum, and duration of the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management of gastric MALT lymphoma including H. pylori eradication is associated with progression of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia with frequent involvement of the corpus which is known to be a precancerous condition. These findings show that long-term endoscopic monitoring should be recommended in such patients.

Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas: A radiological-pathological review. Part 1: Stomach, oesophagus and colon

Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas are most common in the stomach, followed by small intestine and then colon. The most frequently used pathology classification of lymphomas is the Revised European and American Lymphoma /World Health Organization classification. The correlation of radiological morphology with histology is relatively poor, although characteristic subtypes will be discussed. In the stomach, the majority of primary lymphomas are of B-cell origin of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. Low-grade MALT lymphomas are associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and often respond to eradication of this organism. Radiological features include thickened folds, nodularity, depressed lesions, ulcers, prominent areae gastricae. High-grade (large B-cell) tumour patterns include infiltrative, polypoid, nodular, ulcerated or a combination. Endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound and CT are important in diagnosis and staging, although appearances on barium studies should be recognized. Primary colonic lymphomas are rare. Most are of B-cell origin. Focal and diffuse forms are seen, the former producing polypoid or nodular or cavitating masses and the latter producing ulcerative or nodular (polyposis) patterns on imaging. Even when circumferential, lymphoma rarely causes obstruction. Small bowel lymphomas will be discussed in the forthcoming part 2 of this review.

Endoscopic ultrasound for luminal malignancies

Luminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. Since the first pairing of ultrasonography with endoscopy in 1980, technologic advances and the increased availability of trained endosonographers have propelled endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to the forefront of luminal GI cancer staging. In this article we discuss the role of EUS for evaluating luminal GI cancers.

Japanese multicenter phase II study of CHOP followed by radiotherapy in stage I-II, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the stomach

CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) followed by radiotherapy is regarded as standard care for localized aggressive lymphoma; however, prospective confirmation of its applicability to localized primary gastric lymphoma is inadequate, and most patients in Japan have been initially treated with gastrectomy. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the non-surgical treatment. Eligibility criteria required primary gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, stage I-II(1), age 20-75, performance status 0-1 and adequate organ function. Treatment consisted of three cycles of CHOP followed by radiotherapy 40.5 Gy. Fifty-five patients were enrolled between December 1999 and February 2003, and 52 eligible patients were analyzed. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age, 61 years; 28 men, 24 women; 36 with stage I, 16 with stage II(1); 47 with a low International Prognostic Index (IPI) and five with a low-intermediate IPI. All but one patient completed planned treatment. No serious complications including massive hemorrhage or perforation were observed. A complete response was achieved in 48 of the 52 patients (92%, 95% confidence interval: 82-98%) and progressive disease in three. Two patients underwent salvage gastrectomy due to disease persistence or recurrence. With a median follow-up period of 28 months, 2-year progression-free and overall survivals were 88 and 94%, respectively. CHOP followed by radiotherapy is safe and highly effective in localized gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This organ-preserving treatment should be considered as a very reasonable therapeutic option.

Les lymphomes gastriques du MALT

INTRODUCTION

The stomach is the most common site involved in primary gastrointestinal lymphoma. Gastric lymphoma originates from the mucosa-associated lymphoïd tissue so called MALT. It comprises a group of distinctive clinicopathological entities which are important to consider for clinical management.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

In recent years, new diagnostic tools and new treatment strategies have improved the overall prognosis. One of the most exciting recent discoveries is the hypothesis that an infection by a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori has a decisive role in gastric lymphoma.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Recent advances, essentially due to molecular biology and cytogenetic studies may emerge with the understanding of pathogenesis and new prognostic factors of these different types of gastric lymphomas. It is the aim of our oncoming studies together with the evaluation of the new therapeutic options such as radiotherapy and monoclonal antibodies in prospective studies.

Surgical resection plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone: comparison of two strategies to treat diffuse large B-cell gastric lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The usefulness of chemotherapy to treat gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is well known. Whether or not chemotherapy should be performed as the only treatment or after surgical resection is debated. The aim of this study was to compare two strategies: surgical resection plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1988 and December 1996, 58 patients included in the trials promoted by the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte (GELA) (LNH-87 and LNH-93) received chemotherapy and 48 included in the protocol of the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Digestifs (GELD) underwent surgical resection followed by chemotherapy. They all presented with localized DLBCL (stage IE and IIE according to the Ann Arbor classification). From the GELA group, seven patients received additional radiotherapy. Gastrectomy was total in 27 of the 48 patients in the GELD group. In both groups chemotherapy included anthracyclin and alkylating agents. Chemotherapy was more intensive in the GELA group than in the GELD group.

RESULTS

In the GELA and the GELD groups, distribution according to sex ratio, age (>60 or < or = 60 years), ECOG performance status (> or = 2 or <2) and staging (IE or IIE) was similar. Univariate analysis comparing prognostic factors in both groups showed significant differences: serum lactate dehydrogenase level above normal (28.6% versus 2.4%, P = 0.001), tumor size >10 cm (28.6% versus 12.5%, P = 0.04), patients with International Prognostic Index (IPI) >1 (21.4% versus 11.1%, P = 0.168) and 5-year survival (79% versus 90%, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors with a Cox model showed that IPI was the only independent prognostic factor (odds ratio 3, P = 0.03). Consequently, patients with IPI 0-1 were selected for comparison between the GELA group (44 patients) and the GELD group (40 patients). There was no significant difference between the two groups. Median follow-up was 59 months (range 3-128). Estimates of 5-year survival rates and event-free survival rates were 90.5% versus 91.1% (P = 0.303) and 85.9% versus 91.6% (P = 0.187), respectively. In the GELA group, seven of 44 patients died: five from a lymphoma-unrelated cause and two from tumor progression. In the GELD group, four of 40 patients died: two of unrelated causes and two from tumor progression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that in localized gastric DLBCL with IPI 0-1, a similar 5-year survival rate (>90%) is to be expected with either surgery plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone.

Endoscopic ultrasonography for assessment of medical treatment in patients with gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Background:  Although gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma often regresses after medical treatment, it is not known whether submucosal lymphomatous involvement persists. Because sampling error is a problem associated with histological evaluation and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is appropriate for assessing the depth of infiltration in cases of gastric lymphoma, we investigated the value of EUS for assessing the effectiveness of medical treatment.

Methods:   Twelve patients with gastric MALT lymphoma were treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and/or chemotherapy. Endoscopic ultrasonography was done at initial staging and after treatment. We used EUS to measure the distance from the surface layer to the deepest part of the hypoechoic area; a distance of less than 1.3 mm was considered normal.

Results:   The mean depth of the hypoechoic area in MALT lymphoma‐positive biopsy specimens was significantly greater than that in MALT lymphoma‐negative biopsy specimens. In many cases in which MALT lymphoma disappeared after treatment, the depth of the endoscopic ultrasonographic hypoechoic area also decreased to normal. In two cases, however, in which the MALT lymphoma biopsy results were negative but there was no decrease to normal depth, recurrence occurred during follow up.

Conclusion:  Our results show that measurement of the depth of the hypoechoic area via EUS is useful in assessing the response of gastric MALT lymphoma to treatment. When the depth of the hypoechoic area does not decrease to normal, careful follow up and frequent biopsies are required.

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

The connection between Helicobacter pylori and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is well established. H. pylori infection causes an immunological response, leading to chronic gastritis with formation of lymphoid follicles within the stomach. These lymphoid follicles resemble nodal tissues found throughout the body and are composed of reactive T cells and activated plasmal cells and B cells. The B cells are responsible for initiating a clonal expansion of centrocyte-like cells that form the basic histology of MALT lymphoma. Early diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is difficult but essential for adequate treatment. Clinical symptoms are vague and varied, with abdominal pain being a common presenting complaint. The endoscopic appearance of this tumor is varied and can be infiltrative, exophytic, or ulcerative. In addition, the tumor can have a multifocal distribution, and therefore aggressive tissue sampling is crucial for diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound is essential to document the extent of disease and is more accurate than CT scan in detection of spread to perigastric lymph nodes. Lesions that are confined to the mucosa or submucosa of the gastric wall are believed to be dependent on H. pylori stimulation and therefore can be successfully treated with H. pylori eradication. Those MALT lymphomas that present at more advanced stages require more aggressive management and can be treated with surgical resection, radiation, or chemotherapy. Follow-up is critical in all patients who have been treated with H. pylori eradication and consists of multiple endoscopic biopsies for histological and molecular studies as well as endoscopic ultrasound at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The reappearance of MALT lymphomas has been seen years after treatment, and therefore follow-up of these patients should be indefinite.

Long-term follow up of gastric low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma by endosonography emphasizing the application of a miniature ultrasound probe

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a useful tool for the evaluation of gastric wall infiltration including gastric lymphoma. The aims of this study were to characterize gastric low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma according to EUS findings and to evaluate the role of a miniature ultrasound probe in the long-term follow up.

METHODS

From January 1994 to March 2002, 20 patients were proven to have gastric low-grade MALT lymphoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed with a conventional echoprobe and/or a miniature ultrasound probe for initial staging and a miniature ultrasound probe was performed during follow up. All patients positive for Helicobacter pylori received a 2-week course of omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 17 (85%) patients. In all patients, H. pylori was eradicated after treatment. Initial EUS showed significantly greater wall thickness (6.1 +/- 3.0 mm) in MALT lymphoma patients when compared with control (2.8 +/- 0.3 mm). The infiltrative patterns included wall thickening (3.5-14.1 mm) in 18 patients: stage E-I1 in 16 (mucosa and/or submucosa), stage E-I2 in one and stage E-II in one. Complete regression of MALT lymphoma following treatment for H. pylori was noted in 14 patients, with a mean duration of 11.3 +/- 9.1 months. Follow-up miniature ultrasound probe sonography showed comparative reduction in wall thickness (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasonography plays a valuable role in the initial staging and long-term follow up of gastric low-grade MALT lymphoma. The application of a miniature ultrasound probe enables adequate evaluation in the majority of these patients, with additional benefits.

Diagnostic accuracy of EUS in the local staging of primary gastric lymphoma: results of a prospective, multicenter study comparing EUS with histopathologic stage

BACKGROUND

Grade of malignancy and stage of disease are the decisive prognostic factors and therapeutic determinants in primary gastric lymphoma. It is supposed that EUS allows determination of depth of tumor infiltration and perigastric lymph node involvement, thus defining stages I1, I2, and II1. This multicenter study evaluated the accuracy of EUS in the staging of gastric lymphoma.

METHODS

Data from preoperative EUS procedures performed at 34 centers were compared with the histopathologic stage of resection specimens in 80 patients with newly diagnosed primary gastric lymphoma. Ten patients with stage II2 were excluded from analysis because EUS is inappropriate for the evaluation of nonregional lymph node involvement.

RESULTS

EUS correctly classified the lymphoma in 37 of 70 patients (53%). Sensitivity of EUS was as follows: stage I1, 67% (95% CI [38%, 88%]; p = 0.01); stage I2, 83% (95% CI [52%, 98%]; p = 0.01); and stage II1, 71% (95% CI [49%, 87%]; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The accuracy of EUS in the local staging of gastric lymphoma has to be improved if nonsurgical treatment strategies based on the grade of malignancy and stage of the disease are to be used. Because most of the participating centers performed EUS in relatively few patients, no conclusion could be drawn with respect to accuracy in relation to EUS experience available at each center or technical considerations with respect to the types of instruments used.

The importance of endoscopic ultrasonography in the management of low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy has been reported to cause regression of low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in a high percentage of patients. However, in some patients, these lesions persist despite antibiotic treatment.

AIM

To determine the various endosonographic findings that may predict the regression of low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma post-antibiotics.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma were studied. Follow-up data were available on 51 patients. All patients were treated with antibiotics. Participants underwent pre- and post-anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy endoscopy with gastric biopsies, followed by endoscopic ultrasonography examination of the stomach.

RESULTS

Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 45 of 51 (88%) patients. At the 2-year follow-up, complete regression of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma was seen in 28 of 51 (55%) patients: 12 of 16 (75%) patients in stage T1m N0, 11 of 19 (58%) patients in stage T1sm N0, four of eight (50%) patients in stages T1m N1 and T1sm N1, and one of four (25%) patients in stage T2 N0. None of the stage T2 N1 patients achieved clinical regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasonography evaluation of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma plays a pivotal role in the initial staging and post-treatment follow-up evaluation of these lesions. Accurate staging is essential in the determination of the optimal treatment modality.

Clinicopathologic comparison between the API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive and -negative gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type

Little is known about the clinicopathological differences between API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive and -negative gastric low-grade B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. The aim of this study was to clarify those differences in gastric MALT lymphoma. Twenty-three patients with gastric MALT lymphoma were enrolled in a unicenter study. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status and clinical stages were investigated. Antibacterial treatment was performed for every patient. Responsiveness of MALT lymphoma to this treatment was assessed by means of regular follow-up endoscopy combined with biopsy. All cases were examined for API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript by means of RT-PCR and sequencing analyses. H. pylori infection status was assessed as positive in 20 patients and negative in three. With regard to responsiveness to antibacterial treatment, complete remission was observed in two patients, partial remission in 12 and no change in nine. API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript was detected in seven patients, all of whom showed no change in response to antibacterial treatment. API2-MALT1 positivity was found to be significantly correlated with responsiveness to antibacterial treatment (P = 0.0001), absence of H. pylori infection (P = 0.0198), and gross cobblestone mucosa observed endoscopically (P = 0.0198). For the other factors (age, sex, dominant site of lesion, high-grade component, infiltrated layer of gastric wall, nodal involvement or clinical stages), there were no differences between API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive and -negative cases. Gastric API2-MALT1 chimeric transcript-positive MALT lymphoma generally features unresponsiveness to antibacterial treatment, and is thought to be unrelated to H. pylori infection in its pathogenesis. Our findings indicate the presence of different clinical subtypes in gastric MALT lymphomas.

Interobserver agreement in staging gastric malt lymphoma by EUS

BACKGROUND

EUS is highly accurate for staging gastric lymphoma. Because stage correlates to outcome, interobserver agreement is mandatory. However, previous studies suggest that interobserver agreement might vary according to T-stage. A multicenter evaluation of observer agreement with respect to endosonographic staging of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was therefore conducted.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients were studied; 42 were also evaluated after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. EUS was performed at different institutions by 10 experienced endosonographers who collected the best photographs for each examination. Interobserver agreement was estimated with kappa statistics.

RESULTS

Overall interobserver agreement for T-stage was fair, both before and after treatment (kappa = 0.38 and kappa = 0.37, respectively). Overall interobserver agreement for N-stage was substantial before treatment, but only fair after treatment (kappa = 0.63 and kappa = 0.34, respectively). The lowest values of agreement occurred with T1sm (submucosa) and T2 stage lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Interobserver agreement for staging of gastric MALT lymphoma by EUS is suboptimal before as well as after treatment of H pylori infection. This evidence suggests that gastric EUS may be more difficult technically compared with EUS of other organs. Lack of agreement is crucial because it influences the choice of therapy and assessment of response to treatment. Good interobserver agreement would permit better communication concerning the clinical status of patients, comparison of the results of different studies, and stratification of patients within clinical trials.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in multiple lymphomatous polyposis

Two cases of multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP) are presented, involving different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Both cases display the characteristic clinical and pathologic features of MLP. In addition, we were able to document, for the first time, the endoscopic ultrasonographic findings in this disease. This new ancillary diagnostic technique was found to be very helpful in the evaluation of the structural changes of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract and in the detection of affected lymph nodes.

Conservative treatment of primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue: predictive factors of response and outcome

OBJECTIVES

Primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue may regress with conservative treatment such as anti-Helicobacterpylori therapy or monochemotherapy. The aims of the present study were to analyze the predictive factors of response to anti-H. pylori treatment, to assess the effects of an adjuvant therapy in responding patients, and to evaluate an alternative therapy in nonresponding patients.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2000, 48 H. pylori-infected patients with localized primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue were treated with anti-H. pylori therapy. Endoscopic and endoscopic ultrasonography features and histological grading of large cells' proportion were analyzed. Eradication of H. pylori and tumoral response were assessed at 2 and 6 months, respectively. From 1996, patients in remission at 6 months were randomized to receive either chlorambucil p.o. for 6 months or no treatment. Patients who did not respond to H. pylori eradication received chlorambucil p.o. for 1 yr.

RESULTS

Among the 48 treated patients, 33 (69%) were in complete (n = 28) or in partial (n = 5) remission, and 15 (31%) were in treatment failure at 6 months. H. pylori was eradicated in 47 patients. The response was not correlated with the endoscopic features or with the histological grade. In contrast, it was related to ultrasonographic features: remission was achieved in 76% of patients when no perigastric lymph node was detected versus only 33% when endoscopic ultrasonography showed presence of lymph nodes (p = 0.025). All responding patients remained in remission (median 34 months) whatever the treatment they received (no treatment or chlorambucil). Remission could be achieved with chlorambucil in 58% of the nonresponding patients to anti-H. pylori treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The major negative predictive factor of the tumoral response to anti-H. pylori treatment in patients with primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue was the presence of perigastric lymph nodes on endoscopic ultrasonography. In responding patients, remission remained stable, suggesting that adjuvant chemotherapy was not useful. In patients who failed to respond to H. pylori eradication, monochemotherapy with chlorambucil proved to be efficient, but new therapeutic modalities should be evaluated to improve the control of the tumoral process.

Endorectal sonographic appearances of rectal MALT lymphoma, its response to therapy, and local recurrence

Endorectal sonography may significantly help to evaluate rectal lymphoma. We report the sonographic findings in a case of rectal non-Hodgkin's MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, including the monitoring of response to therapy and confirmation of recurrence, in a 45-year-old man. On endorectal sonography of the rectal wall, the mucosa was markedly thickened to 1.1 cm and was diffusely hypoechoic and risen into multiple polypoid folds. The submucosa and muscularis propria appeared normal. Multiple lymph nodes were visualized in the perirectal fat; they were homogeneously hypoechoic, were round or oval, and ranged from 1.0 cm to 2.6 cm. Endoscopic biopsies revealed a grade I non-Hodgkin's MALT lymphoma. Following chemotherapy, endorectal sonography showed that the surface of the rectal mucosa had a smoother appearance and near-normal thickness, but lymph nodes, although smaller, remained visible in the perirectal fat. Four months later, endorectal sonography demonstrated a local relapse of disease, with significant thickening of the rectal mucosa and multiple lymph nodes visible in the perirectal fat. Following high-dose chemotherapy for the recurrence, endorectal sonography demonstrated a near-normal appearance of the rectal mucosa.

EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration combined with flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available regarding the use of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of this technique in the primary diagnosis of lymphoma.

METHODS

The records were reviewed of 38 consecutive patients with GI lesions and/or enlarged lymph nodes identified on imaging studies that raised a suspicion of lymphoma who underwent EUS-FNA of lymph nodes or the gut wall. Final diagnosis was based on clinical follow-up, imaging studies, or surgical findings.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with lymphoma and 15 patients with benign disease or reactive lymphadenopathy were identified. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS-FNA cytology with flow cytometry/immunocytochemistry (FC/IC) for the diagnosis of lymphoma were, respectively, 74%, 93%, and 81%. When comparing patients who had EUS-FNA with FC/IC versus those who had EUS-FNA without FC/IC, sensitivity was 86% versus 44% (p = 0.04), specificity was 100% versus 90% (not significant), and accuracy was 89% versus 68% (not significant).

CONCLUSION

EUS-FNA can provide cytology specimens diagnostic for lymphoma. Selective use of FC/IC in patients with suspected lymphoma improves the yield of EUS-FNA and may guide diagnostic evaluation and treatment decisions.

Gastrointestinal lymphomas: the French experience of the Groupe D'etude des Lymphomes Digestifs (GELD)

Since 1983, the French Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Digestifs (GELD), under the aegis of the Fondation Française de Cancérologie Digestive, has aimed to identify the different prognostic groups of the primary digestive-tract lymphomas (PDTL) and their optimal treatment. Successive multicenter studies were conducted and 91 PDTL were evaluated. A marked improvement in their prognosis was obtained by a strategy including precise histologic typing and clinical staging followed by a therapeutic approach combining initial surgical resection, whenever possible or reasonable, followed by chemotherapy adapted to the grade of malignancy and resectability of the lymphoma. The multivariate analysis indicated that the factors for good prognosis were age (< 65 yrs), gastric localisation, stage IE and radical or even incomplete surgery. However, Helicobacter pylori eradication should be the first treatment in stage IE low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) tumors. The long-term results of such medical treatment are evaluated together with the management and the place of surgery in these localised tumors. However, owing to the limited number of patients, a large international co-operative trial is needed to confirm the findings. Thirty-one cases of multiple lymphomatous polyposis were also collected and confirmed to be a distinct entity among PDTL and the gastrointestinal counterpart of the mantle-cell-zone lymphomas. High-dose radio-chemotherapy supported by auto-transplantation improved their prognosis.