Successful Eradication of Relapsed Primary Effusion Lymphoma with High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient Seronegative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Primary Effusion Lymphoma, Multicentric Castleman's Disease, and Kaposi's Sarcoma in an HHV-8 and HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is an uncommon group of diseases included in the same spectrum with related characteristics. The coexistence of all of them in the same individual is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the development of all these related pathologies. Despite the use of intensive treatment according to the latest recommendations, the evolution was unfavorable. This case reflects the need for new therapies and research in this field.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma: A Clinicopathologic Perspective

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell lymphoma that usually localizes to serous body cavities to subsequently form effusions in the absence of a discrete mass. Although some tumors can develop in extracavitary locations, the areas most often affected include the peritoneum, pleural space, and the pericardium. PEL is associated with the presence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), also called the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), with some variability in transformation potential suggested by frequent coinfection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (~80%), although the nature of the oncogenesis is unclear. Most patients suffering with this disease are to some degree immunocompromised (e.g., Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or post-solid organ transplantation) and, even with aggressive treatment, prognosis remains poor. There is no definitive guideline for the treatment of PEL, although CHOP-like regimens (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) are frequently prescribed and, given the rarity of this disease, therapeutic focus is being redirected to personalized and targeted approaches in the experimental realm. Current clinical trials include the combination of lenalidomide and rituximab into the EPOCH regimen and the treatment of individuals with relapsed/refractory EBV-associated disease with tabelecleucel.

Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Epstein-Barr Virus in HIV-Related Lymphomas

The incidence of lymphomas is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are the most common and are considered an AIDS-defining cancer (ADC). Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not considered an ADC, its incidence is also increased in PLWH. Among all HIV-related lymphomas (HRL), the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is high. It has been shown that EBV is involved in different lymphomagenic mechanisms mediated by some of its proteins, contributing to the development of different lymphoma subtypes. Additionally, cooperation between both HIV and EBV can lead to the proliferation of aberrant B-cells, thereby being an additional lymphomagenic mechanism in EBV-associated HRL. Despite the close relationship between EBV and HRL, the impact of EBV on clinical aspects has not been extensively studied. These lymphomas are treated with the same therapeutic regimens as the general population in combination with cART. Nevertheless, new therapeutic strategies targeting EBV are promising for these lymphomas. In this article, the different types of HRL are extensively reviewed, focusing on the influence of EBV on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and pathological characteristics of each lymphoma subtype. Moreover, novel therapies targeting EBV and future strategies to treat HRL harboring EBV are discussed.

Lymphoid Neoplasms With Plasmablastic Differentiation: A Comprehensive Review and Diagnostic Approaches

Plasmablastic neoplasms encompass several entities including plasmablastic lymphoma, plasmablastic plasmacytoma/multiple myeloma, primary effusion lymphoma and its extracavitary variant, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive large B-cell lymphoma, and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Morphologically, the tumor cells are large with eccentrically located nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and basophilic/amphophilic cytoplasm. Immunophenotypically, the tumor cells express plasma cell-related antigens including CD38, CD138, interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4)/MUM1, PR domain zinc finger protein-1 (PRDM1), and/or X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1), with frequent loss of CD20. These tumors are diagnostically challenging for general pathologists due to their overlapping morphology and immunophenotype, and due to their rarity, and particularly so when clinical and radiologic information is insufficient. We also discuss HHV8-negative effusion-based lymphoma due to its overlapping features with primary effusion lymphoma. In this review, we focus on the useful diagnostic markers and pertinent molecular findings in these distinct entities and propose a practical diagnostic algorithm using anaplastic lymphoma kinase, HHV8, in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA, immunoglobulin M, light chain stains, and clinicoradiologic criteria to avoid misdiagnosis. At the molecular level, MYC protein overexpression with or without MYC rearrangement and PRDM1-inactivating mutations or deletions are noted in a subset of such tumors, especially in plasmablastic lymphoma. Prognosis in these entities is dismal with conventional CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. Therefore, novel target therapies, such as anti-CD30 agents, and/or immune blockade therapy, are potential treatment options in the future.

High-dose Therapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Consolidation Treatment for Primary Effusion Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The limited disease-free survival after chemotherapy has resulted in a poor prognosis. The outcomes data for high-dose therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for PEL are limited owing to the rarity of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study included 9 patients with PEL from 2 major academic centers. Of these patients, 4 had received auto-HCT after high-dose therapy. Of the 9 patients, 8 (89%) had immunodeficiency (7 with human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity; 1, a solid organ transplant recipient) at the diagnosis. Human herpesvirus-8 by immunohistochemistry was positive in 8 patients. Anthracycline-based combination chemotherapy was used as first-line treatment in 7 patients; 4 underwent auto-HCT after attaining first complete remission.

RESULTS

The median follow-up of the surviving patients was 25 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-29%). The 2-year progression-free and overall survival for the 8 patients who had received treatment was 58% (95% CI, 22%-95%) and 73% (95% CI, 41%-100%), respectively. The 2-year progression-free and overall survival for the patients who had received auto-HCT was 50% (95% CI, 1%-99%) and 75% (95% CI, 33%-100%), respectively. Of the 4 auto-HCT recipients, all had been in first complete remission at the time of autografting. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 50% (95% CI, 19%-100%). No deaths were attributable to auto-HCT at 2 years after autografting.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample size, our data have shown that consolidative auto-HCT is safe and effective and should be considered for eligible patients with PEL after demonstration of an objective response to induction chemotherapy. However, the high relapse rate remains a concern and warrants the development of new strategies to mitigate post-transplantation relapse.

Biology and management of primary effusion lymphoma

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare B-cell malignancy that most often occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as HIV-infected individuals and patients receiving organ transplantation. The main characteristic of PEL is neoplastic effusions in body cavities without detectable tumor masses. The onset of the disease is associated with latent infection of human herpes virus 8/Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpes virus, and the normal counterpart of tumor cells is B cells with plasmablastic differentiation. A condition of immunodeficiency and a usual absence of CD20 expression lead to the expectation of the lack of efficacy of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody; clinical outcomes of the disease remain extremely poor, with an overall survival at 1 year of ∼30%. Although recent progress in antiretroviral therapy has improved outcomes of HIV-infected patients, its benefit is still limited in patients with PEL. Furthermore, the usual high expression of programmed death ligand 1 in tumor cells, one of the most important immune-checkpoint molecules, results in the immune escape of tumor cells from the host immune defense, which could be the underlying mechanism of poor treatment efficacy. Molecular-targeted therapies for the activating pathways in PEL, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT, have emerged to treat this intractable disease. A combination of immunological recovery from immune deficiency, overcoming the immune escape, and the development of more effective drugs will be vital for improving the outcomes of PEL patients in the future.

Primary effusion lymphoma of the pleural space: Report of a rare complication of cardiac transplant with review of the literature

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in body cavities and presenting with effusions. It has been described predominantly in patients with impaired immunity from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and is associated with the Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Seldom has PEL been diagnosed in persons negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and in such cases it has occurred primarily in the setting of posttransplant immunosuppression. We report an instructive case of a Caribbean-American HIV-negative orthotopic heart transplant recipient with a history of HHV-8-associated Kaposi's sarcoma who developed HHV-8 viremia and PEL of the pleural space early in the posttransplant course. This case highlights the importance of considering PEL in the differential diagnosis of a new pleural effusion in a transplant recipient at risk for HHV-8-associated disease.

Primary effusion lymphoma: current perspectives

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive disease, affecting a unique population of patients who are often elderly or immunocompromised. PEL is associated with human herpesvirus type-8 infection and most commonly presents as malignant effusions of the body cavities. Patients diagnosed with PEL often have a compromised immune system from secondary conditions such as HIV. Chemotherapy has traditionally been the cornerstone of treatment for patients with a good performance status and no significant comorbidities. However, an optimal regimen does not exist. Most patients with PEL experience a relapse after frontline therapy within 6-8 months and subsequently require further treatment. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular drivers and environmental factors affecting the pathogenesis of PEL has expanded. This review will discuss the pathogenesis of PEL and various management approaches available in the frontline and relapsed setting as well as targeted agents that have shown promise in this disease.

Repurposing Cytarabine for Treating Primary Effusion Lymphoma by Targeting Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latent and Lytic Replications

Oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is etiologically linked to primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), an aggressive and nontreatable malignancy commonly found in AIDS patients. In this study, we performed a high-throughput screening of 3,731 characterized compounds and identified cytarabine, approved by the FDA for treating numerous types of cancer, as a potent inhibitor of KSHV-induced PEL. We showed the high efficacy of cytarabine in the growth inhibition of various PEL cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Cytarabine inhibited host DNA and RNA syntheses and therefore induced cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, cytarabine inhibited viral DNA and RNA syntheses and induced the rapid degradation of KSHV major latent protein LANA (latency-associated nuclear antigen), leading to the suppression of KSHV latent replication. Importantly, cytarabine effectively inhibited active KSHV replication and virion production in PEL cells. Finally, cytarabine treatments not only effectively inhibited the initiation and progression of PEL tumors but also induced regression of grown PEL tumors in a xenograft mouse model. Altogether, our study has identified cytarabine as a novel therapeutic agent for treating PEL as well as eliminating KSHV persistent infection.IMPORTANCE Primary effusion lymphoma is an aggressive malignancy caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The outcome of primary effusion lymphoma is dismal without specific treatment. Through a high-throughput screening of characterized compounds, we identified an FDA-approved compound, cytarabine, as a potent inhibitor of primary effusion lymphoma. We showed that cytarabine induced regression of PEL tumors in a xenograft mouse model. Cytarabine inhibited host and viral DNA and RNA syntheses, resulting in the induction of cytotoxicity. Of interest, cytarabine induced the degradation of KSHV major latent protein LANA, hence suppressing KSHV latent replication, which is required for PEL cell survival. Furthermore, cytarabine inhibited KSHV lytic replication program, preventing virion production. Our findings identified cytarabine as a novel therapeutic agent for treating PEL as well as for eliminating KSHV persistent infection. Since cytarabine is already approved by the FDA, it might be an ideal candidate for repurposing for PEL therapy and for further evaluation in advanced clinical trials.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma without an Effusion: A Rare Case of Solid Extracavitary Variant of Primary Effusion Lymphoma in an HIV-Positive Patient

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a unique form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, usually seen in severely immunocompromised, HIV-positive patients. PEL is related to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection, and it usually presents as a lymphomatous body cavity effusion in the absence of a solid tumor mass. There have been very few case reports of HIV-positive patients with HHV-8-positive solid tissue lymphomas not associated with an effusion (a solid variant of PEL). In the absence of effusion, establishing an accurate diagnosis can be challenging, and a careful review of morphology, immunophenotype, and presence of HHV-8 is necessary to differentiate from other subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Treatment involves intensive chemotherapy, and prognosis is usually poor. We present a rare case of a PEL variant in an HIV-positive patient who presented with extensive lymphadenopathy without any associated effusions.

GESIDA/PETHEMA recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus

The incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma is higher in patients with HIV infection than in the general population. Following the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the prognostic significance of HIV-related variables has decreased, and lymphoma-related factors have become more pronounced. Currently, treatments for lymphomas in HIV-infected patients do not differ from those used in the general population. However, differentiating characteristics of seropositive patients, such as the need for cART and specific prophylaxis and treatment of certain opportunistic infections, should be considered. This document updates recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of lymphomas in HIV infected patients published by GESIDA/PETHEMA in 2008.

Management and Outcomes of HIV-Associated Primary Effusion Lymphoma: A Single Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare malignancy usually associated with HIV infection. Management and outcomes are poorly understood.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients diagnosed with HIV-associated PEL at our institution between 1999 and 2014 were reviewed. Patients were followed till death, treatment failure or loss of follow-up.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with PEL were identified during the 15 year study period; 9 had HIV infection. All 9 were male; median age was 45 years. All presented with local symptoms and were diagnosed with PEL a median of 11 years after HIV diagnosis. Location was pleural (3), pericardial (3), peritoneal (1) and extracavitatory (2). By definition, all had Ann Arbor stage 4 at diagnosis. Median follow-up was 34 months. Two patients had poor performance status and were unable to get chemotherapy. Seven patients had a complete remission (CR) and two died within 1 month of diagnosis. The median CD4 levels at PEL diagnosis in patients with poor versus good outcomes were 54 cells/mm3 (range, 26-82 cells/mm3) and 211 cells/mm3 (range, 73-800 cells/mm3). In contrast, the median lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels at PEL diagnosis with poor versus good prognosis were 1074 U/L (range, 703-1445 U/L) and 283 U/L (range, 156-760 U/L).

CONCLUSIONS

Given its rarity, our knowledge of PEL relies solely on case reports and case series. Prompt HAART and chemotherapy may be effective in HIV- associated PEL and good outcomes are possible. LDH and CD4 may be possible prognostic factors in PEL.

Cardiac Lymphoma

Lymphoma of the heart and pericardium may develop in up to 25% of patients with disseminated nodal disease, but primary cardiac lymphoma is rare. The majority are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, which arise in immunocompetent older individuals, men twice as often as women. Subsets are found in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV-AIDS or allograft recipients. Cardiac lymphomas tend to arise in the wall of the right heart, especially right atrium, with contiguous infiltration of epicardium and pericardium. Pericardial implants and effusions are common. The disease is often multifocal in the heart, but cardiac valves are usually spared.

Clinical management of HIV-associated hematologic malignancies

HIV is associated with an excess risk for lymphoid malignancies. Although the risk of lymphoma has decreased in HIV-infected individuals in the era of effective combination antiretroviral therapy, it remains high. Treatment outcomes have improved due to improvements in HIV and cancer therapeutics for the common HIV-associated lymphomas. R-CHOP/R-EPOCH are the standard of care for HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. HIV-infected patients with Burkitt lymphoma and good performance status should receive dose-intensive regimens. HIV-infected patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma can respond favorably to high-dose methotrexate-based therapy. In many cases, treatment and expected outcomes for HIV-infected patients with either Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are very similar to HIV-negative patients. There is currently no standard treatment for HIV-associated multicentric Castleman disease or primary effusion lymphoma. For those hematologic cancers in which transplantation is part of standard care, this modality should be considered an option in those with well-controlled HIV infection.

Primary effusion lymphoma in the absence of HIV infection--clinical presentation and management

Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) is a rare type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma caused by human herpesvirus type 8, also termed Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. It usually occurs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. A subset of patients is not infected with HIV and their treatment remains poorly defined. To clarify treatment issues in HIV-negative PEL patients, we report on two such patients who represent two opposing ends in the spectrum of treatment and review the literature regarding treatment options and patient outcomes. Either repeated cycles of chemotherapy or, surprisingly, drainage of the malignant effusions alone, proved very effective in our patients. The literature reveals additional treatment options which may be effective including immunochemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, antiviral treatment and immunomodulatory and targeted biological therapy. However, no controlled trials were found due to the rarity of the condition. In the absence of controlled trials, treatment decisions in PEL not associated with HIV must remain individual and patient-tailored.

Current status of treatment for primary effusion lymphoma

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that usually presents with malignant effusions without tumor masses. An extracavitary or solid variant of PEL has also been described. Human herpes virus 8/Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (HHV-8/KSHV) is universally associated with the pathogenesis of PEL. More than 70% of cases occur with concurrent Epstein-Barr virus infection, but its relation to the pathogenesis is unknown. Patients are found in the context of immunosuppressive states (HIV-1 infection, post-organ transplantation). PEL is usually treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone)-like chemotherapy with antiretroviral therapy if HIV-1 is positive. However, it is generally resistant to chemotherapy with a short median survival of less than 6 months. The optimal treatment for PEL has not been established yet. More intensive chemotherapy, such as dose-adjusted EPOCH (DA-EPOCH; etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin) and CDE (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide) are expected to show a favorable prognosis. Recently, the molecular steps in KSHV/HHV-8-driven oncogenesis have begun to be revealed, and molecular targeting therapies such as proteasome, NF-κB, cytokines and surface antigens would provide evidence for their clinical use.

Primary effusion lymphoma in an elderly patient effectively treated by lenalidomide: case report and review of literature

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare aggressive subset of non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma. It is caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus type 8 (KSHV/HHV8). It occurs mainly, but not exclusively, in HIV-positive patients. PEL predominantly develops in serous cavities and occasionally in extracavitary regions. PEL carries a very poor prognosis with a median survival time of <6 months. Indeed, currently used treatment modalities such as CHOP chemotherapy are far from achieving complete and sustainable remission. Therefore, there is no clear standard of care established in the treatment of PEL patients, stressing the need for novel-targeted approaches. Here, we have attempted a comprehensive assessment of the treatment of PEL, discussed avant-garde therapies and updated the state of preclinical research with promising clinical applications in the field. These include inhibitors of viral replication, modulators of cell signaling and inflammation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and histone deacetylase inhibitors, and recently the combination of arsenic trioxide and interferon-alpha. Some of these targeted therapies have not yet reached clinical studies, although others were used in a few individual case reports with low numbers of patients. We also describe the first case of a 77-year-old, HIV-negative, HHV8-positive patient diagnosed with PEL limited to the pleural and peritoneal cavities. He received lenalidomide 25 mg/day for 21 days every 28 days. Treatment was well tolerated with no side effects. He rapidly improved after 1 month of treatment and progressively achieved complete remission persistent after 18 months of therapy. We believe that this review will bridge an important gap between classical chemotherapy and modern approaches of targeted therapy. Finally, our findings warrant further evaluation of lenalidomide in future prospective clinical studies.

Extracavitary manifestation of primary effusion lymphoma as a right atrial mass

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a subset of large B cell lymphomas and has been mostly associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Rare cases have been reported in organ transplant recipients and chronic hepatitis C patients. It typically presents as an effusion in the pleural and pericardial spaces but rarely disseminates. However, involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes and bone marrow has been reported. Diagnosis is based on characteristic clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features. We present a case with a right atrial mass which tested positive for human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), CD20, CD30 and lambda light chains and negative for CD138, kappa light chain, PAX5, Epstein-Barr virus, latent membrane protein 1, CD2, CD3, CD8 and CD56. Bilateral pleural effusions and pericardial effusions were noted which tested positive for HHV-8, CD30 and CD45. The patient responded well to the R-EPOCH regimen with complete resolution of the effusions and a significant decrease in the size of the right atrial mass. This case report illustrates the atypical manifestation of PEL as a right atrial mass.

Primary effusion lymphoma diagnosed by pericardiocentesis

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), formerly known as body cavity-based lymphoma, is a high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with Kaposi's sarcoma and human herpesvirus 8 infection. It usually affects serous body cavities and results in recurrent lymphomatous effusions. PEL is often diagnosed in patients with HIV infection and carries a poor prognosis, with median survival near 6 months. We describe a patient who presented with symptomatic pericardial effusion, secondary to newly diagnosed PEL, and no prior history of HIV infection.

Primary effusion lymphoma

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that accounts for approximately 4% of all HIV-associated NHL. PEL has a unique clinical presentation in having a predilection for arising in body cavities such as the pleural space, pericardium, and peritoneum. PEL cells are morphologically variable with a null lymphocyte immunophenotype and evidence of human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 infection. The exact oncogenic mechanisms of HHV-8 have not been clearly defined. Treatment is usually with combination CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy (if HIV positive). The prognosis for PEL is poor, with a median survival time of around 6 months. As the exact molecular steps in HHV-8-driven oncogenesis are unraveled, it is hoped that more specific therapeutic targets will be revealed.

KSHV/HHV8-associated lymphomas

This review looks at the current state of knowledge on primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and other Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)-associated lymphomas. In 1995, KSHV DNA sequences were identified within a distinct subgroup of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related non-Hodgkin lymphomas localized in body cavities and presenting as pleural, peritoneal and pericardial lymphomatous effusions. Subsequently, the spectrum of KSHV/HHV8-associated lymphomas has been expanded by the identification of cases of extracavitary solid lymphomas without serous effusions. Despite the diversification in the clinical presentation of KSHV/HHV8-associated lymphomas, the majority of the cases reported demonstrated similar morphology, immunophenotype and KSHV/HHV8 viral status. KSHV/HHV8 infection is also in multicentric Castleman disease-associated plasmablastic lymphoma. The exact oncogenic mechanisms of KSHV/HHV8 are not clearly defined. The prognosis for KSHV/HHV8-associated lymphomas is poor. Novel approaches for therapy, outside traditional chemotherapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone, vincristine), have been suggested. These include the addition of antiviral therapy as well as inhibition of specific cellular targets.