Very long term outcome of patients with gastric marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa associated tissue (MALT) following Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication therapy

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Background: Hp infection plays a decisive role in the pathogenesis of low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma and eradication therapy has become a widely accepted initial treatment of stage I disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term outcome of patients (pts) with localized gastric MALT lymphoma exclusively treated with Hp eradication therapy. Methods: a prospective series of 62 newly diagnosed IE gastric MALT lymphoma pts (29M/33F) with median age of 63 years (range 27–87), referred to our department from June 1991 to January 2004 were evaluable for the study. Diagnosis was histologically proved and Hp status was evaluated. Staging was performed according to the modified Ann Arbor system. All pts received the triple eradicating therapy (OMC: omeprazole 20 mg bid, metronidazole 400 mg bid and clarithromycin 500 mg bid or OAC: omeprazole 20 mg bid, amoxycillin 1,000 mg bid and clarithromycin 500 mg bid) for one week. Response, evaluated every 6 months with multiple biopsies, was graded according to the Wotherspoon’s histologic scoring system. Results: Hp was eradicated in all patients, but 8 pts required a second line antibiotic therapy; symptoms disappeared or markedly diminished and endoscopic features improved in all pts. Histological remission (score 0–2) was observed in 57 pts (91.9%) after a median time of 6 months (range 2–72); 5 pts (8.1%) who failed to respond were referred to other treatments. With a median follow-up time of 76 months (range 12–162) the histological remission persists in 27/57 pts (47,4%); 21/57 pts (36.8%) have a continuous histological score fluctuation (from 0 to 4); 8/57 (14%) pts had an histological relapse (score 5) after a median time of 12 months (range 6–48) without Hp reinfection and 6 of them had a second spontaneous histological remission. The OS at 76 months is 93%. Only one patient died for an high grade gastric MALT lymphoma transformation. Conclusion: the majority of pts with gastric MALT lymphoma have a favourable long term outcome, independently of the pathological remission; eradication therapy may offer a real chance of cure. Watch and wait policy in agreement pts who failed to respond could be considered an option outside of clinical trial.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.