Case report of a primary effusion lymphoma successfully treated with oral valganciclovir after failing chemotherapy. Issue 1 (4th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marquet, Juan; Velazquez‐Kennedy, Kyra; López, Sandra; Benito, Amparo; Blanchard, María‐Jesús; Garcia‐Vela, Jose Antonio
• Is Part Of: Hematological oncology. Volume 36:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 316
• Page End: 319
• Publication Date: 2017-06-04
• Subjects: aggressive lymphoma -- human herpesvirus 8 -- Kaposi sarcoma -- primary effusion lymphoma -- valganciclovir; Hematological oncology -- Periodicals; Hematology; Medical Oncology; 616.99418005
• DOI: 10.1002/hon.2445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0278-0232

Abstract

Abstract: Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare non‐Hodgkin lymphoma that presents with pleural effusions and lacking of tumour mass. It is universally associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) and is more frequent among immunosuppressed patients. There is no standard treatment, chemotherapy and anti‐HIV therapy have been used with poor results, but there is still no strong evidence supporting the use of valganciclovir. We present the case of a HIV positive man that presented with pleural effusion compatible with primary effusion lymphoma and positivity for HHV8 DNA in blood. Bortezomib‐containing treatment protocol was started, but the disease progressed within the chemotherapy. Therefore, treatment with oral valganciclovir was decided and the patient achieved a sustained radiological complete response. HHV8 DNA turned negative 6 months after starting the treatment with valganciclovir.