Resolution of primary hepatic marginal zone lymphoma in a hepatitis C virus-infected patient treated with a direct-acting antiviral

Abstract

The favorable impact of antiviral therapy on low-grade hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma manifesting as marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) has been reported in some clinical studies. However, primary HCV-related marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs) confined to the liver have not been described in the literature nor have the resolution of liver lymphoma through anti-HCV eradication treatment. The authors report a genotype 1b HCV-positive patient with chronic hepatitis who exhibited lesions involving both hepatic lobes resembling hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver biopsy revealed an MZL of the liver. Antiviral treatment using sofosbuvir associated with simeprevir as unique treatment was started and resulted in complete haematological response. In HCV-related MZL isolated to the liver, antiviral treatment has led to the eradication of viral infection and a complete haematological response. Antiviral therapy should be considered as a first-line treatment for HCV-related primary MZLs of the liver.

Keywords: HCV infection; antiviral therapy; liver lymphoma; marginal zone lymhoma; sofosbuvir.