Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: Biology, Epidemiology, and Treatment

Clin Liver Dis. 2017 Aug;21(3):499-515. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2017.03.006. Epub 2017 May 18.

Abstract

Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), especially in marginal zone lymphomas, determines the regression of the hematologic disorder in a significant fraction of cases. Because direct antiviral agents show an excellent profile in terms of efficacy, safety, and rapid onset of action, these drugs can be used in any clinical situation and in the presence of any comorbidities. To avoid the progression of the NHL, despite HCV eradication, antiviral therapy should be provided as soon as the viral infection is discovered; before that, the chronic antigenic stimulation determines the irreversible proliferation of neoplastic B cells.

Keywords: Direct antiviral agents; Hepatitis C virus; Marginal zone lymphoma; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / epidemiology*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / immunology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents