Spontaneous regression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma harbouring Epstein-Barr virus: a case report and review of the literature

J Clin Exp Hematop. 2007 Apr;47(1):23-6. doi: 10.3960/jslrt.47.23.

Abstract

We report an elderly patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma harbouring Epstein-Barr virus that showed spontaneous regressions with subsequent relapses three times. The patient died of aspiration pneumonia without any anti-neoplastic treatment 5 years 10 months after the initial onset of lymph node swelling. In the literature, there are several reports of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases that showed spontaneous regressions without relapse till the last observation. Over half of the cases were the extra-nodal type. The tendency toward regression of swollen lymph nodes detected by clinicians occurs within 2 weeks after biopsy. If the remaining lymph nodes show a tendency to decrease in size after biopsy without any anti-tumor therapies, the patient may develop spontaneous regression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymph Nodes / surgery
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / virology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / virology*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous*