Pulmonary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type--what is a prognostic factor and which is the optimal treatment, operation, or chemotherapy?: Consortium for Improving Survival of Lymphoma (CISL) study

Ann Hematol. 2010 Jun;89(6):563-8. doi: 10.1007/s00277-009-0875-7. Epub 2009 Dec 19.

Abstract

Pulmonary marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type (P-MZL) is a relatively rare form of lymphoma. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical features and treatment outcomes of P-MZL for the evaluation of prognostic factors, and to collect information about the optimal treatment modality for this condition. From 1991 to 2008, a total of 61 patients with biopsy-confirmed P-MZL were retrospectively analyzed. The median age of our subjects was 60 (range, 34-79) years. Twenty-five of the patients (41%) were initially diagnosed without any symptoms. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was utilized for diagnosis in 19 patients (31%). Thirty-eight patients' conditions (62%) involved a single lobe. Lung lesions were bilateral in 15 patients (25%). Eleven patients evidenced synchronous involvement of extra-pulmonary site MZL. Overall, 56 of 61 patients were treated with surgery (n = 22), chemotherapy (n = 28), or radiotherapy (n = 6). Among them, 46 patients achieved complete or partial remission. The median time to progression (TTP) was 5.6 (95% CI, 2.6-8.6) years. Five patients died during follow-up. Extra-pulmonary MZL and LN involvement were shown to be poor prognostic factors for TTP. We noted no differences between the operation group and chemotherapy group in terms of TTP. P-MZL tends to be an indolent disease-characterized by prolonged survival with frequent relapses. This is similar to what is observed with other cases of MALT-type site MZL. In order to conserve lung function and reduce the risks of operation, chemotherapy should be considered as a first-line option for the treatment of P-MZL.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / mortality
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / statistics & numerical data
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome