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Systematic review: regression of lymphoproliferative disorders after treatment for hepatitis C infection
Author(s) -
Gisbert J. P.,
GarcíaBuey L.,
Pajares J. M.,
MorenoOtero R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02395.x
Subject(s) - ribavirin , medicine , lymphoproliferative disorders , hepatitis c virus , immunology , interferon , lymphoma , hepatitis c , chemotherapy , lymphoproliferative response , virus , hepatitis , gastroenterology , in vitro , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , biochemistry , chemistry
Summary Aim: To systematically review the experience of therapeutic studies where α ‐interferon with or without ribavirin was administered to patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, in order to evaluate whether eradication of hepatitis C virus may induce regression of lymphoproliferative disorders. Methods: We used bibliographical searches in electronic databases and in the Cochrane Library to determine our results. Results: Sixteen studies where an anti‐viral regimen was administered to 65 hepatitis C virus‐infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders were identified. Complete remission of the lymphoproliferative disorder was achieved in 75% of the cases. In contrast, hepatitis C virus‐negative subjects did not respond to interferon, indicating that the response in the hepatitis C virus‐infected patients is not merely due to the antiproliferative effect of interferon. Remission after HCV eradication was maintained, provided that infection did not reappear. In hepatitis C virus‐infected patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with corticosteroids/chemotherapy liver function tests deterioration did not occur. The addition of interferon to standard chemotherapy may decrease hepatic side‐effects of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Although it is evident that larger therapeutical trials of anti‐viral therapy are needed to determine the role of this strategy in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, encouraging data emerge from recent studies showing that interferon (plus ribavirin) is an attractive therapeutic option for some hepatitis C virus‐related low‐grade lymphomas.