Rapid Regression of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus by Direct Antiviral Agents

Abstract

A 47-year-old woman visited Tokai University Hospital complaining of left cervical lymph node swelling in 2007. The laboratory data were almost normal except for slight anemia (Hgb 10.5 g/dL), elevation of serum soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor levels (645 U/mL [normal range 220–530 U/mL]), and positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody. Serum transaminase and lactated dehydrogenase levels were normal. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed lymph node swelling with a diameter of 3 cm at the left supraclavicular fossa and mild splenomegaly, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT (FDG-PET/CT) revealed abnormal uptake in the left supraclavicular fossa. The patient was diagnosed as having indolent nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma by lymph node biopsy. After 9 years with no progression of lymphoma, the patient received 12-week ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy for HCV infection and achieved sustained virologic response without any adverse effects. The left supraclavicular mass disappeared in the FDG-PET/CT performed 5 months after antiviral therapy indicating complete response. The serum soluble IL-2 receptor concentration decreased to 244 U/mL. Thereafter, her lymphoma was in remission for 3 years.

Keywords

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
• Hepatitis C virus
• Direct-acting antivirals
• Sustained virologic response