Oncology Reviews (Nov 2011)

Hepatitis C virus and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: biology, epidemiology and therapy

  • Gabriele Pozzato,
  • Francesca Zorat,
  • Stefania Bonetto,
  • Cesare Mazzaro

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/oncol.2011.249
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 4

Abstract

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Although the association between the hepatitis C virus and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas is still controversial, there is increasing evidence of the role of this virus in several B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, whose prototype is mixed cryoglobulinemia. The aim of the present paper was to provide an overview of the biological mechanisms involved in the development of B-cell disorders in the course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The link between this virus and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas is also considered from an epidemiological point of view, and the great regional differences in the prevalence of hepatitis C-associated lymphomas are discussed. Finally, the role of antiviral therapy and suggestions about the most appropriate, currently available, therapeutic approaches are also discussed.

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