Deciphering molecular complexity of HCV-associated lymphoproliferation

Recent clinical studies demonstrated the achievement of lymphoma responses in patients with Hepatitis C virus-associated indolent lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) receiving direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) as their sole treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPD responses to DAAs are still poorly understood. In their paper the authors provide new molecular insights on this issue, reporting intraclonal diversification and persistence of B-cell clones in most cases, despite viral eradication and beneficial clinical outcome. These provocative data suggest that the achievement of molecular response is probably not required for a ‘functional cure’ of these patients. Further comprehensive immunogenetic and mutational studies would be fundamental to dissect this biological puzzle and, ultimately, to refine improved treatment strategies in this setting. Commentary on: Mazzaro et al. Persistence of monoclonal B-cell expansion and intraclonal diversification despite virus eradication in patients affected by hepatitis C virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Br J Haematol 2023 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.19002.