Long-lasting remission of primary hepatic lymphoma and hepatitis C virus infection achieved by the alpha-interferon treatment

Primary hepatic lymphoma is a rare but well-defined lymphoma entity that often pursues an aggressive clinical course. Most cases have been described in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease patients. Although anthracycline-based chemotherapy has been reported to be highly effective, the best therapeutic strategy has not been defined yet. The prognosis is dismal especially in patients treated with chemotherapy alone or when an advanced liver disease is present. Herein, we describe a case of primary hepatic large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in a patient with HCV chronic infection. After a minor response with eight cycles of CHOP chemotherapy, a complete and sustained remission was obtained with alpha-interferon at the daily dose of 3 MU. HCV-RNA clearance pace from the blood almost paralleled the response of the lymphoma and both diseases went in remission within 1 year of therapy. The possible place of alpha-Interferon in the treatment of primary hepatic lymphoma is discussed.