Regression of primary gastric B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma after eradication of Helicobacter pylori

OBJECTIVE: primary gastric B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoi d tissue type has been linked to infection of the gastric mucosa with Helic obacter pylori. The eradication of this pathogen with antibiotics can lead to regression of this type of lymphoma. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, endoscopic and histologic evolution in 6 patients wi th primary gastric B-cell lymphoma of the mucose-associated lymphoid tissue type treated with eradication of H. pylori. METHOD: descriptive study of a retrospective case series. Patients with low -grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type lymphoma were initial ly treated with eradication therapy for H. pylori. We evaluated their clini cal, endoscopic and histologic course in sequential follow-up visits after initial therapy RESULTS: six patients who satisfied all selection criteria were studied. In five of six patients H, pylori was eradicated and-the lymphoma showed regr ession within 6 to 24 months. In one patient transition of low-grade to hig h-grade gastric lymphoma occurred. CONCLUSIONS: these results, along with similar findings from Other studies, suggest eradication of H, pylori should be the initial treatment of choice for low-grade B-cell gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type lympho ma in the early stages. The most appropriate duration of follow-up is unkno wn, but,prolonged follow-up is indicated to detect recurrences.