Regression of advanced non-splenic marginal zone lymphoma after treatment of hepatitis C virus infection

We describe a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who presented with extranodal ( right salivary gland and bone marrow) marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue ( MALT). Within a year, the lymphoma progressed to involve peripheral lymph nodes and the liver. After treatment of HCV with peginterferon and ribavirin, he achieved complete radiographic response and remains in remission two years later. This is an example of a patient in whom treatment of HCV infection led to regression of non-splenic, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. It suggests that HCV testing and treatment should be considered in all patients with marginal zone lymphomas, including non- splenic types.