The rate of gastric MALToma regression with H.

Abstract

Objectives Helicobacter pylori eradication is widely accepted for the initial therapy for gastric MALT lymphoma. This study assesses the remission and relapse rate of gastric MALToma after H. pylori eradication. We also evaluated the clinical factors which affected remission. Methods Total 37 patients were diagnosed with gastric MALToma (May 2003–Feb 2010). Staging work-up was done with EUS, CT and bone marrow biopsy. Treatment of MALToma was performed with H. pylori eradication or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Results 29/37 (78%) patients had H. pylori infection. Patients with stage I was 33/37 (89%). One of remainders (four) had bone marrow involvement. Among stage I, 25 patients with H. pylori positive took eradication therapy. 21/25 (84%) achieved remission. Even two H. pylori negative patients showed tumor regression after eradication alone. Total regression rate with eradication only was 23/27 (85%). Median time of remission was 127 (22–397 days). Age, sex, tumor location, H. pylori burden and severity of polymorphonuclear leukocyte & lymphocyte infi ltration were not related with the remission. Relapse with H. pylori reinfection occurred in 2 of 23 patients (8.7%). Median time of follow-up without lymphoma was 924 days. Conclusion These result show rate of gastric MALToma regression (85%) with H. pylori eradication alone is higher than western studies (75%). The further and larger studies on this higher rate will be needed.