June 2018- Despite high prevalence of HIV in SSA, descriptions of Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) are scare. In one of the first clinical descriptions of PBL, we report on characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 12 pathologically confirmed PBL cases in Lilongwe.
Plasmablastic lymphoma in Malawi
Zuze, Takondwa; Painschab, Matthew S.; Seguin, Ryan; Kudowa, Evarista; Kaimila, Bongani; Kasonkanji, Edwards; Tomoka, Tamiwe; Dhungel, Bal Mukunda; Mulenga, Maurice; Chikasema, Maria; Tewete, Blessings; Ntangwanika, Asekanadziwa; Chiyoyola, Sarah; Chimzimu, Fred; Kampani, Coxcilly; Krysiak, Robert; Montgomery, Nathan D.; Fedoriw, Yuri; Gopal, Satish
Infectious Agents and Cancer
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Abstract
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) clinical descriptions are scarce from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where both HIV and EBV are highly endemic. We identified 12 patients with pathologically confirmed PBL from a prospective cohort in Lilongwe, Malawi. Median age was 46 (range 26–71), seven (58%) were male, and six (50%) were HIV-positive. Eight patients were treated with CHOP and four with a modified EPOCH regimen. One-year overall survival was 56% (95% CI 24–79%), without clear differences based on HIV status. PBL occurs in Malawi in HIV-positive and HIV- negative individuals and can be treated successfully with curative intent, even in a low-resource setting in SSA.
