Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) variant of primary rectal lymphoma: a review of the English literature

Abstract

Purpose: Primary rectal lymphoma (PRL) is the third most common cause of rectal cancer following adenocarcinoma (90-95 %) and carcinoid (5 %). The most common variant of PRL is the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. To date, no study has been able to recommend an optimal treatment algorithm for this rare disease. The aim of our study was to review the English literature on primary rectal MALT lymphoma.

Methods: A review of the English literature was conducted to identify articles describing the MALT variant of PRL.

Results: Fifty-one cases were identified. A complete response was achieved in 12 of 19 cases treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, 5 of 6 with radiation, 2 of 4 cases with chemotherapy, 2 of 4 with endoscopic resection, 6 of 8 cases with surgical resection, and all 8 with combination therapies. Cases failing initial therapies were responsive to various second-line treatments. Two cases spontaneously regressed with observation alone.

Conclusion: Complete regression of primary rectal MALT lymphoma was achieved using various therapeutic strategies, although the numbers of different treatment modalities are too small to draw definitive conclusions.

Keywords: MALT lymphoma; MALT lymphoma of the rectum; Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma; Primary rectal lymphoma.