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No association between lymphoma and hepatitis C virus.
Agustin Avilés1, Leticia Valdez, José Halabe
1Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, IMSS, 06700 Mexico, D.F. Mexico. agavilés@avantel.com
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presence is not significantly linked to B-cell malignant lymphoma development. High prevalence reports may stem from general population HCV rates, not a direct causal link.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest a link between Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and B-cell malignant lymphoma.
- This association is less clear in regions with low HCV prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV in patients diagnosed with B-cell malignant lymphoma.
- To investigate the potential association between HCV and the development of lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 416 new B-cell malignant lymphoma patients (diffuse large cell, follicular, marginal zone).
- Comparison groups included relatives, healthy blood donors, solid tumor patients, and HCV-positive chronic liver disease patients.
- HCV prevalence was assessed in all groups.
Main Results:
- HCV prevalence was 0.48% in lymphoma patients, 0.12% in blood donors, and 0.56% in solid tumor patients.
- The odds ratio for HCV and lymphoma was 1.86, with a confidence interval including 1.
- No HCV-positive patients with chronic liver disease developed lymphoma during a median 7.9-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- HCV presence is not a significant factor in the development of B-cell malignant lymphoma.
- Observed associations may be confounded by high HCV prevalence in the general population.