Recent developments in nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Guidelines and algorithms for the management of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma have been developed in the recent past, but the situation regarding nongastric MALT lymphomas is much more complicated. Owing to the heterogeneity of MALT lymphomas arising in various organs, different approaches to treatment have been applied, mostly in an uncontrolled fashion. In the recent past, for example, attempts to use antibiotic therapy in managing ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas have been reported, with response rates varying between 0% and 60% with the use of doxycycline or, more rarely, clarithromycin. Currently, antibiotic therapy remains experimental, with conflicting data and apparent geographic variations. In addition, there is no clear consensus whether radiation or systemic therapy is more effective in MALT lymphomas at different locations, including the lung and the ocular adnexa. This review highlights and briefly discusses some recent developments in the management of nongastric MALT lymphomas.