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Published on: March 30, 2018
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Epstein-Barr Viral Load is Associated to Response in AIDS-Related Lymphomas
Paula Yurie Tanaka1, Kouichi Ohshima2, Masao Matsuoka3
1Faculdade de Medicina - Programa de Ciências Médicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Monitoring Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viral load (VL) in AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) patients during treatment may predict treatment response. A decrease in EBV VL correlates with treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) is linked to HIV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
- EBV DNA is not consistently found in all ARL malignant cells, necessitating further investigation into EBV's role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze EBV viral load (VL) in plasma and PBMCs of ARL patients.
- To determine if EBV VL correlates with treatment response in ARL patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, controlled study involving 15 ARL patients and two control groups (HIV-negative and HIV-positive).
- EBV VL was measured in plasma and PBMCs at diagnosis, post-chemotherapy, and 3 months after treatment.
- In situ hybridization for EBER was performed on diagnostic samples.
Main Results:
- Median EBV VL in PBMCs and plasma significantly decreased after ARL treatment (p=0.022 and p=0.003).
- EBER was positive in 46.7% of cases, with higher median EBV VL in EBER-positive patients before treatment (p=0.041).
- EBER expression correlated with advanced disease stages and poorer immune status.
Conclusions:
- Reduction in EBV VL during ARL treatment may predict treatment response.
- EBV VL measurement could serve as a response marker in ARL, warranting further validation.
