Burkitt and Burkitt-Like Lymphomas: a Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• Burkitt's lymphoma is an aggressive hematologic malignancy.
• It can present as lymphoma or its leukemic form, Burkitt cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, clinical presentation, histology, cytogenetics, and treatment of Burkitt's lymphoma.
• To highlight recent advancements in managing this aggressive disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on Burkitt's lymphoma.
• Analysis of treatment strategies, including chemotherapy regimens and targeted therapies.

Main Results:

• Short-course, dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens have improved outcomes for pediatric and adult patients.
• Rituximab addition to chemotherapy is now standard care.
• Tumor lysis syndrome is a critical complication to manage.

Conclusions:

• Rituximab-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for Burkitt's lymphoma, including immunodeficiency-related forms.
• Prognosis for relapsed/refractory disease remains poor, with uncertain benefits from stem cell transplantation.