EBV-associated NK and T-cell lymphoid neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Virology

Background:

• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated neoplasms of natural killer (NK) or T cells are rare, heterogeneous disorders.
• These aggressive lymphomas are more prevalent in Asia and South America, affecting both children and adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• This review focuses on adult-onset EBV-associated NK/T-cell neoplasms.
• It addresses recent genomic discoveries and therapeutic developments in these aggressive conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on EBV-associated NK/T-cell lymphomas.
• Analysis of genomic alterations, clinical characteristics, and treatment responses.

Main Results:

• Distinct molecular subtypes of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas (ENKTCLs) exist with varying genomic alterations and treatment responses.
• L-asparaginase-based therapies and radiotherapy have been mainstays; immune checkpoint inhibitors show promise for PDL1-2 altered cases.
• Primary nodal EBV+ lymphomas have unique features and are treated similarly to advanced ENKTCL.

Conclusions:

• Advances in understanding lymphomagenesis, genomics, and immunology are paving the way for novel targeted therapies.
• Future treatments will likely involve immune checkpoint inhibitors and novel antibodies for EBV-associated NK/T-cell lymphomas.