AIDS-related Burkitt lymphoma in the United States: what do age and CD4 lymphocyte patterns tell us about etiology and/or biology?

Immune Characteristics and Immunotherapy of HIV-Associated Lymphoma

In the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART), mortality among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has significantly decreased, yet the population of people living with HIV remains substantial. Among people living with HIV (PLWH), HIV-associated lymphoma (HAL) has surpassed Kaposi's sarcoma to become the most common tumor in this population in developed countries. However, there remains a dearth of comprehensive and systematic understanding regarding HIV-associated lymphomas. This review aims to shed light on the changes in the immune system among PLWH and the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in HIV-associated lymphoma, with a specific focus on the immune system's role in these individuals. Additionally, it seeks to explore recent advancements in immunotherapy for the treatment of HIV-associated lymphoma, intending to enhance strategies for immunotherapy in this specific population.

Cancers with epidemiologic signatures of viral oncogenicity among immunocompromised populations in the United States

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressed individuals have elevated risk of virus-related cancers. Identifying cancers with elevated risk in people with HIV (PWH) and solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), two immunosuppressed populations, may help identify novel etiologic relationships with infectious agents.

METHODS

We utilized two linkages of population-based cancer registries with HIV and transplant registries in the United States. Cancer entities were systematically classified based on site and histology codes. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to compare risk in PWH and SOTRs with the general population. For selected cancer entities, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for indicators of immunosuppression within each population.

FINDINGS

We identified 38,047 cancer cases in SOTRs and 53,592 in PWH, yielding overall SIRs of 1.66 (95%CI = 1.65-1.68) and 1.49 (95%CI = 1.47-1.50), respectively. Forty-three cancer entities met selection criteria, including conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (PWH SIR = 7.1, 95%CI = 5.5-9.2; SOTRs SIR = 9.4; 95%CI = 6.8-12.6). Sebaceous adenocarcinoma was elevated in SOTRs (SIR = 16.2; 95%CI = 14.0-18.6) and, among SOTRs, associated with greater risk in lung/heart transplant recipients compared to recipients of other organs (IRR = 2.3; 95%CI = 1.7-3.2). Salivary gland tumors, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma showed elevated risk in SOTRs (SIR = 3.9; SIR = 4.7; and SIR = 3.2, respectively) but not in PWH. However, risks for these cancers were elevated following an AIDS diagnosis among PWH (IRR = 2.4; IRR = 4.3; and IRR = 2.0, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

Elevated SIRs among SOTRs and PWH, and associations with immunosuppression within these populations, suggest novel infectious causes for several cancers including conjunctival SCC, sebaceous adenocarcinoma, salivary gland tumors, MFH, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Lymph Node Penetration From Gastric Burkitt Lymphoma in a Patient Living With HIV/AIDS

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) still constitutes a reality of high morbidity and mortality, sometimes not respecting the patient's degree of immunosuppression as it can even occur in those with a high CD4+ T lymphocyte count. Burkitt's lymphoma, in this sense, has been shown to be one of the main subtypes of this condition in this group of patients. This case report concerns a 32-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic gastric Burkitt's lymphoma after one month of his admission to a tertiary hospital for neurological complaints. The aim of this study is to raise an alert to suspect this diagnosis even in patients with adequate immunity, a well-done history, and a physical examination, which are the main pillars for reaching a diagnosis.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphomas decoded

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphomas cover a range of histological B- and T-cell non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. The role of EBV on B-cell malignant pathogenesis and its impact on the tumour microenvironment are intriguing but incompletely understood. Both the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and 5th Edition of the World Health Organization (WHO-HAEM5) proposals give prominence to the distinct clinical, prognostic, genetic and tumour microenvironmental features of EBV in lymphoproliferative disorders. There have been major advances in our biological understanding, in how to harness features of EBV and its host immune response for targeted therapy, and in using EBV as a method to monitor disease response. In this article, we showcase the latest developments and how they may be integrated to stimulate new and innovative approaches for further lines of investigation and therapy.

An Atypical Presentation of Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting As Large Intra-abdominal Masses Compressing Multiple Organs With Peri-Pericardial Involvement in an HIV Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Many types of malignancies have been associated with immunodeficiency states, especially patients who are HIV positive. Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of those malignancies associated with HIV and it presents in three varieties. The endemic form is primarily seen in children, and it is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this form, patients with Burkitt's present with a large jaw mass. The second variety is seen in older adults. These patients usually present with abdominal and pelvic masses. This subtype is more prominent in the United States. The third variety of BL is seen in patients who are HIV positive. In this case report, we present an atypical presentation of BL secondary to undiagnosed HIV/AIDS with a very large tumor burden causing compressive symptoms. This case will further guide healthcare professionals in diagnosing BL, which presents uniquely in high-risk populations. This report will also serve as a review of the diagnosis and treatment options of BL.

Synthesis and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Nitrovinylanthracenes and Related Compounds in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) and Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a malignancy of the immune B lymphocyte cells and is the most common leukaemia diagnosed in developed countries. In this paper, we report the synthesis and antiproliferative effects of a series of (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes and related nitrostyrene compounds in CLL cell lines and also in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, a rare form of non-Hodgkin's immune B-cell lymphoma. The nitrostyrene scaffold was identified as a lead structure for the development of effective compounds targeting BL and CLL. The series of structurally diverse nitrostyrenes was synthesised via Henry-Knoevenagel condensation reactions. Single-crystal X-ray analysis confirmed the structure of (E)-9-chloro-10-(2-nitrobut-1-en-1-yl)anthracene (19f) and the related 4-(anthracen-9-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (30a). The (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes 19a, 19g and 19i-19m were found to elicit potent antiproliferative effects in both BL cell lines EBV-MUTU-1 (chemosensitive) and EBV+ DG-75 (chemoresistant) with >90% inhibition at 10 μM. Selected (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracenes demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity in CLL cell lines, with IC50 values of 0.17 μM (HG-3) and 1.3 μM (PGA-1) for compound 19g. The pro-apoptotic effects of the most potent compounds 19a, 19g, 19i, 19l and 19m were demonstrated in both CLL cell lines HG-3 and PGA-1. The (E)-nitrostyrene and (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracene series of compounds offer potential for further development as novel chemotherapeutics for CLL.

Hub genes and their key effects on prognosis of Burkitt lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an exceptionally aggressive malignant neoplasm that arises from either the germinal center or post-germinal center B cells. Patients with BL often present with rapid tumor growth and require high-intensity multi-drug therapy combined with adequate intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis, however, a standard treatment program for BL has not yet been established. It is important to identify biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of BLs and discriminating patients who might benefit from the therapy. Microarray data and sequencing information from public databases could offer opportunities for the discovery of new diagnostic or therapeutic targets.

AIM

To identify hub genes and perform gene ontology (GO) and survival analysis in BL.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles and clinical traits of BL patients were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to construct gene co-expression modules, and the cytoHubba tool was used to find the hub genes. Then, the hub genes were analyzed using GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. Additionally, a Protein-Protein Interaction network and a Genetic Interaction network were constructed. Prognostic candidate genes were identified through overall survival analysis. Finally, a nomogram was established to assess the predictive value of hub genes, and drug-gene interactions were also constructed.

RESULTS

In this study, we obtained 8 modules through WGCNA analysis, and there was a significant correlation between the yellow module and age. Then we identified 10 hub genes (SRC, TLR4, CD40, STAT3, SELL, CXCL10, IL2RA, IL10RA, CCR7 and FCGR2B) by cytoHubba tool. Within these hubs, two genes were found to be associated with OS (CXCL10, P = 0.029 and IL2RA, P = 0.0066) by survival analysis. Additionally, we combined these two hub genes and age to build a nomogram. Moreover, the drugs related to IL2RA and CXCL10 might have a potential therapeutic role in relapsed and refractory BL.

CONCLUSION

From WGCNA and survival analysis, we identified CXCL10 and IL2RA that might be prognostic markers for BL.

Incidence of Burkitt lymphoma in the United States during 2000 to 2019

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that occurs worldwide. A study of BL in the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program during 1973 to 2005 (n = 3043) revealed three age-specific incidence peaks of BL and rates that were rising. We studied BL cases diagnosed in SEER 22 during 2000 to 2019 (n = 11 626) to investigate age-specific BL incidence rates and temporal trends. The age-standardized BL incidence rate was 3.96/million person-years, with a 2.85:1 male-to-female ratio. The BL rate among both Hispanic and White individuals was higher than in Black individuals (4.52, 4.12 vs 3.14). Age-specific BL rates showed peaks during pediatric, adult and elderly years in males and pediatric and elderly peaks in females. Based on 4524 BL cases with HIV status (SEER 13), only one peak in adult males (45 years) was observed. Overall age-standardized BL incidence rates rose 1.2%/year (not significant) up to 2009 then fell significantly by 2.4%/year thereafter. Temporal trends in BL rates during 2000 to 2019 varied with age group as pediatric BL rates rose 1.1%/year, while elderly BL rates fell 1.7%/year and adult BL rates rose 3.4%/year until 2007 before falling 3.1%/year thereafter. Overall survival from BL was 64% at 2 years, being highest in pediatric patients and lowest in Black and elderly individuals vs other subgroups. Survival improved by 20% between 2000 and 2019. Our data suggest that BL age-specific incidence rates are multimodal and that overall BL rates rose up to 2009 and then fell, suggesting changes in etiological factors or diagnosis.

A Rare Case of Primary Breast Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is not a commonly seen subtype of breast cancer, and it is also unusual for an extranodal variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) to appear in the breast. In this case report, we recount the presentation of painful masses in the right axillary and right breast regions in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient, shortly after a mammogram described her breast lesion as BI-RADS 3, probably benign, in the breast imaging reporting and data system. This case demonstrated that painful breast and axillary masses in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient can grow quickly, be misdiagnosed, and require an expedient workup, as extranodal DLBCL can be a debilitating disease.

Burkitt lymphoma - no impact of HIV status on outcomes with rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy

We analyzed the prognostic factors for treatment outcomes amongst 34 patients with adult Burkitt lymphoma (BL) who received rituximab with standard first-line chemotherapy. Seven patients had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated BL. Overall, we observed a complete remission (CR) rate of 91.2%, and 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 84.8 and 88.2%, respectively. In patients with concomitant HIV, the prognosis was not different with 10-year PFS of 100% and OS of 88.2%. The majority (71.4%) of HIV-associated BL patients received dose-adjusted EPOCH-R (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab) and had excellent outcomes with 100% CR and no relapses. Central nervous system (CNS) disease, bone marrow involvement and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels more than 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) were associated with poorer survival outcomes. Patients with refractory disease, whilst uncommon (n = 4), had dismal outcomes. Patients with adult BL, including HIV-related cases, harbor generally good prognosis in the modern era.

Burkitt lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive form of B cell lymphoma that can affect children and adults. The study of BL led to the identification of the first recurrent chromosomal aberration in lymphoma, t(8;14)(q24;q32), and subsequent discovery of the central role of MYC and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in tumorigenesis. Most patients with BL are cured with chemotherapy but those with relapsed or refractory disease usually die of lymphoma. Historically, endemic BL, non-endemic sporadic BL and the immunodeficiency-associated BL have been recognized, but differentiation of these epidemiological variants is confounded by the frequency of EBV positivity. Subtyping into EBV⁺ and EBV^- BL might better describe the biological heterogeneity of the disease. Phenotypically resembling germinal centre B cells, all types of BL are characterized by dysregulation of MYC due to enhancer activation via juxtaposition with one of the three immunoglobulin loci. Additional molecular changes commonly affect B cell receptor and sphingosine-1-phosphate signalling, proliferation, survival and SWI-SNF chromatin remodelling. BL is diagnosed on the basis of morphology and high expression of MYC. BL can be effectively treated in children and adolescents with short durations of high dose-intensity multiagent chemotherapy regimens. Adults are more susceptible to toxic effects but are effectively treated with chemotherapy, including modified versions of paediatric regimens. The outcomes in patients with BL are good in high-income countries with low mortality and few late effects, but in low-income and middle-income countries, BL is diagnosed late and is usually treated with less-effective regimens affecting the overall good outcomes in patients with this lymphoma.

HIV-Associated Lymphomas: Progress and New Challenges

The association of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and aggressive lymphomas was first reported in 1982. Before the development of effective HIV antiviral therapy, the incidence and the mortality of these lymphomas was high, with patients frequently succumbing to the disease. More lately, the combination of cART with chemoimmunotherapy significantly improved the survival outcome of the HIV-lymphomas. In this review, we discuss on describing the incidence of HIV-associated lymphomas, their clinical features, and the latest advances in the management of the various lymphoma subtypes.

Estimating the global burden of Epstein-Barr virus-related cancers

BACKGROUND

More than 90% of the adult population globally is chronically infected by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is well established that EBV is associated with a number of malignancies, and advances in knowledge of EBV-related malignancies are being made every year. Several studies have analysed the global epidemiology and geographic distribution of EBV-related cancers. However, most have only described a single cancer type or subtype in isolation or limited their study to the three or four most common EBV-related cancers. This review will present an overview on the spectrum of cancers linked to EBV based on observations of associations and proportions in the published literature while also using these observations to estimate the incidence and mortality burden of some of these cancers.

METHOD

We have reviewed the literature on defining features, distribution and outcomes across six cancers with a relatively large EBV-related case burden: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), Gastric carcinoma (GC), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL), Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, Nasal type (ENKTL-NT). We retrieved published region-specific EBV-related case proportions for NPC, GC, HL and BL and performed meta-analyses on pooled region-specific studies of EBV-related case proportions for DLBCL and ENKTL-NT. We match these pooled proportions with their respective regional incidence and mortality numbers retrieved from a publicly available cancer database. Additionally, we also reviewed the literature on several other less common EBV-related cancers to summarize their key characteristics herein.

CONCLUSION

We estimated that EBV-related cases from these six cancers accounted for 239,700-357,900 new cases and 137,900-208,700 deaths in 2020. This review highlights the significant global impact of EBV-related cancers and extends the spectrum of disease that could benefit from an EBV-specific therapeutic.

Primary chest wall Burkitt lymphoma in a case of HIV infection with immune reconstitution

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) develops at an increased frequency in patients with HIV irrespective of the CD4 count. Lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract are common sites of involvement by BL; however, primary chest wall BL is rare. A 52-year-old man on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV with a CD4 count of 0.204 x 109 cells/L presented with a 3-month history of enlarging chest wall mass. PET-CT scan imaging showed a bulky mass involving the musculoskeletal planes of left chest wall with the involvement of underlying pleura. Biopsy with immunohistochemistry confirmed BL. Patient received EPOCH-R (infusional etoposide, vincristine, and doxorubicin with prednisone, cyclophosphamide and rituximab) regime for six cycles along with HAART, attained complete remission (CR) and remains free of BL at 5 years. BL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses in HIV-infected patients irrespective of their CD4 count.

Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Epstein-Barr Virus in HIV-Related Lymphomas

The incidence of lymphomas is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are the most common and are considered an AIDS-defining cancer (ADC). Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not considered an ADC, its incidence is also increased in PLWH. Among all HIV-related lymphomas (HRL), the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is high. It has been shown that EBV is involved in different lymphomagenic mechanisms mediated by some of its proteins, contributing to the development of different lymphoma subtypes. Additionally, cooperation between both HIV and EBV can lead to the proliferation of aberrant B-cells, thereby being an additional lymphomagenic mechanism in EBV-associated HRL. Despite the close relationship between EBV and HRL, the impact of EBV on clinical aspects has not been extensively studied. These lymphomas are treated with the same therapeutic regimens as the general population in combination with cART. Nevertheless, new therapeutic strategies targeting EBV are promising for these lymphomas. In this article, the different types of HRL are extensively reviewed, focusing on the influence of EBV on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and pathological characteristics of each lymphoma subtype. Moreover, novel therapies targeting EBV and future strategies to treat HRL harboring EBV are discussed.

Prognostic nomogram incorporating radiological features for predicting overall survival in patients with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AR-NHL) is a high-risk factor for morbidity and mortality in patients with AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and to develop a prognostic nomogram incorporating computed tomography imaging features in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AR-NHL).

METHODS

A total of 121 AR-NHL patients between July 2012 and November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiological independent predictors of OS were confirmed using multivariable Cox analysis. A prognostic nomogram was constructed based on the above clinical and radiological factors and then provided optimum accuracy in predicting OS. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was determined by Harrell C-statistic. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine median OS. The prognostic value of adjuvant therapy was evaluated in different subgroups.

RESULTS

In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, involvement of mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes, liver, necrosis in the lesions, the treatment with chemotherapy, and the CD4 ≤100 cells/μL were independent risk factors for poor OS (all P < 0.050). The predictive nomogram based on Cox regression has good discrimination (Harrell C-index = 0.716) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P = 0.620) in high- and low-risk groups. Only patients in the high-risk group who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly better survival outcome.

CONCLUSION

A survival-predicting nomogram was developed in this study, which was effective in assessing the survival outcomes of patients with AR-NHL. Notably, decision-making of chemotherapy regimens and more frequent follow-up should be considered in the high-risk group determined by this model.

Changing Patterns of Lymphoma in the Antiretroviral Therapy Era in Johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND

South Africa has a high HIV prevalence, which associates with an increased risk of lymphoma. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) became accessible in 2004, but the program has substantially expanded. Changes in lymphoma patterns are documented in high-income countries after wide-scale ART including declining high-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (HG B-NHLs), particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and increased Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). There are limited data from Africa. This study aimed to compare HG B-NHL characteristics in the early (2007) and later (2017) ART era.

METHODS

All incident lymphomas at the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, were identified using the laboratory information system, and data were collected for each patient.

RESULTS

The total number of lymphoma cases increased from 397 (2007) to 582 (2017). This was associated with improved lymphoma classification and patient referral for oncological care. HG B-NHL remained the most diagnosed lymphoma subtype in 2017 comprising 70% of HIV-associated lymphomas, followed by HL (24%). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma comprised 65% of all HG B-NHLs and 45% of all lymphomas in people with HIV in 2017. Significantly more patients were on ART in 2017, with improvements in virological control documented. Despite this, 47.6% of patients were not virologically suppressed, and 37.5% of patients were ART-naive at time of diagnosis in 2017. Immunological reconstitution was suboptimal, which may reflect late initiation of ART.

CONCLUSION

Public health initiatives to initiate ART as early as possible and to retain patients in ART programs may assist in decreasing the number of HIV-associated lymphomas in our setting.

CD4 + T cells are found within endemic Burkitt lymphoma and modulate Burkitt lymphoma precursor cell viability and expression of pathogenically relevant Epstein-Barr virus genes

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is an aggressive B cell cancer characterized by an IgH/c-myc translocation and the harboring of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Evidence accumulates that CD4 + T cells might contribute to eBL pathogenesis. Here, we investigate the presence of CD4 + T cells in primary eBL tissue and their potential dichotomous impact on an EBV-infected pre-eBL cell model using ex vivo material and in vitro co-cultures. In addition, we establish a novel method to study the effect of IgH/c-myc translocation in primary B cells by employing a CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in approach to introduce and tag de novo translocation. We unprecedently document that CD4 + T cells are present in primary eBL tumor tissue. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CD4 + T cells on the one hand suppress eBL development by killing pre-eBL cells lacking IgH/c-myc translocation in vitro and on the other hand indirectly promote eBL development by inducing crucial EBV Latency III to Latency I switching in pre-eBL cells. Finally, we show that while the mere presence of an IgH/c-myc translocation does not suffice to escape CD4 + T-cell-mediated killing in vitro, the CD4 + T-cell-mediated suppression of EBV's Latency III program in vivo may allow cells harboring an IgH/c-myc translocation and additional mutations to evade immune control and proliferate by means of deregulated c-myc activity, resulting in neoplasia. Thus, our study highlights the dichotomous effects of CD4 + T cells and the mechanisms involved in eBL pathogenesis, suggests mechanisms of their impact on eBL progression, and provides a novel in vitro model for further investigation of IgH/c-myc translocation.

Reframing Burkitt lymphoma: virology not epidemiology defines clinical variants

In 1964, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was identified in a biopsy from a patient with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) launching a new field of study into this ubiquitous human virus. Almost 60 years later, insights into the role of EBV in lymphomagenesis are still emerging. While all BL carry the hallmark c-myc translocation, the epidemiologic classification of BL (e.g., endemic, sporadic or immunodeficiency-associated) has traditionally been used to define BL clinical variants. However, recent studies using molecular methods to characterize the transcriptional and genetic landscape of BL have identified several unique features are observed that distinguish EBV+ BL including a high level of activation induced deaminase mutation load, evidence of antigen selection in the B cell receptor, and a decreased mutation frequency of TCF3/ID3, all found predominantly in EBV+ compared to EBV- BL. In this review, the focus will be on summarizing recent studies that have done in depth characterization of genetic and transcriptional profiles of BL, describing the differences and similarities of EBV+ and EBV- BL, and what they reveal about the etiology of BL. The new studies put forth a compelling argument that the association with EBV should be the defining etiologic feature of clinical variants of BL. This reframing of BL has important implications for therapeutic interventions for BL that distinguish the EBV+ from the EBV- lymphomas.

HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma: outcomes from a US-UK collaborative analysis

Data addressing prognostication in patients with HIV related Burkitt lymphoma (HIV-BL) currently treated remain scarce. We present an international analysis of 249 (United States: 140; United Kingdom: 109) patients with HIV-BL treated from 2008 to 2019 aiming to identify prognostic factors and outcomes. With a median follow up of 4.5 years, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 55% to 67%) and 66% (95%CI 59% to 71%), respectively, with similar results in both countries. Patients with baseline central nervous system (CNS) involvement had shorter 3-year PFS (36%) compared to patients without CNS involvement (69%; P < .001) independent of frontline treatment. The incidence of CNS recurrence at 3 years across all treatments was 11% with a higher incidence observed after dose-adjusted infusional etoposide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, cyclophosphamide (DA-EPOCH) (subdistribution hazard ratio: 2.52; P = .03 vs other regimens) without difference by CD4 count 100/mm3. In multivariate models, factors independently associated with inferior PFS were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 2-4 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87; P = .007), baseline CNS involvement (HR 1.70; P = .023), lactate dehydrogenase >5 upper limit of normal (HR 2.09; P < .001); and >1 extranodal sites (HR 1.58; P = .043). The same variables were significant in multivariate models for OS. Adjusting for these prognostic factors, treatment with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate, ifosfamide, etoposide, and high-dose cytarabine (CODOX-M/IVAC) was associated with longer PFS (adjusted HR [aHR] 0.45; P = .005) and OS (aHR 0.44; P = .007). Remarkably, HIV features no longer influence prognosis in contemporaneously treated HIV-BL.

The treatment of Burkitt lymphoma in adults

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive, B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma categorized into endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated subtypes. BL has distinct pathologic and clinical features, characterized by rapidly progressive tumors with high rates of extranodal involvement. Next-generation-sequencing analyses have further characterized the genomic landscape of BL and our understanding of disease pathogenesis, although these findings have yet to influence treatment. Although most patients are cured with intensive combination chemotherapy, given the paucity of randomized trials, optimal therapy has not been defined. Furthermore, treatment of elderly patients, patients with central nervous system involvement, or those with relapsed disease remains an unmet need. In this review, we highlight the clinical, pathologic, and genomic features, as well as standard and emerging treatment options for adult patients with BL.

Novel Biological Insights and New Developments in Management of Burkitt Lymphoma and High-Grade B-Cell Lymphoma

OPINION STATEMENT

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is highly curable, and prompt institution of therapy is critical to achieving optimal outcomes. Although current "standard" approaches are very effective in disease eradication, treatment-related toxicity makes optimal delivery of curative therapy a challenge, especially in older and immunocompromised individuals. Reduced intensity approaches with fewer toxic complications have been the focus of some recent studies. A critical question is if they can replace "standard" approaches by maintaining high curability with improved tolerability. Additionally, new molecular insights in BL biology suggest that in the future, "targeted therapy" approaches may be feasible using small molecule inhibitors and novel strategies. Recently, a new category of aggressive lymphoma named "high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations" has been recognized. This category overlaps clinically and biologically with BL and has an inferior prognosis compared to most B-cell lymphomas, and the optimal approach to its management remains, as yet, undefined. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of BL treatment including recent results with low-intensity regimens and also consider current approaches to HGBL. We also explore how recently elucidated novel biological insights in BL biology may shape future therapeutic directions including the use of novel cellular therapy approaches.

[EBV and immunodeficiency]

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), discovered in 1964, is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. EBV has a lymphoid tropism with transforming capacities using different oncogenic viral proteins. This virus has two replication cycles: a lytic cycle mainly occuring during primary infection and a latent cycle allowing viral persistence into host memory B cells. More than 90% of adults are seropositive for EBV worldwide, with a past history of asymptomatic or mild primary infection. EBV infection can sometimes cause life-threatening complications such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and lead to the development of lymphoproliferative disorders or cancers. Risk factors associated with these phenotypes have been recently described through the study of monogenic primary immune deficiencies with EBV susceptibility. We here review the virological and immunological aspects of EBV infection and EBV-related complications with an overview of current available treatments.

Recurrent small bowel obstruction caused by Burkitt lymphoma in an elderly man: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Acute small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency usually caused by abdominal adhesions, followed by intraluminal tumors from metastatic disease. Although lymphomas have been known to cause bowel obstruction, Burkitt lymphoma is seldom reported to induce an obstruction in the adult population.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 78-year-old Hispanic man with a history of abdominal interventions presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a partial small bowel obstruction attributed to local inflammation or adhesions. Medical management with bowel rest and nasogastric decompression resulted in resolution of symptoms and quick discharge. He returned 2 days later with worsening abdominal pain. Repeat imaging showed progression of the partial small bowel obstruction, but with an additional 1.6-cm nodular density abutting the anterior aspect of the gastric antrum and lobulated anterior gastric antral wall thickening. He was taken to the operating room, where several masses were found. Intraoperative frozen sections were consistent with lymphoma, and pathology later revealed Burkitt lymphoma. Disease was found on both sides of the diaphragm by positron emission tomography. After the initial resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient is alive and well about 14 months after resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Small bowel obstruction is uncommonly due to Burkitt lymphoma in the geriatric population and is more frequently seen in the pediatric and young adult populations. Burkitt lymphoma is very aggressive with rapid cell turnover leading to significant morbidity. The rapid recurrence of an acute abdominal process should prompt an investigation for a more sinister cause such as malignancy.

HIV-1, HAART and cancer: A complex relationship

HIV infected people are at higher risk of developing cancer, although it is globally diminished in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Recently, antioncogenic properties of some HAART drugs were discovered. We discuss the role of HAART in the prevention and improvement of treatment outcomes of cancers in HIV-infected people. We describe different trends in HAART-cancer relationships: cancer-predisposing as well as cancer-preventing. We cover the roles of particular drug regimens in cancer prevention. We also describe the causes of cancer treatment with HAART drugs in HIV-negative people, including ongoing clinical studies that may directly point to a possible independent anti-oncogenic activity of HAART drugs. We conclude that despite potent antioncogenic activities of every class of HAART drugs reported in preclinical models, the evidence to date indicates that their independent clinical impact in HIV-infected people is limited. Improved cancer prevention strategies besides HAART are needed to reduce HIV-cancer-related mortality.

Epidemiology of adult and pediatric Burkitt lymphoma in Canada: sequelae of the HIV epidemic

Background

Although the pathogenesis and epidemiology of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (bl) have been extensively studied, the epidemiologic landscape of sporadic and immunodeficiency-associated bl in North America remains poorly understood.

Methods

We used 3 distinct population-based cancer registries to retrospectively study bl incidence and mortality in Canada. Data for patient sex; age at the time of diagnosis; and reporting province, city, and forward sortation area (fsa, the first three characters of a postal code) were analyzed.

Results

During 1992-2010, 1420 patients with bl in Canada were identified (incidence rate: 2.40 cases per million patient-years), of which 71.1% were male patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 55.5 ± 20.8 years. A bimodal incidence by age distribution was seen in both sexes, with pediatric- and adult-onset peaks. An analysis based on fsas identified select communities with statistically higher rates of adult bl. Several of those fsas were located within the 3 major metropolitan areas (Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto) and within self-identified lgbtq communities. The fsas with a higher socioeconomic status score were associated with lower rates of bl.

Conclusions

Current results highlight the geographic and historic pattern of bl in Canada. The human immunodeficiency virus remains an important risk factor for adult bl.

Stable Incidence and Poor Survival for HIV-Related Burkitt Lymphoma Among the US Veteran Population During the Antiretroviral Era

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment of both HIV and Burkitt lymphoma (BL), persons living with HIV remain at high risk for BL. We conducted this study to evaluate if there have been any changes in the risk of or survival after BL diagnosis among persons living with HIV during the antiretroviral era.

SETTING

Veterans living with HIV (VLWH) and age-matched HIV-negative controls receiving care between 1999 and 2016 were retrospectively identified using Veterans Health Administration electronic medical records.

METHODS

We identified BL diagnoses through Veterans Health Administration Cancer Registry review and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revisions, codes, and we extracted demographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables from electronic medical record. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BL risk and survival using Cox proportional models.

RESULTS

We identified 45,299 VLWH. Eighty-four developed BL (incidence rate = 21.2 per 100,000 person years; CI: 17.1 to 26.3). Median CD4 count at BL diagnosis was 238 cells per milliliter (SD: 324.74) and increased over time. Survival was truncated in VLWH with BL (P < 0.05). The risk of BL in VLWH was 38% less in blacks compared with whites (HR: 0.620; CI: 0.393 to 0.979; P = 0.0401). VLWH with an undetectable viral load for at least 40% of follow-up were 74% less likely to develop BL (HR: 0.261; CI: 0.143 to 0.478; P < 0.0001) and 86% less likely to die after diagnosis (HR: 0.141; CI: 0.058 to 0.348; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

BL incidence among VLWH did not improve between 2000 and 2016. Survival after BL diagnosis in VLWH remains dismal as compared with their HIV-negative counterparts, although veterans with prolonged periods of undetectable viral load had improved prognosis.

Synthesis and evaluation of designed PKC modulators for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

Bryostatin 1 is a marine natural product under investigation for HIV/AIDS eradication, the treatment of neurological disorders, and enhanced CAR T/NK cell immunotherapy. Despite its promising activity, bryostatin 1 is neither evolved nor optimized for the treatment of human disease. Here we report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of several close-in analogs of bryostatin 1. Using a function-oriented synthesis approach, we synthesize a series of bryostatin analogs designed to maintain affinity for bryostatin’s target protein kinase C (PKC) while enabling exploration of their divergent biological functions. Our late-stage diversification strategy provides efficient access to a library of bryostatin analogs, which per our design retain affinity for PKC but exhibit variable PKC translocation kinetics. We further demonstrate that select analogs potently increase cell surface expression of CD22, a promising CAR T cell target for the treatment of leukemias, highlighting the clinical potential of bryostatin analogs for enhancing targeted immunotherapies.

Bryostatin 1 is a unique therapeutic lead, however its scarce natural sources have hampered its use in treatment of human disease. Here, the authors use a scalable synthesis of bryostatin 1 to make close-in analogs which potently induce increased cell surface expression holding potential for immunotherapy.

Burkitt lymphoma: bridging the gap between advances in molecular biology and therapy

Genomic studies have revealed molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Burkitt's lymphoma, including the ID3/TCF3-dependent centroblast gene expression program, tonic PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, and deregulation of cell cycle and apoptosis through mutations in cyclin D3, CDKN2A, or TP53. Unfortunately, these advances have not been translated into treatment, which relies on dose-intense cytotoxic chemotherapy. While most patients achieve long-term survival, options for relapsed/refractory disease are lacking, as Burkitt lymphoma is often excluded from clinical trials of novel approaches. The lower-intensity, dose-adjusted EPOCH plus rituximab (DA-EPOCH-R) regimen constitutes a major advance allowing for treatment of older and HIV-positive patients but needs augmentation to better address the central nervous system involvement. Furthermore, DA-EPOCH-R provides a platform for the study of targeted or immunotherapeutic approaches while de-escalating cytotoxic agents and their associated adverse effects. In this review we discuss the epidemiology and molecular genetics of BL, first-line treatment considerations, and potential novel treatment strategies.

Burkitt and Burkitt-Like Lymphomas: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Burkitt's lymphoma and its leukemic form (Burkitt cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) are a highly aggressive disease. We review the classification, clinical presentation, histology, cytogenetics, and the treatment of the disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Burkitt's lymphoma might be associated with tumor lysis syndrome which is a potentially fatal complication that occurs spontaneously or upon initiation of chemotherapy. Major improvements were made in the treatment of pediatric and adults population using short-course dose-intensive chemotherapy regimens, usually 1 week after a prephase induction. Addition of Rituximab to chemotherapy has become a standard of care. Relapsed/refractory disease has a very poor prognosis and the benefit from autologous/allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains uncertain. Rituximab-based short-course dose-intensive chemotherapy is the standard of care of Burkitt's lymphoma even in the immunodeficiency-related form.

Prospective study of Burkitt lymphoma treatment in adolescents and adults in Malawi

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In high-income countries, BL is highly curable with chemotherapy. However, there are few prospective studies from SSA describing nonpediatric BL and no regional standard of care. Thirty-five participants age 15 years or older with newly diagnosed BL were enrolled in Malawi from 2013 to 2018. Chemotherapy was administered according to institutional guidelines, with concurrent antiretroviral therapy if HIV infected. Median age was 21 years (range, 15-61) and 15 participants (43%) were HIV infected. Twenty-seven participants (77%) had stage III to IV disease, and 19 (54%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >1. Among HIV-infected participants, median CD4 count was 130 (range, 29-605) and 10 (67%) had suppressed HIV viral load. Four participants (11%) died before receiving chemotherapy. First-line chemotherapy consisted of: cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) (n = 22 [71%]); infusional etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (n = 4 [13%]); high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy (n = 4 [13%]); and rituximab plus CHOP (n = 1 [3%]). Among 28 evaluable participants, 14 (50%) achieved a complete response. Median overall survival (OS) was 7 months; 1-year OS was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24%-56%). Sixteen (73%) of 22 deaths were a result of disease progression. Compared with CHOP, more intensive chemotherapy was associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05-1.02; P = .05). This is among the best characterized prospective cohorts of nonpediatric BL in SSA. Most deaths resulted from progressive BL. Patients who received more intensive therapy seemed to have better outcomes. Defining optimal approaches is an urgent priority in SSA.

In the South African setting, HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma is associated with frequent leukaemic presentation, complex cytogenetic karyotypes, and adverse clinical outcomes

South Africa (SA) has a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. People living with HIV are at markedly increased risk of developing Burkitt lymphoma (BL), which is characterized by the MYC translocation. There is a paucity of survival data of HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia (HIV-BL) cases from SA, and the relationship between karyotype and outcomes has not been widely reported. Here we report the clinico-pathological characteristics of a cohort of cytogenetically confirmed HIV-BL cases. A retrospective, descriptive review was conducted of clinico-pathological features of HIV-BL patients newly diagnosed and treated between 2005 and 2014 at our tertiary academic institution in Cape Town. Only HIV-BL patients with cytogenetic evidence of a MYC translocation were included for analysis. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model assessed the impact of variables on overall survival (OS). Forty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Their median age was 37 years (IQR 30-43 years) and 57% (n = 28) were females. Their median CD4 count was 240 cells/μl (IQR 103-423 cells/μl). The majority, 61% (n = 30), had leukaemic presentation, and 20% (n = 10) had a complex karyotype on conventional karyotyping. Seventy-seven percent (n = 36) received various protocols of combination intensive chemotherapy, excluding rituximab. Their OS was 64% (95% CI 45-77%) at 6 months, and 34% (95% CI 17-51%) at 5 years. Leukaemic presentation and a complex karyotype gave a 2.7-fold (95% CI 1.0-6.7) and 2.6-fold (95% CI 1.1-6.6) increased risk of mortality respectively, which were statistical significant (p < 0.05). We report 49 newly diagnosed, cytogenetically confirmed HIV-BL patients at our institution over a 10-year period. There was a high proportion of complex karyotypes and leukaemic presentation, which both independently adversely affected survival. This may be due to differences in the pathobiology of HIV-BL that requires further study and could lead to therapeutic advances in this patient group.

Design, Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Novel Ethanoanthracenes and Related Compounds to Target Burkitt's Lymphoma

Lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) account for 12% of malignant diseases worldwide. Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in which the cancer starts in the immune B-cells. We report the synthesis and preliminary studies on the antiproliferative activity of a library of 9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene based compounds structurally related to the antidepressant drug maprotiline against BL cell lines MUTU-1 and DG-75. Structural modifications were achieved by Diels-Alder reaction of the core 9-(2-nitrovinyl)anthracene with number of dienophiles including maleic anhydride, maleimides, acrylonitrile and benzyne. The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated in BL cell lines EBV⁻ MUTU-1 and EBV⁺ DG-75 (chemoresistant). The most potent compounds 13j, 15, 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 19a displayed IC₅₀ values in the range 0.17–0.38 μM against the BL cell line EBV⁻ MUTU-1 and IC₅₀ values in the range 0.45–0.78 μM against the chemoresistant BL cell line EBV⁺ DG-75. Compounds 15, 16b and 16c demonstrated potent ROS dependent apoptotic effects on the BL cell lines which were superior to the control drug taxol and showed minimal cytotoxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The results suggest that this class of compounds merits further investigation as antiproliferative agents for BL.

AIDS-Associated Malignancies

Malignancies were one of the earliest recognized manifestations that led to the description of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The majority of cancers in AIDS patients are associated with coinfection with oncogenic viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 8, and human papillomavirus, with resulting malignancies occurring secondary to diminished immune surveillance against viruses and virus-infected tumor cells. Over 50% of AIDS lymphomas are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and/or HHV8 infection. HHV8-associated diseases include Kaposi sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). EBV is associated with several malignancies, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Coinfection with HIV and HPV is associated with an increased risk of various squamous cell carcinomas of epithelial tissues. HAART has significantly impacted the incidence, management, and prognosis of AIDS-related malignancies. In addition to changing the natural history of HIV infection in regard to incidence and survival, HAART has dramatically decreased the incidence of certain virally mediated HIV-associated malignancies such as KS and primary CNS lymphoma. The beneficial effects of HAART on these tumors are attributed to drug-mediated HIV suppression and immune reconstitution. However, HAART has had a less favorable impact on EBV- and HPV-related malignancies. This chapter presents an overview of HIV-associated malignancies mediated by HHV-8, EBV, and HPV, and reviews the effect of HAART on the epidemiology, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of these cancers.

High-grade Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting as a Buttock Mass and Foot Drop

Burkitt lymphoma (BL), a highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), usually presents in children and young adults with large extranodal masses involving jaw bones, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. The three main subtypes of BL are endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency variant. Extranodal involvement is common in each variant of BL, although muscle tissue involvement is distinctly rare. Mode of spread may be hematogenous or via direct extension of the primary tumor. In this report, we present a case of a 41-year-old male who presented with a palpable mass in the buttock leading to foot drop as the initial manifestation of BL. An exhaustive review of the literature failed to discover any previous reports of BL occurring in this location.

Burkitt lymphoma- a rare but challenging lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma affecting approximately 1500 patients per year. Three forms of BL exist (sporadic, endemic, immunodeficiency associated) and the endemic form was first discovered as being driven by the Epstein Barr virus in areas of the world where malaria is prevalent. BL has the characteristic t8; 14 cytogenetic translocation that leads to constitutive activation of the MYC gene, which drives BL cell division. Therapy of BL has resulted in cure for many patients but significant toxicity and treatment related complications remains problematic in the approach to BL therapy. Treatment options for relapsed and refractory disease remain limited however novel treatments are being studied to block MYC activation, and cold lead to promising options for patients with relapsed and refractory disease.

How I treat Burkitt lymphoma in children, adolescents, and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most common pediatric cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and also occurs frequently among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), often associated with HIV. Treating BL in SSA poses particular challenges. Although highly effective, high-intensity cytotoxic treatments used in resource-rich settings are usually not feasible, and lower-intensity continuous infusion approaches are impractical. In this article, based on evidence from the region, we review management strategies for SSA focused on diagnosis and use of prephase and definitive treatment. Additionally, potentially better approaches for risk stratification and individualized therapy are elaborated. Compared with historical very low-intensity approaches, the relative safety, feasibility, and outcomes of regimens incorporating anthracyclines and/or high-dose systemic methotrexate for this population are discussed, along with requirements to administer such regimens safely. Finally, research priorities for BL in SSA are outlined including novel therapies, to reduce the unacceptable gap in outcomes for patients in SSA vs high-income countries (HICs). Sustained commitment to incremental advances and innovation, as in cooperative pediatric oncology groups in HICs, is required to transform care and outcomes for BL in SSA through international collaboration.

Risk factors for Burkitt lymphoma: a nested case-control study in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) occurs as three subtypes: endemic BL, immunosuppression-related BL and sporadic BL. Descriptive studies of BL age-specific incidence patterns have suggested multimodal peaks near 10, 40 and 70 years of age, but the risk factors for BL at different ages are unknown. We investigated risk factors for BL in the United Kingdom among 156 BL cases and 608 matched BL-free controls identified in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) between 1992 and 2016. Associations with pre-diagnostic body mass index, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), malaria, allergic and autoimmune conditions, and prednisone use were evaluated. Overall, we identified inverse associations between smoking and BL risk, and positive associations between prior EBV infection, HIV/AIDS and prescription or use of prednisone with BL risk. In age-group stratified analyses, BL was associated with malaria exposure (vs. no exposure, odds ratio [OR] 8·00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·46-43·7) among those aged 20-59 years old and with hepatitis infection (vs. no infection, OR 3·41, 95% CI 1·01-11·5) among those aged 60+ years old. The effects of EBV, malaria, HIV/AIDS, prednisone and hepatitis on BL remained significant in mutually-adjusted age-group-specific analyses. No risk factors were associated with childhood BL. We report novel associations for BL in non-endemic settings.

Cancer risk in HIV-infected people in the USA from 1996 to 2012: a population-based, registry-linkage study

BACKGROUND

Monitoring cancer risk among HIV-infected people in the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era is essential given their elevated risk for many cancers and prolonged survival with immunosuppression, ART exposure, and ageing. We aimed to examine cancer risk in HIV-infected people in the USA as compared with that in the general population.

METHODS

We did a registry-linkage study with data from population-based HIV and cancer registries in the USA (the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study). We assessed a cohort of HIV-infected people identified in HIV registries in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas from 1996 to 2012. Follow-up started 3 months after either the latest of the beginning of systematic name-based state HIV registration, HIV report date (or AIDS diagnosis, if this was earlier), start of cancer registration, or Jan 1, 1996, and ended at the earliest of either death, end of cancer-registry coverage, or Dec 31, 2012. We identified diagnoses of cancer in this population through linkage with corresponding cancer registries and calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) to measure cancer risk in people with HIV compared with the USA general population, by dividing the observed number of cases in people with HIV by the expected number (estimated by applying general population cancer-incidence rates to person-time in the HIV population based on sex, age, race or ethnic group, calendar year, and registry). We tested SIR differences by AIDS status and over time using Poisson regression.

FINDINGS

Among 448 258 people with HIV (who contributed 3 093 033 person-years), 21 294 incident cancers were diagnosed during 1996-2012. In these people, compared with the general population, risk was elevated (p<0·0001 for all) for cancer overall (SIR 1·69, 95% CI 1·67-1·72), AIDS-defining cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma [498·11, 477·82-519·03], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [11·51, 11·14-11·89], and cervix [3·24, 2·94-3·56]), most other virus-related cancers (eg, anus [19·06, 18·13-20·03], liver [3·21, 3·02-3·41], and Hodgkin's lymphoma [7·70, 7·20-8·23]), and some virus-unrelated cancers (eg, lung [1·97, 1·89-2·05]), but not for other common cancers. Risk for several cancers was higher after AIDS onset and declined across calendar periods. After multivariable adjustment, SIRs decreased significantly across 1996-2012 for Kaposi's sarcoma, two subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cancer of the anus, liver, and lung, but remained elevated. SIRs did not increase over time for any cancer.

INTERPRETATION

For several virus-related cancers and lung cancer, declining risks over time in HIV-infected people probably reflect the expansion of ART since 1996. Additional efforts aimed at cancer prevention and screening in people with HIV are warranted.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphomas

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), originally discovered through its association with Burkitt lymphoma, is now aetiologically linked to a remarkably wide range of lymphoproliferative lesions and malignant lymphomas of B-, T- and NK-cell origin. Some occur as rare accidents of virus persistence in the B lymphoid system, while others arise as a result of viral entry into unnatural target cells. The early finding that EBV is a potent B-cell growth transforming agent hinted at a simple oncogenic mechanism by which this virus could promote lymphomagenesis. In reality, the pathogenesis of EBV-associated lymphomas involves a complex interplay between different patterns of viral gene expression and cellular genetic changes. Here we review recent developments in our understanding of EBV-associated lymphomagenesis in both the immunocompetent and immunocompromised host.This article is part of the themed issue 'Human oncogenic viruses'.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) related lymphomas, pathology view point

The contribution of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) to the development of specific types of malignant lymphomas occurring in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) setting has been extensively studied since the beginning of the HIV epidemic 35 years ago. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) in 1996 has changed dramatically the incidence of HIV-related malignancies. Nevertheless, malignant lymphomas continue to be the major group of malignances observed in HIV infected individuals, and the most common cause of cancer related-deaths. Common features of the predominant B-cell lymphomas in the HIV⁺ setting are the frequent plasmacytoid morphology of the neoplastic cells, advanced stage, aggressive disease and frequent extranodal involvement. In this article, we review the evolving concepts and definitions of the various EBV-associated lymphomas in HIV⁺ patients, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma and primary effusion lymphoma. The current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of these malignancies, the interplay between HIV and EBV co-infection in the development of certain HIV related lymphomas, and the emerging paradigm that suggests that HIV may play a direct role in lymphomagenesis are explored as well.

Survival predictors of Burkitt's lymphoma in children, adults and elderly in the United States during 2000-2013

Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) has three peaks of occurrence, in children, adults and elderly, at 10, 40 and 70 years respectively. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted to assess predictors of survival in the three age groups. We hypothesized that survival predictors may differ by age group. We, therefore, sought to determine survival predictors for BL in these three groups: children (<15 years of age), adults (40-70 years of age) and elderly (>70 years of age). Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database covering the years 2000-2013, we identified 797 children, 1,994 adults and 757 elderly patients newly diagnosed with BL. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models to determine prognostic factors for survival for each age group. Five-year relative survival in BL for children, adults and elderly were 90.4, 47.8 and 28.9%, respectively. Having at least Stage II disease and multiple primaries were associated with higher mortality in the elderly group. In adults, multiple primaries, Stage III or IV disease, African American race and bone marrow primary were associated with increased mortality whereas Stage IV disease and multiple primaries were associated with worse outcome in children. These findings demonstrate commonalities and differences in predictors of survival that may have implications for management of BL patients.

Burkitt lymphoma in adolescents and young adults: management challenges

About one-half of all Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patients are younger than 40 years, and one-third belong to the adolescent and young adult (AYA) subset, defined by an age between 15 and 25-40 years, based on selection criteria used in different reports. BL is an aggressive B-cell neoplasm displaying highly characteristic clinico-diagnostic features, the biologic hallmark of which is a translocation involving immunoglobulin and c-MYC genes. It presents as sporadic, endemic, or epidemic disease. Endemicity is pathogenetically linked to an imbalance of the immune system which occurs in African children infected by malaria parasites and Epstein-Barr virus, while the epidemic form strictly follows the pattern of infection by HIV. BL shows propensity to extranodal involvement of abdominal organs, bone marrow, and central nervous system, and can cause severe metabolic and renal impairment. Nevertheless, BL is highly responsive to specifically designed short-intensive, rotational multiagent chemotherapy programs, empowered by the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. When carefully applied with appropriate supportive measures, these modern programs achieve a cure rate of approximately 90% in the average AYA patient, irrespective of clinical stage, which is the best result achievable in any aggressive lymphoid malignancy to date. The challenges ahead concern the following: optimization of management in underdeveloped countries, with reduction of diagnostic and referral-for-care intervals, and the applicability of currently curative regimens; the development of lower intensity but equally effective treatments for frail or immunocompromised patients at risk of death by complications; the identification of very high-risk patients through positron-emission tomography and minimal residual disease assays; and the assessment in these and the few refractory/relapsed ones of new monoclonals (ofatumumab, blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin) and new molecules targeting c-MYC and key proliferative steps of B-cell malignancies.

First Report of AIDS-Related Burkitt's Lymphoma Presenting as Bilateral Orbital Masses

Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and one of the fastest growing tumors in humans. It is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome- (AIDS-) defining disease and occurs with relatively preserved CD4 cell counts. It rarely affects the orbital region in the setting of AIDS. We report unusual presentation of a fatal case of AIDS-associated BL in a 42-year-old female patient with severe CD4 cell depletion who presented with dramatic fast growing (within days) bilateral orbital masses leading to striking facial deformities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral orbital involvement in AIDS-associated BL.

[Plasmablastic lymphoma]

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that commonly occurs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, and affects oral sites. Occasionally, it has been described in HIV-negative patients and involving non-oral sites. Pathologically, PBL is a high-grade B-cell lymphoma that displays the immunophenotype of a terminally differentiated B-lymphocyte with loss of B-cell markers (CD20) and expression of plasma-cell antigens. Epstein-Barr virus infection and MYC rearrangements are frequently observed. Treatment of PBL is challenging because of the lack of established treatment and poor outcomes, with median survival times shorter than one year. In this review, we discuss the clinical and epidemiologic spectrum of PBL as well as its distinct pathological features. Finally, we summarize the currently available approaches for the treatment of patients with PBL.