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Case report documents HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma regression with cART

Case report documents HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma regression with cART
Photo by Marcel Strauß / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Consider early cART initiation in HIV-positive lymphoma patients, recognizing spontaneous regression is exceedingly rare.

This publication is classified as a case report and literature review focusing on HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The scope centers on a single 66-year-old male patient presenting with stage IV, non-germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the liver. No clinical setting was reported for this specific clinical observation.

The primary outcome involved complete radiographic resolution of multifocal hepatic lesions achieved without cytotoxic therapy following cART initiation. Secondary outcomes included sustained remission, effective viral suppression, and CD4+ T-cell recovery. CD4 counts rose from 200 to 571 cells/μL during follow-up over 36 months. Authors noted a temporal correlation between effective viral suppression and CD4+ T-cell recovery with tumor regression.

The authors highlight significant limitations regarding generalizability and evidence strength. Spontaneous regression in advanced-stage disease is exceptionally rare. The certainty note indicates spontaneous regression of stage IV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is exceedingly rare among individuals with HIV infection. Adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported.

Practice relevance suggests initiating cART as early as possible in HIV-positive lymphoma patients to restore immune function. This approach may positively influence lymphoma management. Clinicians are advised not to infer causation from temporal correlation or generalize findings beyond the single case. Safety data regarding tolerability was not reported in the source.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BackgroundHIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive malignancy with poor outcomes despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Spontaneous regression in advanced-stage disease is exceptionally rare.Case descriptionA 66-year-old male with stage IV, non-germinal center DLBCL involving the liver achieved complete radiographic resolution of multifocal hepatic lesions without cytotoxic therapy following cART initiation. Remission has been sustained for over 36 months. Effective viral suppression and CD4+ T-cell recovery (from 200 to 571 cells/μL) were temporally correlated with tumor regression.ConclusionSpontaneous regression of stage IV diffuse large B−cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is exceedingly rare among individuals with HIV infection. This case underscores the critical role of immune reconstitution via cART in treating HIV−associated lymphoma. Therefore, it is recommended to initiate cART as early as possible in HIV−positive lymphoma patients to restore immune function, which can positively influence lymphoma management.
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