OBJECTIVE: A number of recent studies have expanded our understanding of
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and of the pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma. The
purpose of this paper is to perform a retrospective analysis of the clinical
characteristics of gastric MALT lymphoma and its relationship with H. pylori
infection in authors' experience.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report nineteen patients observed during 10 years,
presenting with gastric MALTomas at any stage. The staging classification and the
presence of H. pylori infection have been assessed, and the chosen therapy also.
RESULTS: The most part of our patients underwent surgery, still now resulting the
most effective therapy. None of the patients had eradicating therapy due to their
poor compliance and because the most part of cases were observed before the time
of clinical validation of such treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: In our series, surgery was effective for treatment of gastric MALT
lymphomas. Surgery and chemotherapy remain, in accord with literature data, the
best treatment for gastric MALTomas. Hence, because Hp may play a role in the
development of such pathology in certain patients, antibiotic treatment for Hp
eradication should not be discouraged in these patients, especially in them with
low grade gastric MALT lymphomas. In fact, the failure of this therapy will not modify either survival or later recourse to surgical and/or radio- and
chemotherapy
