Frequent association of malignant effusions in plasmablastic lymphoma:a single‑institutional experience of nine cases in Taiwan
10.1007/s44313-025-00070-w
- Author:
Bo‑Jung CHEN
1
;
Yu‑Ting KUO
;
Sheng‑Tsung CHANG
;
Khin‑Than WIN
;
Shang‑Wen CHEN
;
Sheng‑Yen HSIAO
;
Yin‑Hsun FENG
;
Yen‑Chuan HSIEH
;
Shih‑Sung CHUANG
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Publication Type:RESEARCH
- From:Blood Research
2025;60():22-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare.
Methods:This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024.
Results:We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse.
Conclusion:In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.
