Plasmablastic lymphoma of the breast in an immunocompetent patient: long-lasting complete response induced by chemotherapy and autologous stem cell trasplantation

Abstract

Background: Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare entity which is often causally related to infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Despite its predilection for oral cavity involvement, multiple cases of extra-oral involvement have been reported in the literature, more often among immunocompetent individuals.

Case report: Herein we present the first case of primary PBL of the breast in an otherwise immunocompetent 36-year-old woman who was successfully treated with consolidation megatherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.

Conclusion: PBL carries a particularly poor prognosis and more intensive treatment is usually warranted. However, no treatment guidelines exist and treatment choices are made based on case reports and small retrospective case series.

Keywords: HIV; Plasmablastic lymphoma; autologous transplant; breast.