Pancreatic follicular lymphoma: a report of two cases and literature review

Clin J Gastroenterol. 2021 Dec;14(6):1756-1765. doi: 10.1007/s12328-021-01507-2. Epub 2021 Aug 27.

Abstract

Primary pancreatic lymphomas are extremely rare, accounting for 0.1-0.5% of malignant lymphomas and about 0.2% of primary pancreatic tumors. They occur most commonly in the pancreatic head of elderly males, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common subtype. Primary pancreatic follicular lymphoma is the most commonly reported primary pancreatic indolent lymphoma, accounting for 9-14% of primary pancreatic lymphomas. We report two cases of primary pancreatic follicular lymphoma treated with obinutuzumab, a second-generation humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and bendamustine. One was diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, while the other required laparoscopic lymph node sampling to reach a diagnosis. Both achieved complete response with induction therapy and opted for maintenance therapy with obinutuzumab. We also conducted a literature review of primary pancreatic follicular lymphoma cases reported over the last 30 years.

Keywords: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration; Malignant lymphoma; Monoclonal antibody; Pancreas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Follicular* / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Follicular* / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin*
  • Male
  • Pancreas
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy