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.