Treatment options for ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL)

Review

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Author: Victoria Mary Lendrum Cohen

Published Date November 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 689 - 692

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S5828

Victoria Mary Lendrum Cohen

St. Bartholomew’s and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London UK

Abstract: Most lymphomas that involve the ocular adnexal structure are low grade, B cell, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. The treatment depends upon the grade and stage of the disease. High grade lymhoma requires treatment with systemic chemotherapy whereas the localized low grade (extranodal marginal zone lymphoma) can be successfully managed with local radiotherapy. Chlamydia psittaci infection is associated with low grade ocular lymphoma; however there is wide geographic variation in the strength of this association. Blanket antibiotic therapy is not advised unless there is proof of an infective agent. The monoclonal antibody, rituximab, may be successful for CD20 positive lymphoma, although it is likely that rituximab will have better long-term results when used in combination with systemic chemotherapy.

Keywords: ocular adnexal lymphoma, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, Chlamydia psittaci, rituximab, radiotherapy, chemotherapy