New treatment for orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 2 cases treated with rituximab

Introduction: Orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare tumor whose diagnosis is often difficult. Treatment of latent lymphoma have been changing because of progress in immunotherapy. Observation: We report two patients treated with rituximab (antibody anti-CD20). Two women, 50 and 59 years old, presented low-grade, IE-stage lymphoma. One was conjunctival MALToma, the other was orbitopalpebral, type A, of WFC classification, follicular, with small cells. Immunohistochemistry showed a diffused marking for Ac anti-CD20. Both patients received intravenous rituximab as a first treatment in December 2000, 375mg/m(2), four injections per week. We did not note any major undesirable effects. Both have been in complete remission for 4 years. These patients continue to be followed up. Discussion: Rituximab's efficacy has been proved mainly in follicular LMNH or in recurrent forms. The recurrence may be more frequent in MALT lymphoma. This medical treatment has low hematologic toxicity. Conclusion: Rituximab offers an alternative for low-grade lymphoma treatment that is well tolerated by the patient.