Treatment of refractory MALT lymphoma by lenalidomide plus bendamustine: A case report

RATIONALE: Marginal zone B cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) has an indolent natural course and disseminates slowly. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy for relapsed/refractory MALT lymphomas. Lenalidomide-bendamustine may be an effective regimen for such cases. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 48-year-old Chinese male patient with MALT lymphoma and API2/MALT received 2 courses of standard-dose rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone regimen chemotherapy combined with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. However, this disease was not effectively managed. DIAGNOSIS: MALT lymphoma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient received lenalidomide-bendamustine (lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1–21 and bendamustine 90 mg/m(2) on days 1–2) for 6 courses. OUTCOMES: Lenalidomide-bendamustine was a safe and effective chemotherapy. No serious adverse events occurred during the treatment period. Ultrasound gastroscopy revealed that the tumor gradually shrank and eventually disappeared to complete remission. LESSONS: The lenalidomide-bendamustine scheme might be a potentially effective option for patients with refractory or relapsed MALT lymphoma.