Abstract

MULTICENTRIC CASTLEMAN’S DISEASE: A PEER REVIEW

Chandrasekhar.CH, Achutha Lakshmi.P*, G.Sumalatha, V.Vasu,
S. Lakshmi Anusha, G.Uma Maheswari

Abstract

Benjamin Castleman first described multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) in a series of cases in 1954. Interest in MCD has grown in recent years following an association with human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection. Castleman’s disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder in there has been recent p rogress in elucidating underlying mechanisms with potential therapeutic implications. Unicentric Castleman’s disease is an indolent condition that is often treated with local approaches. In contrast, patients with multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD) have a less favorable prognosis and require systemic treatment. Cytotoxic chemotherapy, with its atten- dant risk for toxicity,has been widely used to treat MCD, with variable efficacy. The discovery of putative etiologic factors and targets in MCD, particularly human herpesvirus 8, CD20, and interleukin (IL)-6, has been translated into the use of rituximab and anti–IL-6- based therapy,,as well as antiviral agents.

Keywords: Castleman, multicentric Castleman’s disease, (HIV)infection.