NK/T-cell Lymphoma

NK/T-cell lymphoma usually known as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type is a rare type of lymphoma with a poor prognosis. The disease is more common in Asian and Latin American countries and is strongly associated with the Epstein Barr virus, predominantly affecting the nose and face. The immunophenotype of lymphoma cells reflects NK cells mostly but can reflect T-cells as well. Disease is able to spread outside the original site where it quickly progresses and leads to rapid deterioration.

Limited disease involves 3-4 courses of chemotherapy usually including anthracycline and irradiation which has an overall 5 year survival rate of less than 50%. Advanced disease generally has a poorer outcome even with chemotherapy.