Epstein-Barr virus RNA percentage and its impact on prognosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Aims: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Epstein-Barr virus RNA (EBER) positivity on the prognosis of patients diagnosed with DLBCL. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 105 patients diagnosed with DLBCL at Sivas Cumhuriyet University Hospital between June 1, 2009, and May 31, 2022. Results: Of the 105 patients, 55.2% were male, and the mean age was 56.89 years. EBER positivity was detected in 4.8% of the patients. While 71% of EBER-negative patients achieved a complete response, overall survival and progression-free survival were shorter in EBER-positive patients. However, no significant relationship was observed between EBER positivity and prognostic indices (IPI, R-IPI, NCCN-IPI). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that EBER positivity could act as a prognostic indicator, given its association with unfavorable survival rates and diminished response to treatment in individuals with DLBCL.