Medicinus : Jurnal Kedokteran
Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026): June

Late Relapse of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Minor Thalassemia: A Diagnostic Challenge

Stephanie Marisca (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia
Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Tangerang, Indonesia)

Jennifer Jesse Limanto (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, Tangerang, Indonesia
Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Tangerang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Jun 2026

Abstract

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) commonly responds to chemoimmunotherapy, and relapse risk usually decreases after prolonged remission. Thalassemia has been associated with increased risk of hematologic malignancy, although its relationship with late DLBCL relapse remains unclear.   Case Description: A 68-year-old woman with minor thalassemia and a history of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma in complete remission for 15 years presented with fever and fatigue. Laboratory findings showed pancytopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. FDG-PET/CT demonstrated increased uptake in the spleen and bone marrow. Bone marrow biopsy showed large B-lymphoid cells positive for CD20 and MUM1, establishing relapsed DLBCL with extranodal involvement. Complete remission was achieved after two cycles of R-COP chemotherapy, but the patient later died from severe infection, metabolic complications, and cardiomyopathy during the fourth cycle.   Conclusions: Late relapse of DLBCL in patients with thalassemia is diagnostically challenging because cytopenia and systemic symptoms may overlap with hematologic complications. Long-term surveillance and prompt evaluation of new pancytopenia, splenomegaly, or systemic symptoms are essential in lymphoma survivors with thalassemia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Medicinus : Jurnal Kedokteran

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Medicinus: Jurnal Kedokteran is an official journal of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan launched in the year 2007. Medicinus is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal that covers basic, translational, or clinical aspects of health and medical science. Medicinus accepts original ...