Gastric irradiation for low-grade MALT lymphoma of the stomach: report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report the case history of two patients treated with primary gastric irradiation for localized low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach that failed to respond to anti-Helicobacter pylori antibiotics. One patient refused gastrectomy and the other was considered unfit for surgery. Both patients obtained a biopsy-confirmed complete response and are well and disease free after a median follow-up time of 28 months. A review of the literature on the treatment options for this condition has been undertaken. Gastric irradiation is an effective and safe alternative to gastrectomy in the treatment of low-grade MALT lymphoma of the stomach with the added advantage of organ preservation.