Practical management of castleman's disease

Abstract

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that is most commonly present in multicentric (MCD) form in association with HIV infection. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) play major roles in MCD pathogenesis. Important treatment options have recently become available, particularly with the introduction of IL-6 and IL-6 receptor inhibitors for the treatment of HIV-negative patients with MCD. Though advances in therapy may improve outcomes in some patients, the prognosis remains guarded, and a stratified approach to the management of MCD is needed.