Does gastric adenocarcinoma develop after the treatment of gastric lymphoma?

Two adult patients with the diagnosis of gastric lymphoma who developed adenocarcinoma of the stomach 8 years after the treatment are presented. Both patients were treated by subtotal gastrectomy followed by irradiation of 4,000-4,500 cGy to the epigastric region and six courses of chemotherapy (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone). In our review of the literature, 16 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma following the treatment of gastric lymphoma were found and listed with details. The factors influencing the development of this secondary carcinoma, mainly those treatment related are discussed. The possible role of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in shortening the latent period for the development of stump carcinoma is emphasized.