Burkitt's Tumor

Burkitt's tumor is a malignant neoplasm of predominantly undifferentiated lymphoreticular cells. Malignant lymphoma of this cell type usually occurs in children, has a characteristic anatomic distribution, and cytologically can be differentiated from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and poorly differentiated lymphoma of the histiocytic or lymphocytic type. Patients with Burkitt's tumor in Africa and the United States were studied on a common protocol. The patients in Africa often had localized jaw tumors while American patients had generalized disease with bone marrow and abdominal involvement. The response to cyclophosphamide was dramatic and persistent in both groups of patients. Immunologic deficiencies of antibody production and immune globulin levels were seen in both groups. Serologic studies indicated high titers of anti-herpes-like virus antibody in African Burkitt's tumor and in infectious mononucleosis patients. Titers in American patients with Burkitt's tumor were only moderately elevated.