Warburg effect secondary to diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report

Abstract Background: The increase in glucose consumption during aerobic glycolysis of cancer cells, known as the Warburg effect, is associated with dismal prognosis. Warburg effect secondary to diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rare and there is no specific treatment regimen. Case presentation: We here described a case of patient who presented with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and developed hyperlactacemia inducing by Warburg effect, then he was successfully treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and diagnostic chemotherapy. Eventually, he was diagnosed as DLBCL. Conclusion: Existing evidence shows that Warburg effect can be secondary to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, CRRT combined with diagnostic chemotherapy was effective in this case. Additive attention should be paid to this phenomenon and effective strategy remains to be explored.