Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting in nasal cavity: a case report and review of literature

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with distinct morphologic and immunohistochemical features. We reported a 57-year-old female with ALK-positive DLBCL in her left nasal cavity. Histologically, the tumor cells were characterized by plasmablastic morphology and tested positive for ALK in a cytoplasmic granular staining pattern. The neoplastic cells were positive for CD38, CD4, MUM1, CD138 and Vimentin. However, they failed to express CD56, CD30, as well as mature B cells markers, such as CD79a, CD20 and T cells markers such as CD2, CD3, CD5, CD7 and CD8. The patient achieved complete response after four cycles of CHOEP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and etoposide) treatment. Then she received radiotherapy of the originally involved area. This case represented a rare ALK-positive DLBCL in the nasal region.     

Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement

Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement (LBCL-IRF4) is a new provisional entity in the WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic Neoplasms (revised 4th edition, 2017). It shows diffuse or follicular infiltrates of medium to large neoplastic B cells with an aberrant germinal centre phenotype with IRF4 positivity on immunohistochemistry and IRF4 gene rearrangements found on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Here, we report a case of LBCL-IRF4 in a 30 year old female with asymmetrical tonsils. Microscopy showed partial infiltration by a diffuse, vaguely nodular proliferation of medium-to-large, highly proliferative B-cells and a background of follicular hyperplasia. The lesional cells were positive on immunohistochemistry for CD79, CD20, BCL2, BCL6 and IRF4, weak patchy positive for CD10 and had a high proliferative index. An IRF4 rearrangement was found on analysis by FISH. We have also included the pathological features of LBCL-IRF4 cases diagnosed in the Leeds Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Service from 2017 to 2021.     

Comparative clinicopathological study of primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

Primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (CNS DLBCL) is confined to the CNS, and constitutes a distinct entity. In the present study a series of 40 Japanese patients with CNS DLBCL who presented with neurological, but not systemic symptoms, was reviewed. Median survival was 18.7 months. CD5, CD10, Bcl-6, MUM-1, and Bcl-2 were positive in 30%, 10%, 84%, 100%, and 93% of patients, respectively. All CD10-negative patients had non-germinal center B-cell type. There was no significant difference in survival among the immunophenotypic subgroups. CNS DLBCL appeared to be homogenous as a group, which prompted the comparison with another distinct extranodal entity, intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) in Japanese patients. CNS DLBCL patients did not differ in age, sex, or immunophenotype, including CD5 positivity, from IVLBCL patients, but were significantly less likely to have poor prognostic parameters than IVLBCL patients: the international prognostic index score was low or low–intermediate in 86% of CNS DLBCL patients and high or high–intermediate in 98% of IVLBCL patients. Notably, despite this difference, their survival curves almost overlapped. The present study highlights the issue of clinical distinctiveness of aggressive extranodal lymphomas, the peculiar migration and localization of which should be further clarified.     

One patient with double lymphomas: simultaneous gastric MALT lymphoma and ileal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Multiple different lymphomas in a single person are very rare. The author herein reports the case of a 69- year-old Japanese woman with double gastrointestinal lymphoma. The patient presented with epigastralgia. Endoscopic examination revealed erosions and elevation of the gastric body and a large ulcerated tumor of the terminal ileum. Biopsies were obtained from these lesions. The gastric lesion was MALT lymphoma with monocytoid B-cell proliferation and lymphoepithelial lesions. Light chain restriction was present. Helicobacter pylori were present on Giemsa stain. The gastric lesions did not regress despite of therapy, which were confirmed by follow-up biopsy. The ileal lesion was obvious diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The lesion regressed by chemotherapy. The patient is now alive 3 years after the first presentation.     

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤中CD27的表达及临床意义

目的探讨弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B cell lymphoma, DLBCL)中CD27的表达及其临床意义。方法采用免疫组化EnVision法检测143例DLBCL组织中CD27蛋白的表达;应用FISH技术检测DLBCL组织中MYC、BCL-2、BCL-6基因重排情况。结果 143例DLBCL中,CD27蛋白阳性者46例,阳性率为32.2%。CD27阳性组中BCL-2重排阳性率(17.4%)明显高于CD27阴性组(4.1%),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。CD27阳性组病死率(30.4%)明显高于CD27阴性组(15.5%),差异有统计学意义(χ²=4.326,P=0.038)。CD27阳性者与阴性者的Kaplan-Meier生存曲线差异有显著性(χ²=4.485,P=0.034),阳性组生存期较短。结论 CD27高表达与DLBCL预后密切相关,可作为临床预后评价的指标之一。     

Development of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma after treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a case report and review of literature

Cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) arising after the initial diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and DLBCL synchronous with AITL have been reported. To date, there is no report on the subsequent development of AITL in patients with DLBCL. Here we presented a rare case of AITL developing six months after the initial diagnosis of DLBCL. In order to investigate the clinical and molecular features of patients with AITL and DLBCL, we also reviewed the literature on AITL patients developing DLBCL, and patients with composite AITL and DLBCL.     

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤中Prdx6的表达及其预后意义

目的 探讨过氧化物酶6(peroxiredoxin-6,Prdx6)在弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,DLBCL)中的表达及其预后意义.方法 回顾性分析286例DLBCL中Prdx6的表达及与临床病理特征和预后之间的关系.结果 Prdx6在DLBCL中的表达高于正常淋巴结...     

ALK阳性的弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤

目的 探讨间变性淋巴瘤激酶(ALK)阳性的弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤的组织病理形态和免疫组化表达的意义。方法 参照WHO2001年恶性淋巴瘤分类,对222例弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤进行形态学观察和免疫组化Polymer两步法标记。结果 6例弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤免疫组化ALK阳性表达,阳性反应物质定位于细胞质内,成粗大的颗粒状,1例合并CD30阳性表达,全部表达B系列抗原CD20、CD79α和CD138,4例不表达CD45。组织病理形态：3例为浆母细胞性,2例为免疫母细胞性伴浆细胞样分化,1例为间变性。结论 ALK阳性的弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤是组织形态和免疫表型独特的变异类型,与CLTC—ALK基因易位和NPM—ALK融合基因易位有关,其分子遗传学的异质性不同于以往的认识。     

肾上腺弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤6例临床病理分析

目的探讨肾上腺弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,DLBCL)的临床病理学特征、免疫表型、鉴别诊断及治疗。方法回顾性分析6例肾上腺DLBCL的临床病理学特征、影像学资料、免疫表型、治疗及预后,并复习相关文献。结果 6例肾上腺DLBCL中男性3例,女性3例;2例为双侧肾上腺占位,3例为右侧,1例为左侧;其中仅1例确诊为原发,1例可疑原发,其他4例为继发;2例伴脾肿大,1例伴外周血皮质醇升高。免疫表型:6例肾上腺DLBCL表达CD20、CD79a或PAX5,T细胞标记CD3和CD43均阴性,Ki-67增殖指数50%~80%;4例表达MUM1,不表达CD10和BCL-6。随访:3例死亡,分别生存9个月、12个月和24个月。2例存活。1例失访。结论肾上腺淋巴瘤少见,其中以继发性多见,原发性罕见。病理类型以DLBCL最常见。治疗以联合化疗为主,预后差。     

原发心脏弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤5例临床病理分析

目的 探讨原发心脏弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,DLBCL)的临床病理特点、诊断、治疗及预后.方法 回顾性分析5例原发心脏DLBCL的临床病理资料,分别行HE染色、免疫组化EnVision两步法染色,应用原位杂交以及荧光原位杂交(fluorescence in situ...     

Therapeutic comparison of chemotherapy and surgery for early stage diffuse large B-cell gastric lymphoma

PURPOSE: The use of surgery versus stomach-preserving treatment for primary gastric lymphoma has caused controversy among doctors. This retrospective, single center study aims to evaluate the efficacy and benefit of stomach-preserving treatment against surgery for early stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1991 to January 2006, 43 cases of early-stage diffuse large B-cell gastric lymphoma were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven cases were treated with chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus radiation (CT +/- RT), 17 were treated with surgery alone (OP), and 15 were treated with surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (OP + CT). The complete remission and response rates were 63.6% and 90.9% in those treated with CT +/- RT (7 complete responders, 3 partial responders, 1 non-responder), 100% and 100% in those treated with OP, and 100% and 100% in those treated with OP + CT, respectively. Five-year overall survival rates were 85.7%, 87.5%, and 100% in those treated by CT +/- RT, OP, and OP + CT, respectively (p=0.76). The five-year disease free survival rates were 100%, 87.5% and 100% in those treated by CT +/- RT, OP, and OP + CT, respectively (p=0.99). There was no significant difference in overall survival and disease free survival between modalities. Even though there are no definite differences in the number of complications between those treated by CT +/- RT or OP, these facts reflect little concern on complications after surgery. CONCLUSION: In preventing morbidity arising from early or late complications from surgery and promoting quality of life, chemotherapy should be a primary consideration for early stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the stomach.     

Germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the duodenum is associated with t(14;18) translocation

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) rarely involves the duodenum, and its clinicopathological characteristics have not been well elucidated. We performed clinicopathological examinations and identified 15 patients with duodenal DLBCL using 18 gastric or colonic DLBCL as a control. Eleven of the 15 patients (73%) were subclassified by immunohistochemical analysis according to the Choi algorithm as germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) type, whereas the 18 control gastric and colonic DLBCL were predominantly subclassified as activated B-cell-like (ABC) type. The classifications according to organ involvement were statistically significant (P= 0.011 and P= 0.035). Macroscopically, the GCB lesions were varied, while all ABC lesions were ulcerative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed a higher frequency of t(14;18) translocation in patients with duodenal DLBCL (3 of 13) as compared with non-duodenal gastrointestinal tract DLBCL (0 of 18), however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.064). Furthermore, the three patients with t(14;18) translocations were classified as GCB. In addition, overall survival of patients was statistically different between those with and without t(14;18) translocation (P= 0.040). In conclusion, duodenal DLBCL predominantly exhibits GCB-type tumors and the frequency of t(14;18) translocation appears to be higher in duodenal GCB-type DLBCL compared to non-duodenal tumors.     

Identification of chromosomal copy number changes associated with transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The histological transformation from a follicular lymphoma (FL) to a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL) occurs in 22% to 30% of all cases of FL. The aim of this study was to identify specific chromosomal gains/losses associated with transformation of FL to DLBL, in addition to the well-known mechanisms like p53 mutation and protein expression and c-myc translocation and up-regulation. This is the first study to meet 2 important conditions for such a comparison. First, we demonstrate that the FL and the DLBL were clonally related, based on identical immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in 5 of the 6 cases. Second, we used laser microdissection microscopy to isolate only the neoplastic cells from the initial FL samples. The results indicate that no single chromosomal abnormality seems to be responsible for the transformation of FL to DLBL. P53 protein overexpression was found in 4 and c-myc translocation in 3 of the 6 transformed DLBLs, but not in the initial FL samples. Additional chromosomal abnormalities were detected by comparative genomic hybridization in all 6 cases when the DLBL was compared with the FL. In the 5 cases with transformation of grade 1 or 2 FL to DLBL, gains at chromosomes 7 (5 of 5 cases), 10p1 (3 of 5 cases), 12 (3 of 5 cases), and 20p13 (2 of 5 cases) and loss at 9q (4 of 5 cases) were the most frequently found abnormalities. A gain on chromosome 7p, in combination with a loss on 9q, was found in 4 of the 5 DLBL that transformed from FL grade 1 or 2.     

Composite primary breast diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: report of a case and review of literature

We reported a rare case of composite diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-LBL) in a 46-year-old woman with progressive enlargement of the breast lump. The patient initially sought care at a local hospital with a single left breast lump without any other physical examination findings. Histopathological analysis of which revealed a diffuse infiltration of tumor cells that were rich in cytoplasm with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Further analysis of immunohistochemistry showed a cluster of neoplastic cells which express B-cell markers: CD19, CD20 (weak), CD79a, PAX5 and BCL-2, but negative for T-cell markers such as CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7. PET-CT showed evidence of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, which may indicate lymphoma infiltration. Then a biopsy of bone marrow showed typical features of T-LBL. The aberrant terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT) and cCD3 positive T-cell population that lack surface CD10 and CD19 were identified by flow cytometric immunophenotyping. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the T-cell receptor gamma gene and IgH gene revealed a clonal rearrangement and confirming T-cell clonality. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) revealed a deletion of the P53 gene in these T-neoplastic cells may indicate a bad outcome of such disease. Neither the large B-cells nor T-cells were positive for Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA.     

Sequential development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a patient with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

Lymphoma of different histologic type can occur in the same patient. Here, we describe a 64-year-old male patient with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) who subsequently developed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). At the time of initial diagnosis, histologic examination of a left inguinal lymph node of the patient and a monoclonal pattern of TCRβ gene rearrangement showed typical features of AITL, and there was no evidence of a monoclonal B-cell population. Twenty-six months later, he had generalized lymphadenopathy and organs involvement by DLBCL. A monoclonal IgH gene rearrangement proved de novo development of secondary B-cell lymphoma and excluded relapse of a primary composite lymphoma. The in situ hybridization analysis showed Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA (EBER) sporadic positivity in sample collected from AITL but extensive positivity in the immunoblasts collected from DLBCL. Our observation supports the hypothesis that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically related to AITL in this case. Clonal expansion of EBV-associated DLBCL is a secondary event in AITL via EBV infection or reactivation.     

Clinicopathologic significance of immunophenotypic profiles related to germinal center and activation B-cell differentiation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from Chinese patients

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be subdivided into prognostically significant groups with germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and type 3 groups. In this study, tissue microarray slides composed of 163 de novo DLBCLs from Chinese patients were immunostained for CD20, CD10, Bcl-6, MUM1, CD138, Bcl-2, Ki-67, cyclin D3, geminin, and P27(Kip1). One hundred forty-nine of 163 DLBCLs could then be classified into GCB group (pattern A), activated GCB group (pattern B) and activated non-GCB group (pattern C) according to the expression of CD10, Bcl-6, MUM1, and CD138. Of the 149 cases, 40 (26%) showed pattern A expression and were grouped as GCB group, lower than reported frequency of the studies involving mostly Western population. Compared with cases with pattern A, those with pattern B (activated GCB group) and C (activated non-GCB group) more often presented with more aggressive tumors and a shorter survival time. These results indicate that most of DLBCLs from Chinese patients can be classified into prognostically different groups based on the antigenic expression models using a panel of GCB- and ABC-associated markers. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of t(14;18) showed that 11 of 64 cases were t(14;18)-positive, and most (10 of 11) of it occurred in the group with pattern A. The translocation was significantly associated with expression of Bcl-2 protein. The group with pattern B demonstrated more frequent expression of Ki-67, cyclin D3, geminin, and showed higher proliferative activity than the group with pattern A. These findings suggest that high proliferative activity of tumors with pattern B may be associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical outcome in patients with DLBCL.     

Diagnostic utility and prognostic significance of the Ki-67 labeling index in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma transformed from follicular lymphoma: a study of 76 patients

The diagnosis of histological transformation of follicular lymphoma can be challenging and ambiguous. We investigated the distribution of the Ki-67 labeling index of histological transformation of follicular lymphoma and determined its cutoff value to predict poor outcomes. The diagnostic criteria for histological transformation were a diffuse pattern of proliferation and a proportion of large lymphoma cells ≥20%. Of the 1121 patients with follicular lymphoma, 171 (15%) showed histological transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Of these, 76 patients, whose biopsies were obtained from the sites with the highest maximum standardized uptake values, according to the positron emission tomography findings, were included. The Ki-67 index ranged from 16.8% to 98.4% (median, 60.6%). In patients with histological transformation, the most significant differences were found in progression-free survival (p = 0.087, 58% vs. 87% at 2 years) and overall survival (p = 0.024, 53% vs. 85% at 5 years) when a 70% cutoff was used. Additionally, overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with histological transformation with maximum standardized uptake values of ≥20 (p < 0.0001) and absence of a follicular lymphoma component (p = 0.004). A Ki-67 index of ≥70% was a significant adverse factor for overall survival in patients with histological transformation of follicular lymphoma and may predict poor outcomes.     

Detection of germinal center B-cell lymphoma in archival specimens: critical evaluation of Bcl-6 protein expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the tonsil

Expression of Bcl-6 and CD10, markers for the tumor of the germinal center (GC) B-cell derivation, has been studied in primary diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) of the lymph node, gastrointestinal tract, and mediastinum. In these studies, the coexpression rate of CD10 and Bcl-6 was relatively constant at 30% approximately 40%, but the frequency of Bcl-6+ tumors varied from 55% to 100%, raising doubts about the usefulness of Bcl-6 expression in identifying the tumor of GC B-cell derivation. Because the expression of Bcl-6 in tumors of non-GC B-cell origin has recently been reported, we critically evaluated the expression of Bcl-6 and CD10 in primary DLBCLs of the tonsil, a relatively common tumor in Japan and Korea. The cases (n = 51) represented a consecutive series for any recent 2-year period at several teaching hospitals in Korea and Japan. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were used for immunostaining. Staining for Bcl-6 and CD10 was positive in 44 (86%) and 22 cases (45%), respectively. However, among those positive for Bcl-6 (>10% Bcl-6+ tumor cells), 2 basic patterns were recognized: uniform and nonuniform. The uniform pattern was characterized by a dense population (>75%) and a consistent density in any given area, resembling the staining pattern observed in GC or follicular lymphoma (FL) (the "GC/FL" pattern). In contrast, the nonuniform pattern exhibited a varying density from area to area, as well as a less-dense population (<75%). The uniform pattern was observed in 26 cases (51%). All but 1 (95%) of the CD10+ tumors coexpressed Bcl-6, with most (82%) displaying the uniform pattern. We conclude that tumors showing a uniform pattern of Bcl-6 expression should be distinguished from those showing a nonuniform pattern, because the former most likely represent tumors of GC B-cell derivation and the latter most likely represent tumors of non-GC derivation. GC B-cell lymphoma thus defined accounted for 51% of tonsillar DLBCL, a proportion comparable to that of the nodal DLBCL. CD10 expression correlated with the "GC/FL" pattern, but appeared to be not essential for the identification of GC B-cell lymphoma. This study suggests that a significant proportion of tonsillar DLBCLs in Asia is of GC B-cell origin rather than of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue origin. This finding may have significance for clinical management of these lymphomas.