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Background
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by a diffuse proliferation of large lymphoid cells with vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. It represents a clinically and histologically diverse group of lymphomas, overlapping several diagnostic categories. This category also includes de novo DLBCLs and lymphomas that have transformed from low-grade B-cell lymphomas.
OUTLINE
EPIDEMIOLOGY CHARACTERIZATION INCIDENCE 30-40% of all newly diagnosed Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma More prevalent in Asia
DISEASE ASSOCIATIONS CHARACTERIZATION AIDS
- AIDS and non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas express different antigen profiles.
Madan R, Gormley R, Dulau A, Xu D, Walsh D, Ramesh KH, Cannizaro L, Tamas EF, Kumar P, Sparano J, Levalley A, Xue X, Bhattacharyya PK, Ioachim HL, Ratech H.
1Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
Mod Pathol. 2006 Mar;19(3):438-46. Abstract quote
Based on gene expression profiling, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas arising in immunocompetent patients can be divided into germinal center and activated B-cell types. Since little is known about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome associated diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, we tested whether the protein expression of germinal center and activated B-cell markers differed between acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) vs non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
We immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays of 39 de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas: 12 AIDS associated and 27 non-AIDS, with germinal center (BCL6, CD10, CyclinH) and activated B-cell markers (MUM1, CD138, PAK1, CD44, BCL2). We scored each case for percent positive cells (0-19%=0; 20-49%=1; 50-100%=2). The activated B-cell and germinal center summation scores of each case were used as (x, y) coordinate data points to construct two-dimensional contour-frequency plots. The contour plot of non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas showed two distinct clusters: a cluster with a high germinal center phenotype (cluster 1) and a cluster with a high activated B-cell phenotype (cluster 3). In contrast, the AIDS-related diffuse large B-cell lymphomas formed a single aggregate (cluster 2) (P=0.02, Fisher exact test). When the contour plots of the AIDS-related and the non-AIDS cases were superimposed, cluster 2 of the AIDS cases expressed an intermediate germinal center/activated B-cell phenotype compared to clusters 1 and 3 of the non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
Our results confirm that non-AIDS diffuse large B-cell lymphomas segregate into two groups with either germinal center or activated B-cell phenotype. We report the new finding that the AIDS status of the patient predicts the immunophenotype of the diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.WALDENSTROM'S MACROGLOBULINEMIA Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Occurring in Patients With Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma/Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Clinicopathologic Features of 12 Cases
Pei Lin, MD, Adnan Mansoor, MD,* Carlos Bueso-Ramos, MD, PhD, Suyang Hao, MD, Raymond Lai, MD, PhD, and L. Jeffrey Medeiros, MD
Am J Clin Pathol 2003;120:246-253 Abstract quote
Of 92 patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) treated at our institution, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) also developed in 12 (13%). In 10 patients, DLBCL developed 12 to 128 months (median, 44 months) after the diagnosis of LPL/WM. Two patients had LPL/WM and DLBCL simultaneously.
Clinicopathologic features at diagnosis of LPL/WM did not predict the risk of DLBCL. Onset of DLBCL was characterized by worsening constitutional symptoms, profound cytopenias, extramedullary disease, and organomegaly. Immunoglobulin light chain expression was identical in both LPL/WM and DLBCL. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 8 cases of DLBCL was negative.
Of 11 patients with clinical follow-up information available, 8 (73%) died within 10 months of diagnosis of DLBCL. DLBCL, most likely as a result of histologic transformation, occurs in a subset of patients with LPL/WM and is associated with aggressive clinical course and poor outcome. EBV is unlikely to be involved in transformation.
PATHOGENESIS CHARACTERIZATION APOPTOSIS
Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with germinal center B-cell-like differentiation immunophenotypic profile are associated with high apoptotic index, high expression of the proapoptotic proteins bax, bak and bid and low expression of the antiapoptotic protein bcl-xl.
Bai M, Skyrlas A, Agnantis NJ, Kamina S, Tsanou E, Grepi C, Galani V, Kanavaros P.
Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Mod Pathol. 2004 Jul;17(7):847-56. Abstract quote
The aim of this study was to analyze the relations between differentiation immunophenotypes and the status of apoptosis and proliferation in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
Therefore, the bcl6/CD10/MUM1/CD138 differentiation immunophenotypic profiles were studied in relation to (a) the apoptotic index, (b) the apoptosis-associated bcl2 family proteins bcl2, bcl-xl, bax, bak, bad and bid, (c) the proliferation index (Ki67) and (d) the cell cycle proteins cyclin A, cyclin B1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, p53, Rb, p16 and p27 in 79 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
Two major differentiation immunophenotypic profiles were distinguished: the germinal center B-cell-like profile; 31 cases (bcl6+/CD10+/-/MUM1-/CD138-: 29 cases and bcl6-/CD10+/MUM1-/CD138-: two cases) and the nongerminal center B-cell-like profile (bcl6+/-/CD10-/MUM1+/CD138-); 48 cases. The expression of bax, bak and bid and the apoptotic index were significantly higher in the germinal center B-cell-like profile than in the nongerminal center B-cell-like profile (P=0.045, 0.018, 0.003 and 0.034, respectively). In contrast, the expression of bcl-xl was significantly lower in the germinal center B-cell-like profile than in the nongerminal center B-cell-like profile (P=0.026). The expression of bcl6 and CD10 showed significant positive correlation with the expression of bax (r=0.659, P<0.001 and r=0.240, P=0.033, respectively), bak (r=0.391, P<0.001 and r=0.233, P=0.039, respectively) and bid (r=0.652, P<0.001 and r=0.238, P=0.035, respectively) and significant negative correlation with the expression of bcl-xl (r=-0.536, P<0.001 and r=-0.250, P=0.029, respectively). The expression of MUM1 showed significant negative correlation with the expression of bax (r=-0.276, P=0.014) and bid (r=-0.266, P=0.018) and significant positive correlation with the expression of bcl-xl (r=0.238, P=0.037).
The above findings indicate that diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with germinal center B-cell-like immunophenotypic profile are associated with increased apoptosis status, high expression of the proapoptotic proteins bax, bak and bid and low expression of the antiapoptotic protein bcl-xl.CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES
Chromosomal imbalances in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma detected by comparative genomic hybridization.Berglund M, Enblad G, Flordal E, Lui WO, Backlin C, Thunberg U, Sundstrom C, Roos G, Allander SV, Erlanson M, Rosenquist R, Larsson C, Lagercrantz S.
Department of Molecular Medicine (MB, EF, W-OL, SVA, CL, SL), Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm.
Mod Pathol 2002 Aug;15(8):807-16 Abstract quote Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In contrast to many other hematological malignancies, no chromosomal abnormalities with a diagnostic or prognostic value have been identified in DLBCL.
Numerical chromosomal imbalances were characterized by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) performed on 54 DLBCL tumors from a total of 40 patients. The clonal relatedness was demonstrated in 9 of 11 pairs of matched diagnostic tumors and their relapses as determined by IGH gene rearrangement analysis and/or the CGH profiles. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression analyses of BCL2 and BCL6/LAZ3 were performed on all cases. Copy number changes were detected in 94% of the diagnostic tumor samples and in all of the relapses. Chromosomal losses in diagnostic tumors were preferentially observed at 8p22-pter (29%), 1p34-pter (26%), 6q23-qter (20%), 17p12-pter (17%) and 22q (17%), 9p23-pter (14%), whereas gains were mainly seen in Xq25-26 (43%), 13q22 (26%), 12cen-q14 (20%), 3q24-25 (11%), 7 (11%), and 18q12-21 (11%). Loss of 22q was significantly more commonly seen in the diagnostic tumor samples with more advanced clinical stage in other words, Stage III-IV compared with Stage I-II, and band 18q21 was significantly more often gained in relapses as compared to diagnostic tumors.
None of the recurrent alterations were detected as a single abnormality, suggesting that other genetic lesions below the detection level of CGH may be the initiating event in the tumorigenesis of DLBCL. However, the distribution of CGH alterations support the idea of a progression of genetic events where loss of 8p and 9p and gain of 3q, 13q, and 18q would represent relatively early events because they were distributed in tumors with only two abnormalities.
BCL-2
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma With Extra Bcl-2 Gene Signals Detected by FISH Analysis Is Associated With a "Non-Germinal Center Phenotype"
Kusumoto S, Kobayashi Y, Sekiguchi N, Tanimoto K, Onishi Y, Yokota Y, Watanabe T, Maeshima AM, Ishida T, Inagaki H, Matsuno Y, Ueda R, Tobinai K.
From the *Hematology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; daggerPathology Division, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; double daggerDepartment of Internal Medicine and Molecular Science/Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; section signDepartment of Clinical Pathology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; and the parallelClinical Laboratory Divisions, Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2005 Aug;29(8):1067-1073. Abstract quote
Amplification and translocation of the Bcl-2 gene has been detected in a certain subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). The correlations among Bcl-2 protein expression, gene translocation or amplification, and the molecular signature determined by cDNA array are poorly understood.
This study examined 25 cases with de novo nodal DLBCL. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed to evaluate the Bcl-2 gene using IGH/BCL2 and CEP18 centromere probes (Vysis). When extra Bcl-2 gene signals were observed in each tumor cell and when these signals were in proportion to the extra CEP18 probe signals, we regarded the findings as indicating the presence of an additional chromosome 18; when extra Bcl-2 signals were observed but additional CEP18 signals were not, we regarded the findings as indicating the presence of gene amplification.
A panel of 3 antigens (CD10, Bcl-6, and MUM-1) was applied to categorize each case as either a "germinal center B-cell (GCB) phenotype" or a "non-GCB phenotype." Of the 25 cases examined, 8 cases (32%) were classified as "GCB phenotype" and 17 cases (68%) were classified as "non-GCB phenotype." A FISH analysis revealed that t(14;18) was detected in 2 of the 8 cases (25%) with the "GCB phenotype" but in none of the 17 "non-GCB phenotype" cases. Extra Bcl-2 gene signals were detected in 7 of the 25 (28%) cases examined: n = 5 for an additional chromosome 18, n = 1 for gene amplification, and n = 1 for additional chromosome 18 + gene amplification.
Extra Bcl-2 gene signals were exclusively detected in DLBCL with the "non-GCB phenotype"; these cases, with the exception of one, stained strongly positive for Bcl-2. The DLBCLs with Bcl-2 protein overexpression were classified into at least two heterogeneous molecular groups, based on the results of the FISH analysis.IKAROS GENE The Ikaros gene, a central regulator of lymphoid differentiation, fuses to the BCL6 gene as a result of t(3;7)(q27;p12) translocation in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Hosokawa Y, Maeda Y, Ichinohasama R, Miura I, Taniwaki M, Seto M.
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.
Blood 2000 Apr 15;95(8):2719-21 Abstract quote
The BCL6 gene, isolated from the breakpoints of 3q27-associated chromosomal translocations, has been implicated in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBL).
Here we describe the molecular characterization of novel t(3;7)(q27;p12) translocations in 2 patients with DLBL. Molecular genetic analysis of the breakpoint area involving BCL6 revealed the presence of the Ikaros gene, a central regulator of lymphoid differentiation that had been mapped to human chromosome 7 band p13-p11.1. As a molecular consequence of the translocation, the 5' regulatory region of the BCL6 gene was replaced by the putative 5' regulatory region of the Ikaros gene, probably leading to deregulated expression of the BCL6 gene throughout B-cell differentiation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of a patient sample established that the t(3;7)(q27;p12) results in fusion of the Ikaros and BCL6 genes.
This study provides the first evidence that the Ikaros gene is rearranged in human hematopoietic malignant disorders.
p27 Low Expression of p27 Protein Combined with Altered p53 and Rb/p16 Expression Status Is Associated with Increased Expression of Cyclin A and Cyclin B1 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas
Maria Bai, M.D., John Vlachonikolis, Ph.D., Niki J. Agnantis, M.D., Ph.D., Elena Tsanou, M.D., Sofia Dimou, M.D., Constatinos Nicolaides, M.D., Stella Stefanaki, M.D., Nicolaos Pavlidis, M.D., Ph.D. and Panagiotis Kanavarous, M.D., Ph.D.
Departments of Pathology (MB, NJA, ET, SD, SS) and Oncology (CN, NP), Medical Faculty, University of Ioannina, Ioannina; Department of Biostatistics, Medical Faculty, University of Crete (JV), Crete; and Department of Histology, Medical Faculty, University of Thessallia (PK), Greece
Mod Pathol 2001;14:1105-1113 Abstract quote
The expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27 protein was investigated in relation to (1) the expression of the cell cycle regulators p53, Rb and p16 and (2) the proliferation profile as determined by the expression of Ki67, cyclin A, and cyclin B1 in 80 cases of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL).
P27 expression was low/null in large tumor cells in 58/80 cases and intermediate/high in 22/80 cases. Increased expression of p53 protein was observed in 39/80 cases. Decreased expression of Rb and p16 proteins was mutually exclusive and was observed in 5/80 and 14/80 cases, respectively. The analysis of the p27 expression status (low/null versus intermediate/high) with respect to the p53 and/or Rb/p16 expression status showed that low/null p27 expression was significantly correlated with increased p53 expression (P = .018) and showed a strong trend for correlation with concurrent increased p53 expression and decreased Rb or p16 expression (P = .050). These findings suggest a tendency for concurrent alterations of the cell cycle regulators p27, p53, and Rb or p16 in DLBCL, which might result in impaired tumor growth control. Indeed, the analysis of the combined p27/p53/Rb/p16 expression status with respect to the proliferation profile showed that (1) three alterations in the combined p27/p53/Rb/p16 status (i.e., low/null P27 expression, increased expression of p53, and decreased expression of Rb or p16) were significantly correlated with increased expression of cyclin B1 (P = .005) and (2) two or three alterations were significantly correlated with increased expression of cyclin A (P = .014).
These findings suggest combined impairment of a complex cell-cycle control network involving the CDK inhibitor p27, the P53 pathway, and the Rb1 pathway, which exerts a cooperative effect resulting in enhanced tumor cell proliferation. Key Words: B-cell lymphoma • Cell cycle • Immuno-histochemistry
RB1 PATHWAY Frequent disruption of the RB1 pathway in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: prognostic significance of E2F-1 and p16INK4A.
Moller MB, Kania PW, Ino Y, Gerdes AM, Nielsen O, Louis DN, Skjodt K, Pedersen NT.
Department of Pathology, University of Southern Denmark-Odense University.
Leukemia 2000 May;14(5):898-904 Abstract quote
In the present study, we analysed 34 de novo diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLCL) from a population-based lymphoma registry for alterations of the RB1 pathway at the genetic (RB1 and CDK4) and protein (pRb, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, CDK4, and E2F-1) level. The results were correlated with the data from our previous studies of CDKN2A deletion and hypermethylation, other p53 pathway components, p27Kip1 expression, and proliferation, as well as with clinical outcome, including prognosis.
We found aberrant pRb expression in four (12%) of 34 DLCLs. One of these had a point mutation in intron 3 10 bp downstream of exon 3 generating a novel splice signal. Seven tumours (21%) showed cyclin D3 overexpression, including all three thyroid lymphomas (P = 0.006). Cyclin D3 overexpression and p16INK4A/pRb aberrations were mutually exclusive, supporting an oncogenic role for cyclin D3 in DLCL. p16INK4A inactivation, cyclin D3 overexpression, or aberrant pRb expression was identified in 18 of 34 DLCLs (53%). Combining these results with our previous p53 pathway studies showed that 82% of the de novo DLCLs had alterations of these pathways, and that both pathways were altered in 13 cases (38%). Low E2F-1 expression was associated with treatment failure (P = 0.020), and multivariate analysis of overall survival identified both low E2F-1 expression (relative risk = 6.9; P = 0.0037) and p16INK4A inactivation (relative risk = 3.3; P = 0.0247) as independent prognostic markers.
These data support a role of E2F-1 as tumour suppressor gene in lymphoma and strongly suggest that the RB1 and p53 pathways are important in the development of de novo DLCL. Furthermore, low E2F-1 expression and p16INK4A inactivation may serve as prognostic markers for patients with this type of lymphoma.
CLINICAL VARIANTS CHARACTERIZATION GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Critical Evaluation of Bcl-6 Protein Expression in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Stomach and Small Intestine.Kwon MS, Go JH, Choi JS, Lee SS, Ko YH, Rhee JC, Ree HJ.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2003 Jun;27(6):790-8. Abstract quote Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the gastrointestinal tract is heterogeneous, including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) origin and non-MALT, and they are indistinguishable. MALT lymphoma is a tumor of a post-germinal center (GC) memory B-cell origin, which is negative for Bcl-6 protein expression in low-grade but may become positive in high-grade tumors.
Because Bcl-6 expression patterns in lymphoma of GC and non-GC B-cell origins have recently been characterized and CD10 is generally regarded as a specific marker for GC B cells, we critically evaluated gastric and small intestinal DLBCLs to see whether it is possible to identify tumor of GC B-cell origin by immunostaining in archival specimens. High-grade MALT lymphoma (H-ML) of the stomach (n = 20) was defined by the presence of a concomitant lymphoepithelial lesion and/or follicular colonization; and DLBCLs de novo, both gastric (n = 31) and intestinal (n = 21), were defined by the absence of the above features.
Immunostaining for Bcl-6 and CD10 was done using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections and was examined independently by three pathologists. Staining for Bcl-6 was positive (>10% of tumor cells) in 55 of 72 cases. However, two distinct patterns were recognized among those positive: diffusely dense (>75%) and sporadic (<75%). The former was further characterized by a consistency of Bcl-6+ tumor cell density at any given area, resembling the staining pattern of the GC or follicular lymphoma (FL) (GC/FL pattern), whereas the latter was, besides less dense population, by variable density from area to area. The GC/FL pattern was observed in 36% and 38% of gastric and intestinal DLBCLs de novo, respectively, but in none of the gastric H-ML. CD10 was positive in 12 of 71 cases (17%), all coexpressing Bcl-6. CD10+ tumors were more frequent in the intestinal (33%) than in gastric DLBCLs ( approximately 15%). Significantly, CD10 expression was observed in three gastric H-MLs, including one that displayed a distinct lymphoepithelial lesion.
In conclusion: 1) tumors showing a diffusely dense pattern of Bcl-6 expression should be distinguished from those showing a sporadic pattern; for the former most likely represents the tumor of GC B-cell derivation, and the latter non-GC, including MALT lymphoma; 2) tumor of GC B-cell origin thus defined accounted for about one third of gastric as well as intestinal DLBCLs de novo but none of the gastric H-ML; and 3) CD10 expression can be seen in MALT lymphomas and should not be used as the marker for GC B cells.SPLEEN
- Splenic large B-cell lymphoma in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.
Takeshita M, Sakai H, Okamura S, Oshiro Y, Higaki K, Nakashima O, Uike N, Yamamoto I, Kinjo M, Matsubara F.
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.
Hum Pathol. 2005 Aug;36(8):878-85 Abstract quote.
Hepatitis virus infection, especially type C (hepatitis C virus [HCV]), has been suggested to be one of the important pathogenetic factors for low- and high-grade B-cell lymphoma, including splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL), in southern Europe.
Here, we analyzed the incidences of HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, and the clinicopathologic features in 29 cases of splenic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 10 SMZL, 3 splenic mantle cell lymphoma, 1 hairy cell leukemia, 13 B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 12 hepatosplenic T-cell and natural killer cell lymphoma. Fifteen (51.7%) splenic DLBCL cases were HCV antibody-positive, and another 6 (20.7%) had the HBsAg. The incidence of each was significantly (P < .01) higher than those of HCV (9.3%) and HBV (1.9%) infections in 54 node-based DLBCL cases.
Four examined HCV-positive DLBCL cases showed no type II cryoglobulinemia. HCV RNA was detected in fresh tumor tissues from 6 of 7 examined DLBCL cases, and HBV DNA was present in another 2, as evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistologically, tumor cells in 5 of 7 examined DLBCL cases showed intracytoplasmic reactions for HCV NS3 and E2 proteins and the viral receptor CD81. Of 6 cases, 2 showed an intranuclear reaction for the HBV surface protein. By Southern blot analysis, no rearrangement of the Bcl2 gene was detected in the tumor tissue of 7 HCV-positive DLBCL cases. For the other types of malignant lymphoma, 1 case each of SMZL (10%) and hepatosplenic T-cell and natural killer cell lymphoma (8.3%) showed HCV infection.
In conclusion, persistent human hepatitis virus infections, especially HCV, may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of splenic DLBCL in Japan.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with distinctive patterns of splenic and bone marrow involvement: clinicopathologic features of two cases.
Morice WG, Rodriguez FJ, Hoyer JD, Kurtin PJ.
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Mod Pathol. 2005 Apr;18(4):495-502. Abstract quote
Two unusual cases of large B-cell lymphoma with predominant splenic and bone marrow (BM) involvement and similar clinical and histopathologic features are described. Both patients presented with nonspecific constitutional symptoms, unexplained cytopenias, and splenomegaly. Splenectomy revealed diffuse red pulp involvement by large B-cell lymphoma. The perisplenic lymph nodes were also involved diffusely with effacement of normal nodal architecture, excluding a diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. BM biopsies revealed striking erythroid hyperplasia without overt morphologic evidence of involvement by lymphoma.
Immunoperoxidase staining of the marrow biopsies with antibodies to CD20 and erythroid-associated antigens revealed involvement by large B-cell lymphoma morphologically resembling the early pronormoblasts. In both cases there was prominent, but not exclusive, intravascular/intrasinusoidal lymphomatous marrow infiltration.
These cases represent an unusual variant of large B-cell lymphoma with distinctive patterns of splenic and BM involvement. Furthermore, they underscore the difficulties in identifying intrasinusoidal marrow infiltration by lymphoma in H&E-stained biopsy slides and demonstrate that this pattern of marrow infiltration may be seen in cases of large B-cell lymphoma distinct from the intravascular variant.
Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting in the Spleen: Identification of Different Clinicopathologic Conditions.Mollejo M, Algara P, Mateo MS, Menarguez J, Pascual E, Fresno MF, Camacho FI, Piris MA.
.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2003 Jul;27(7):895-902 Abstract quote Only a few series of splenic large B-cell lymphoma have been previously reported, including limited immunophenotypic studies and clinical data.
Here we review the clinical data, morphology, and immunophenotype of series of 33 cases of large B-cell lymphoma presenting in the spleen. Three main groups of tumors are identified. Group A was characterized by macronodular tumors (20 cases), with predominantly stage I disease and a favorable clinical outcome. All cases were bcl6 positive. Group B was characterized by a micronodular pattern (nine cases), including a subset with T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma features. Most of the patients in this group were diagnosed at advanced clinical stages and died of the disease. All cases were bcl6 positive. Group C was characterized by diffuse red pulp infiltration (four cases) and advanced clinical stages and showed an aggressive behavior. All but one case were bcl6 positive.
The results of this series define a characteristic type of large B-cell lymphoma presenting in the spleen as a tumoral mass, associated with a relatively favorable clinical course. Additionally, they provide evidence that clinical presentation as a tumor confined to the spleen and the hilar lymph nodes is associated with lower aggressivity.TESTICLE
1Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
The most common type of primary testicular lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell type, which has the potential for aggressive clinical behavior. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can be further subclassified into two major prognostic categories: germinal center B-cell-like and nongerminal center B-cell-like. Such distinction is made possible using the immunohistochemical expression of CD10, Bcl-6 and MUM1.
The aim of this study was to stratify primary testicular lymphoma of the diffuse large B-cell type according to this scheme. Immunohistochemical stains for CD10, Bcl-6 and MUM1 were performed on 18 cases of primary testicular lymphoma of diffuse large B-cell type. Subclassification was carried out as previously described where CD10 and/or Bcl-6 positivity and negativity for MUM1 were considered indicative of germinal center B-cell-like type and the opposite expression as nongerminal center B-cell-like type.
The proliferative activity was determined using immunostaining with the Ki-67 antibody. Of 18 cases, 16 (89%) were found to belong to the nongerminal center B-cell-like type. Two cases (11%) were classified as germinal center B-cell-like type; one had a CD10-positive, Bcl-6-positive and MUM1-negative profile, and the other was CD10 negative, Bcl-6 positive and MUM1 negative. The former occurred in a 38-year-old patient who was human immunodeficiency virus positive. All the cases expressed high proliferative activity (>/=50% Ki-67 labeling).
We conclude that most (89%) primary testicular lymphomas of the diffuse large B-cell type belong to the nongerminal center B-cell-like subgroup and have high proliferative activity.TONSIL
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.Ree HJ, Ohsima K, Aozasa K, Takeuchi K, Kim CW, Yang WI, Huh JY, Lee SS, Ko YH, Kwon MS, Cho EY, Choi YL, Chul Rhee J, Kikuchi M, Mori S.
Hum Pathol. 2003 Jun;34(6):610-6. Abstract quote 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.
HISTOPATHOLOGICAL VARIANTS CHARACTERIZATION VARIANTS COMPOSITE WITH T-CELL LYMPHOMA Composite Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Yin Xu, MD, PhD
Robert W. McKenna, MD
Mai P. Hoang, MD
Robert H. Collins, MD
Steven H. Kroft, MDAm J Clin Pathol 2002;118:848-854 Abstract quote
We report a rare case of composite angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AILT) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma occurring in a 48-year-old woman with generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient initially sought care at a local hospital with a single enlarged left cervical lymph node.Histologic examination of the node was interpreted as an atypical immunoblastic proliferation. She developed generalized lymphadenopathy 10 months later and was referred to our institution for further evaluation. The recent biopsy of the cervical node showed typical features of AILT. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping identified an aberrant CD4+ T-cell population that lacked surface CD3. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the T-cell receptor gamma gene revealed a clonal rearrangement. In addition to the AILT, the lymph node showed partial involvement by a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The B lymphoma cells and admixed immunoblasts and Reed-Sternberg–like B cells in the AILT were positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by in situ hybridization.
Our findings raise the possibility that the EBV-associated large B-cell lymphoma is a secondary event in AILT via EBV infection or reactivation followed by clonal expansion of an immortalized EBV-infected B cell clone.
CD5+ T-CELL/HISTIOCYTE RICH LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA
- Follicular Origin of a Subset of CD5+ Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas.
Manazza AD, Bonello L, Pagano M, Chiusa L, Novero D, Stacchini A, Martini G, Vitolo U, Tarella C, Inghirami G, Palestro G, Chiarle R.
Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies and Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Am J Clin Pathol. 2005 Aug;124(2):182-90. Abstract quote
Most follicular lymphomas (FLs) have a phenotype consistent with the origin from CD5-, CD10+, bcl-6+ follicular center cells and can progress to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). CD5 is expressed in about 10% of DLBCLs, showing prognostic value, whereas expression is rare in FL.
We present 6 cases with coexisting features of CD5+ FL and CD5+ DLBCL, supporting a follicular origin for some CD5+ DLBCLs. The follicular areas showed a meshwork of CD21+ follicular dendritic cells that were lacking in the DLBCL areas. All cases showed a clonal CD19+, CD20+, CD5+, and CD10+ population in both follicular and diffuse areas. Molecularly, 4 of 6 cases demonstrated immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements and 1 case, a bcl-2/immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement. Somatic hypermutations were high in all 4 cases, in keeping with their germinal center origin. Four of five patients died of disease within 42 months, consistent with the proposed prognostic value of CD5 expression in DLBCL.
Our data describe an aggressive variant of CD5+ FL suggesting the follicular origin of some CD5+ DLBCLs.
CD5+ T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma.Chang CC, Bunyi-Teopengco E, Eshoa C, Chitambar CR, Kampalath B.
Departments of Pathology (C-CC, EB-T, CE, BK) and Medicine (CRC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Mod Pathol 2002 Oct;15(10):1051-7 Abstract quote CD5 expression in neoplastic large B-cells in T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma has not been reported, to the best of our knowledge.
Here we describe the first case of CD5+ T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma that is well documented by histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry immunophenotyping and sorting, and immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangement study by polymerase chain reaction. The expression of CD5 in large neoplastic B-cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and multicolor flow cytometry.
The clonal nature of the CD5+ neoplastic B-cells was confirmed by rearranged immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of flow cytometry-sorted CD5+/CD19+/kappa+ cells. The CD5+ neoplastic large B-cells expressed bcl-6 and MUM1/IRF4 but not CD138 by immunohistochemistry. This suggests that the neoplastic cells may be of late germinal-center B-cell/ early post-germinal center B-cell origin. The patient responded to chemotherapy, CHOP (Cytoxan, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone), and Rituxan very well and is currently in complete remission clinically. We propose that the current case, CD5+ T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma, represents a variant of recently reported de novo CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
Our patient has had an excellent response to treatment; however, the clinical and biologic significance of CD5 expression in T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma requires further studies. Awareness of the CD5+ T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma variant will prompt pathologists to perform CD5 immunohistochemical stain in cases of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma. This will lead to identifying more cases to understand the clinical and biologic characteristics of this variant.
T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Heterogeneous Entity With Derivation From Germinal Center B Cells
Megan S. Lim, M.D., Ph.D.; Michael Beaty, M.D.; Lynn Sorbara, Ph.D.; Richard Z. Cheng, M.D., Ph.D.; Stefania Pittaluga, M.D., Ph.D.; Mark Raffeld, M.D.; Elaine S. Jaffe, M.D.
Am J Surg Pathol 2002; 26(11):1458-1466 Abstract quote
We reviewed 30 cases of THRLBCL to evaluate its heterogeneity based on morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features.Cases were classified according to the appearance of the large neoplastic B cells into three morphologic variants: 1) lymphocytic and histiocytic (L&H-like) (resembling the L&H cells of nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's lymphoma (14 cases); 2) centroblast (or immunoblast)-like (10 cases), and 3) Reed-Sternberg cell-like (resembling the neoplastic cells of classic Hodgkin's lymphoma) (6 cases).
We used a panel of immunohistochemical stains, including those with specificity for germinal center B cells: CD20, CD79a, CD30, CD15, epithelial membrane antigen, BCL-2, BCL-6, and CD10. The BCL-2/JH polymerase chain reaction assay was further performed to investigate a relationship to follicular lymphoma.
The results were correlated with Epstein-Barr virus status as determined by staining for latent membrane protein and EBER-1 in situ hybridization. All cases were of B-cell immunophenotype with strong surface CD20 reactivity in the neoplastic large lymphoid cells, although CD79a was more inconsistently and weakly expressed (10 of 17). Nuclear positivity for the BCL-6 protein was detected in the tumor cells in 26 of 29 (90%) cases. However, differences in expression of other antigens were encountered in the histologic subtypes. Epithelial membrane antigen positivity, a feature often seen in nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's lymphoma, was observed in 11 of 30 (37%) cases and was most commonly seen in cases with L&H cell morphology (8 of 14; 57%). CD30 expression was observed in 9 of 30 (30%) cases but was most frequent in cases with Reed-Sternberg-like morphology (3 of 6 [50%]). CD10 expression was infrequent overall (3 of 29; 10%), with 2 of 3 positive cases identified in the centroblastic group. The overall rarity of positivity for CD10, BCL-2 (3 of 22; 13%), and BCL-2 JH rearrangement (1 of 28; 4%) indicates a lack of connection to follicular lymphoma for all subtypes. The three cases that were negative for BCL-6 protein were LMP-1 positive and EBER-1 positive by in situ hybridization, and 2 of 3 had neoplastic cells with Reed-Sternberg-like morphology.
These results demonstrate that although a large proportion of THRLBCL represent tumors of germinal center B cell derivation, they exhibit a diversity of morphologic and immunophenotypic features. A subset of THRLBCL may be related to nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's lymphoma. A small percentage show features closely resembling classic Hodgkin's lymphoma and could be considered a variant of grey zone lymphoma.
GRANULOMATOUS
Centroblastic and centroblastic/centrocytic lymphoma associated with a prominent epithelioid granulomatous response: a clinicopathologic study of 50 cases.Kojima M, Nakamura S, Ichimura K, Suzuki R, Kagami Y, Kondo E, Motoori T, Hosomura Y, Oyama T, Itoh H, Ban S, Yoshida K, Ohno Y, Shimizu K, Masawa N, Sugihara S.
Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories, Gunma Cancer Center Hospital (MK, SS), Ohta.
Mod Pathol 2002 Jul;15(7):750-8 Abstract quote A minority of centroblastic and centroblastic/centrocytic cell lymphomas are accompanied by a prominent epithelioid cell response and were suggested to be a distinct variant of B-cell lymphoma of germinal center cell origin.
To confirm the clinicopathologic significance of these mainly large B-cell lymphomas with an epithelioid cell response (LBCL-ER), we reviewed 50 patients with LBCL-ER and compared the results with those of 167 other diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) and 94 follicular lymphomas (FL) without epithelioid response. The patients with LBCL-ER showed a higher age distribution (median 71, P =.03), a female predominance (M:F = 18:32, P =.001) and less frequent involvement of extranodal sites >1 (P =.004) compared with those with DLBCL, and presented with a bulky mass of the affected lymph nodes in 54% of cases. They were also older (P =.0006) and more associated with the aggressive clinical factors such as serum LDH level and International Prognostic Index score than those with FL. Histologically, nine cases (18%) partially showed a follicular growth pattern, and the others (82%) were occupied by a diffuse growth pattern. The epithelioid cells were accumulated in large demarcated masses, partially imparting a lymphoepithelioid (Lennert) lymphoma-like appearance to some portions of the lesions in every case. Immunohistochemically, LBCR-ER was positive for CD20 in every case, CD10 in 43% of the cases, and BCL-2 in 56%. None of the tumor cells in the 40 cases tested expressed CD5 antigen.
Immunostaining also often highlighted the remnants of the follicular dendritic cell network. The BCL-2 gene rearrangement was detected in only 19% of the cases examined. The survival curve of the cases of LBCL-ER was almost identical with that of DLBCL and was significantly inferior to that of FL.
The centroblastic and centroblastic/centrocytic lymphoma with an epithelioid cell response may be regarded as the morphologic variant of DLBCL preferentially arising in the aged population and reflecting the disease progression of FL.
PLASMABLASTIC Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with plasmablastic differentiation represent a heterogeneous group of disease entities.
Colomo L, Loong F, Rives S, Pittaluga S, Martinez A, Lopez-Guillermo A, Ojanguren J, Romagosa V, Jaffe ES, Campo E.
Hematopathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, and Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi I Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2004 Jun;28(6):736-47. Abstract quote
Plasmablastic lymphoma was initially described as a variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the oral cavity of HIV+ patients and characterized by immunoblastic morphology and a plasma cell phenotype. However, other lymphomas may exhibit similar morphologic and immunophenotypic features.
To determine the significance of plasmablastic differentiation in DLBCL and examine the heterogeneity of lymphomas with these characteristics, we examined 50 DLBCLs with low/absent CD20/CD79a and an immunophenotype indicative of terminal B-cell differentiation (MUM1/CD38/CD138/EMA-positive).
We were able to define several distinct subgroups. Twenty-three tumors were classified as plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral mucosa type and showed a monomorphic population of immunoblasts with no or minimal plasmacytic differentiation. Most patients were HIV+ and EBV was positive in 74%. Eleven (48%) cases presented in the oral mucosa, but the remaining presented in other extranodal (39%) or nodal (13%) sites. Sixteen cases were classified as plasmablastic lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation. These were composed predominantly of immunoblasts and plasmablasts, but in addition exhibited more differentiation to mature plasma cells. Only 33% were HIV+, EBV was detected in 62%, and 44% had nodal presentation. Nine cases, morphologically indistinguishable from the previous group, were secondary extramedullary plasmablastic tumors occurring in patients with prior or synchronous plasma cell neoplasms, classified as multiple myeloma in 7 of the 9. Two additional neoplasms were an HHV-8+ extracavitary variant of primary effusion lymphoma and an ALK+ DLBCL. HHV-8 was examined in 39 additional cases, and was negative in all.
In conclusion, DLBCLs with plasmablastic differentiation are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with different clinicopathological characteristics that may correspond to different entities.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS KEY DIFFERENTIATING FEATURES BURKITT LYMPHOMA
Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan Departments of Pathology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is characterized by c-myc translocation and CD10+/bc-2-/bcl-6+ with a very high Ki-67 proliferation index (PI). Occasional diffuse large B-cell lymphomas may exhibit a very high PI with or without a starry-sky pattern (DLBCL-HPSS).
We compared 28 consecutive BL and 16 DLBCL-HPSS cases in immunocompetent Taiwanese diagnosed by histopathologic examination and immunophenotyping and compared the results with results for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded messenger RNA (EBER) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). There were statistically significant differences in the expression of CD10 (28/28 vs 1/16), bcl-2 (3/28 vs 11/16), MUM1 (5/28 vs 15/16), a PI of 95.0% or more (27/28 vs 2/16), and combined CD10+/bcl-2-/bcl-6+ (24/28 vs 1/16) between BLs and DLBCL-HPSSs. Of the BLs, 7 (25%) of 28 and 26 (96%) of 27 were positive for EBER and c-myc rearrangement as compared with 0 of 16 and 1 (7%) of 15 DLBCL-HPSSs, respectively.
We can confidently distinguish BL from DLBCL-HPSS by using histopathologic and immunohistochemical (CD10, bcl-2, bcl-6, Ki-67) methods without the aid of EBER and FISH in the great majority of cases.Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis of Pediatric Burkitt Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Michael Frost, MD, James Newell, MD, PhD, Mark A. Lones, MD, Sheryl R. Tripp, MT(ASCP), Mitchell S. Cairo, MD, and Sherrie L. Perkins, MD, PhDAm J Clin Pathol 2004;121:384-392 Abstract quote
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) account for nearly all pediatric nonlymphoblastic B-cell lymphomas. Because clinical behavior, prognosis, and response to therapy might differ, diagnostic accuracy is important. Morphologic examination often is sufficient, but occasionally, diagnostic ancillary studies are required. In adults, immunophenotyping is useful; however, pediatric data are limited.
We characterized the immunohistochemical expression of 6 proteins (c-myc, CD10, bcl-6, bcl-2, CD138, and MIB-1) in pediatric BL (33 cases) and DLBCL (20 cases) with classic morphologic features. Significant differences in c-myc (BL, 30/33 [91%] vs DLBCL, 5/20 [25%]; P < .0001), bcl-2 (BL, 1/25 [4%] vs DLBCL, 7/19 [37%]; P < .02), and mean MIB-1 (BL, 99% vs DLBCL, 56%; P < .0001) expression were observed. There were no significant differences for CD10 (100% expression in BL and DLBCL), bcl-6 (BL, 23/33 [70%] vs DLBCL, 15/20 [75%]), or CD138 (no expression).
Thus, pediatric BL and DLBCL have distinctive immunohistochemical profiles, and staining for c-myc, MIB-1, and bcl-2 might be useful in morphologically difficult cases.
The Distinction between Burkitt Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with c-myc Rearrangement.Nakamura N, Nakamine H, Tamaru J, Nakamura S, Yoshino T, Ohshima K, Abe M.
Department of Pathology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine (NN, MA), Japan.
Mod Pathol 2002 Jul;15(7):771-6 Abstract quote To compare immunophenotypic and molecular features between Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with c-myc rearrangements (c-myc(R) DLBCL), we analyzed 18 cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with c-myc(R) that were confirmed by chromosomal and/or Southern blotting analyses.
The cases were histologically classified into 10 BLs and five DLBCLs. The remaining three cases could not be classified because of suboptimal quality of the surgical materials. BLs were from five adults and five children, whereas all DLBCLs were from adults. BLs were positive for CD20 (10/10 cases examined), CD10 (9/10), Bcl-2 (1/9), and Bcl-6 (10/10), whereas they were negative for CD3 (0/10) and EBV (0/8), by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBER-1 RNA in situ hybridization. c-Myc(R) DLBCLs were positive for CD20 (5/5), CD10 (2/5), Bcl-2 (3/4), and Bcl-6 (4/4), whereas none of them were positive for CD3 and EBV. A mean of MIB-1 index (MIB-1(+) cells/neoplastic cells, %) of BLs (98.1%) was higher than that of c-myc(R) DLBCLs (66.3%; P <.0001). Somatic mutation of immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene variable region (VH gene) in BLs (four cases) ranged from 0.7 to 4.9% with an average value of 2.3%, whereas those in DLBCLs (three cases) from 8.2 to 32.0% with an average value of 17.0%.
It is, therefore, concluded that a growth fraction of nearly 100%, as well as a monotonous proliferation of medium-sized cells and c-myc(R), should be of value in the diagnosis of BL, which is probably different from c-myc(R) DLBCL. In addition, CD10(+), Bcl-2(-), and low frequency of mutation of the VH gene could be helpful for the histologic distinction of BL from (c-myc(R)) DLBCL.
GRAY ZONE LYMPHOMA
Mediastinal Gray Zone Lymphoma: The Missing Link Between Classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
Traverse-Glehen A, Pittaluga S, Gaulard P, Sorbara L, Alonso MA, Raffeld M, Jaffe ES.
From the *Hematopathology Section, Laboratory of Pathology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; daggerDepartement de Pathologie, Hopital Henri Mondor, Creteil, France; and double daggerCentro de Biologia Molecular "Severo Ochoa," Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. The current address for Dr. Traverse-Glehen is Laboratory of Anatomic Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Lyon, France.
Am J Surg Pathol. 2005 Nov;29(11):1411-1421. Abstract quote
In recent years, overlap in biologic and morphologic features has been identified between classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Nevertheless, the therapeutic approaches for these diseases remain different.
We undertook a study of "mediastinal gray zone lymphomas" (MGZL), with features transitional between cHL nodular sclerosis (NS) and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBCL) to better understand the morphologic and immunophenotypic spectrum of such cases. Twenty-one MGZL cases were identified over a 20-year period. We also studied 6 cases of composite or synchronous lymphoma with two distinct components at the same time (cHL-NS and MLBCL) and 9 sequential cases with MLBCL and cHL-NS at different times. All patients had a large mediastinal mass. Immunohistochemical studies focused on markers known to discriminate between cHL and MLBCL, including B-cell transcription factors. VJ-PCR was performed in 8 cases to look at clonality of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH).
Of the gray zone cases, 11 had morphology reminiscent of cHL-NS, but with unusual features, including a large number of mononuclear variants, diminished inflammatory background, absence of classic Hodgkin phenotype, and strong CD20 expression (11 of 11). Ten cases had morphology of MLBCL, but with admixed Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg and lacunar cells, absent (3 of 10) or weak (7 of 10) CD20 expression, and positivity for CD15 in 7 cases. B-cell transcription factor expression in the gray zone cases more closely resembled MLBCL than cHL with expression of Pax5, Oct2, and BOB.1 in all but 1 case studied (14 of 15). MAL staining was found in 7 of 10 MGZL, and in at least one component of 6 of 7 evaluable composite or sequential MLBCL/cHL cases. Two cases of sequential lymphoma showed rearrangements of the IgH gene of identical size: one in which MLBCL was the first diagnosis and one in which MLBCL was diagnosed at relapse, indicating clonal identity for the two components of cHL and MLBCL.
There is accumulating evidence that MLBCL and cHL are related entities. Further support for a relationship between MLBCL and cHL-NS is provided by composite and metachronous lymphomas in the same patient, as well as the existence of MGZL with transitional morphology and phenotype.MEDIASTINAL LARGE CELL LYMPHOMA
*Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital double daggerDepartment of Adult Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute parallelDepartment of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA Departments of daggerMedical Oncology section signPathology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada paragraph signDepartment of Pathology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH.
Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBCL) is a recently identified subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that is difficult to distinguish from other types of DLBCL on the basis of histologic features alone.
We recently identified a molecular signature of PMLBCL that is distinct from other forms of DLBCL but shares features with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. This signature includes activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB) signaling pathway, which in part, acts through nuclear translocation of c-Rel containing NFkappaB transcriptional complexes, and subsequent expression of NFkappaB target genes such as tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-1 (TRAF1). Using standard immunohistochemical techniques, we examined 251 large B-cell lymphomas (78 cases of PMLBCL and 173 cases of other types of DLBCL) to determine whether the expression patterns of c-Rel and TRAF1 could reliably distinguish between PMLBCL and other types of DLBCL. Robust nuclear c-Rel was present in 31 of 48 (65%) cases of PMLBCL and 28 of 160 (18%) cases of DLBCL. In addition, cytoplasmic TRAF1 expression was seen in 48 of 78 (62%) cases of PMLBCL, but only 20 of 173 (12%) cases of DLBCL. Finally, the combined expression of nuclear c-Rel and TRAF1 was seen in 24 of 45 cases (53%) of PMLBCL, but in only 3 of 156 cases (2%) of other types of DLBCL.
Thus, the combined nuclear localization of c-Rel and the cellular expression of TRAF1 is a highly specific (specificity=98%) means to distinguish PMLBCL from DLBCL that is readily applicable to routine surgical pathology practice.
PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT CHARACTERIZATION Prognostic Factors CD10
- Evaluation of immunophenotype in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and its impact on prognosis.
Berglund M, Thunberg U, Amini RM, Book M, Roos G, Erlanson M, Linderoth J, Dictor M, Jerkeman M, Cavallin-Stahl E, Sundstrom C, Rehn-Eriksson S, Backlin C, Hagberg H, Rosenquist R, Enblad G.
1Department of Oncology, Radiology, and Clinical Immunology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Mod Pathol. 2005 Aug;18(8):1113-20. Abstract quote
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been shown to be comprised of at least two prognostic entities, depending on its resemblance to normal germinal center or activated B cells, using global gene expression profiling. Also, the expression patterns of bcl-6, CD10 and IRF-4 (also known as MUM1) have been suggested as alternative means of identifying the germinal- and nongerminal center (activated B-cell like) groups.
In the present study, we evaluated by immunohistochemistry the expression patterns of CD10, bcl-6, IRF-4 and bcl-2 in a large material of 161 DLBCL patients. Using two different approaches, patients with germinal center phenotype displayed a significantly better survival than the nongerminal center group. Positive staining for bcl-6 or CD10 predicted for superior survival, while expression of IRF-4 alone showed no association with prognosis. Furthermore, expression of bcl-2 was associated with worse event-free survival and overall survival.
In a multivariate analysis, a high international prognostic index score (3-5), non-GC phenotype and bcl-2 were independent adverse prognostic factors. Here we confirm the prognostic importance of determining the germinal- or nongerminal center phenotype in patients with DLBCL.
Increased Expression of the bcl6 and CD10 Proteins Is Associated with Increased Apoptosis and Proliferation in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas.Bai M, Agnantis NJ, Skyrlas A, Tsanou E, Kamina S, Galani V, Kanavaros P.
Departments of Pathology (MB, NJA, AS, ET, SK) and Anatomy-Histology-Embryology (VG, PK), Medical Faculty, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Mod Pathol 2003 May;16(5):471-80 Abstract quote There is increasing evidence that bcl6 and CD10 expression may be related to apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Therefore, 79 cases of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas were studied for the expression of bcl6 and CD10 proteins in relation to 1) the apoptotic index; 2) the proliferation-associated proteins Ki67, cyclin A, and cyclin B1; and 3) the expression of the bcl2, p53, Rb, p16, and p27 proteins.
Expression of bcl6, CD10, and bcl2 proteins was found in 54/79 (68%), 28/79 (35%), and 47/74 (63%) cases, respectively. The bcl6/CD10 patterns were as follows: bcl6+/CD10+ (26 cases, 32%), bcl6+/CD10- (28 cases, 33%), bcl6-/CD10- (23 cases, 31%), and bcl6-/CD10+ (2 cases, 4%). Significant positive correlations were found between bcl6/Ki67 (r =.328, P =.003), bcl6/cyclin A (r =.265, P =.018), bcl6/apoptotic index (r =.327, P =.010), CD10/Ki67 (r =.296, P =.008), and CD10/apoptotic index (r =.397, P =.001). In addition, high expression of bcl6 showed significant correlation with negative (null/low) bcl2 expression (chi(2) test, P =.002).
The above findings indicate that increased expression of the bcl6 and CD10 proteins is associated with increased apoptosis and proliferation in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The association between increased bcl6 expression and enhanced apoptosis might be due, at least in part, to the null/low bcl2 expression because previous in vitro data showed that bcl6 overexpression induces apoptosis accompanied by bcl2 and bcl-xl downregulation. Moreover, significant correlation was found between increased apoptotic index and the bcl6+/CD10+ pattern (t test: P =.014, Mann-Whitney test: P =.046).
This finding and the positive correlation of the apoptotic index with bcl6 and CD10 expression may be related to previous results showing that the expression of these proteins has favorable effects on the clinical outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.The Clinical Significance of CD10 Antigen Expression in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Patricia Uherova, etal.
Am J Clin Pathol 2001;115:582-588 Abstract quote
The clinical significance and prognostic value of CD10 in de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is largely unknown.
We retrospectively studied 19 men and 9 women based on the following criteria: (1) DLBCL with no evidence of concomitant or antecedent follicular lymphoma; (2) available flow cytometric immunophenotyping data, including CD10 status; (3) older than 15 years; (4) specific exclusion of high-grade, Burkitt-like lymphoma; and (5) exclusion of primary cutaneous DLBCL. When available, clinical data at diagnosis, including components of the international prognostic index, were reviewed.
Eleven cases were CD10+, and 17 were CD10–. There was no significant difference between the CD10+ and CD10– groups in age, sex, stage, performance status, extranodal involvement, or serum lactate dehydrogenase levels at diagnosis. However, in the 26 cases for which follow-up data were available, the CD10+ group displayed a shorter overall survival than the CD10– group (8 vs 30 months). Although the clinical findings at diagnosis are similar in CD10+ and CD10– DLBCL, CD10 expression is associated with shortened overall survival.
Therefore, our data suggest CD10 expression may have prognostic importance in adults with de novo DLBCL.
CYCLIN D2
- Expression of PKC-beta or cyclin D2 predicts for inferior survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Hans CP, Weisenburger DD, Greiner TC, Chan WC, Aoun P, Cochran GT, Pan Z, Smith LM, Lynch JC, Bociek RG, Bierman PJ, Vose JM, Armitage JO.
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Mod Pathol. 2005 Oct;18(10):1377-84. Abstract quote
We sought to determine whether identification of poor-risk subgroups of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) using immunohistochemical stains would have practical utility with regard to prognosis and therapeutic decisions. Tissue microarray blocks were created using replicate samples of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 200 cases of de novo DLBCL.
The sections were stained with antibodies to proteins that are expressed by activated or proliferating B cells including MUM1, FOXP1, bcl-2, survivin, protein kinase C-beta (PKC-beta), cyclin D2, cyclin D3, and Ki-67. In univariate analysis, tumor expression of cyclin D2 (P=0.025) or PKC-beta (P=0.015) was associated with a worse overall survival, whereas none of the other markers was predictive of overall survival. Patients with DLBCL that expressed either cyclin D2 or PKC-beta had a 5-year overall survival of only 30% as compared to 52% for those who were negative for both markers (P=0.0019).
In multivariate analysis, the expression of cyclin D2 or PKC-beta was an independent predictor of poor overall survival (P=0.035). Cyclin D2 and PKC-beta expression will be useful in designing a 'biological prognostic index' for patients with DLBCL.Survival Aggressive disease
Median survival of 1 to 2 years if untreated
TREATMENT Standard systemic chemotherapy generally includes doxorubicin-containing regimens such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine [Oncovin], and prednisone) and produces complete remission in 50% to 60 % of cases Macpherson and Pincus. Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Twentyfirst Edition. WB Saunders. 2006.
Rosai J. Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. Ninth Edition. Mosby 2004.
Sternberg S. Diagnostic Surgical Pathology. Fourth Edition. Lipincott Williams and Wilkins 2004.
Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. Seventh Edition. WB Saunders 2005.
DeMay RM. The Art and Science of Cytopathology. Volume 1 and 2. ASCP Press. 1996.
Weedon D. Weedon's Skin Pathology Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone. 2002
Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill. 2003.
Weiss SW and Goldblum JR. Enzinger and Weiss's Soft Tissue Tumors. Fourth Edition. Mosby 2001.
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