Prognostic factors for mature natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms: aggressive NK cell leukemia and extranodal NK cell lymphoma, nasal type

Predictors of survival of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, in a non-Asian population: a single cancer centre experience

Background

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL), part of T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms in the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification, is an aggressive lymphoma with poor prognosis more predominantly seen in Asian and South American countries. This study evaluates the factors associated with survival among patients with newly diagnosed NKTCL in Peru.

Methods

Information was abstracted from medical records (MR) for all NKTCL patients >13 years of age at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN) between 2002 and 2011. The estimate of the survival curves was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference was computed by the log-rank test.

Results

Around 226 MR were reviewed, 153 met the selection criteria, the median age was 40 years (14–84). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 20 months, five year PFS was 42.6%, univariable analysis (UA) showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) for male sex, non-nasal primary site, advanced clinical stages, B symptoms, poor performance status, regional nodal involvement (RNI). In the multivariate analysis the only poor prognostic factors was primary non-nasal (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43– 4.02, P = 0.01). The median overall survival (OS) was 49 months, five year OS was 48.9%, UA showed statistical significance for non-nasal primary site, advanced clinical stages, B symptoms, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > normal, RNI and local tumour invasion. In the multivariate analysis, primary non-nasal was the only poor prognostic factor with HR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.37–4.83, P = 0.03.

Conclusions

In Peru, OS of NKTCL is similar to other countries. This result suggests that non-nasal NKTCL is the only poor prognostic factor of OS and PFS.

Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma of the Orbit: An Evidence-Based Approach

Natural killer T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare and aggressive condition with a high mortality rate. It is most commonly seen in the nasal sinuses, generally affecting the orbit by direct extension. Primary orbital NKTCL is even more rare, with only a few published cases with occasional secondary nasal involvement. This malignancy can present as a "masquerade syndrome," delaying proper diagnosis and treatment. Biopsy is required for diagnosis, which shows specific histopathological characteristics. Radiation and chemotherapy are the mainstay of treatment. Newer chemotherapies show improved prognosis.

T-cell lymphomas, a challenging disease: types, treatments, and future

T-cell lymphomas are rare and aggressive malignancies associated with poor outcome, often because of the development of resistance in the lymphoma against chemotherapy as well as intolerance in patients to the established and toxic chemotherapy regimens. In this review article, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, current standard of care, and future treatments of common types of T-cell lymphomas, including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, aggressive NK/T-cell lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

[Role of radiotherapy in the treatment of NK/T-cell nasal type and primary cerebral lymphomas]

The head and neck are common sites for extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of low-grade lymphomas, with curative or palliative intent. In the case of high-grade lymphomas, its combination with chemotherapy is debated. Its role is however undeniable in two specific entities: NK/T-cell lymphoma NK/T nasal type, and primary central nervous system lymphomas, which are the subject of this review.

Primary Intestinal Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: A Comprehensive Clinicopathological Analysis of 55 Cases

Purpose

To investigate the clinicopathological features, survival and prognostic factors of primary intestinal extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (PI-ENKTCL).

Methods

Clinical and histological characteristics of PI-ENKTCL cases were retrospectively evaluated. Immunohistochemical phenotype and status of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement were examined. The overall survival and prognostic parameters were also analyzed.

Results

Fifty-five (2.7%) cases with PI-ENKTCL were identified out of 2017 archived ENKTCL cases, with a median age of 39 years and a male to female ratio of 2.1:1. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (90.9%), accompanied frequently with fever and less commonly with intestinal perforation or B symptoms. Small intestine (50.9%) was the most common site to be involved. 47.3% and 36.4% cases presented with stage I and II diseases, respectively. Histologically, most cases displayed characteristic morphologic changes of ENKTCL. Cytoplasmic CD3, TIA-1 and CD56 expression was found in 100%, 94.5% and 89.1% of cases, respectively. In situ hybridization detection for EBV demonstrated positive results in all cases. Monoclonal TCR gene rearrangement was found in 52.9% of tested cases. Chemotherapy with a DICE or L-asparaginase/peg-asparginase-containing regimen was most often employed. Both advanced tumor stage and B symptoms were independent inferior prognostic factors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.010). Noticeably, 6 cases demonstrated a CD4-positive phenotype. These cases featured a relatively older median age (58 years), predominance of small/medium-sized neoplastic cells, a higher rate of TCR rearrangement and slightly favorable outcome.

Conclusion

We reported by far the largest series of PI-ENKTCL, and demonstrated its heterogeneity, aggressive clinical behavior and unsatisfying response to the current therapeutic strategies. Those CD4-positive cases might represent a unique subtype of PI-ENKTCL or distinct entity. Further investigations are required for the better understanding and management of this unusual disease.

Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping Is Sensitive for the Early Diagnosis of De Novo Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia (ANKL): A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a fatal hematological neoplasm characterized by a fulminating clinical course and extremely high mortality. Current diagnosis of this disease is not effective during the early stages and it is easily misdiagnosed as other NK cell disorders. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and flow cytometric immunophenotype of 47 patients with ANKL. Patients with extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK cell (CLPD-NK), who were diagnosed during the same time period were used for comparisons. Abnormal NK cells in ANKL were found to have a distinctiveCD56bright/CD16dim immunophenotype and markedly increased Ki-67 expression, whereas CD57 negativity and reduced expression of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), CD161, CD7, CD8 and perforin were exhibited compared with other NK cell proliferative disorders (p<0.05). The positive rates of flow cytometry detection (97.4%) was higher than those of cytomorphological (89.5%), immunohistochemical (90%), cytogenetic (56.5%) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18-FDG-PET/CT) examinations (50%) (p<0.05). ANKL is a highly aggressive leukemia with high mortality. Flow cytometry detection is sensitive for the early and differential diagnosis of ANKL with high specificity.

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma and aggressive NK cell leukaemia: evidence for their origin on CD56+bright CD16-/+dim NK cells

Mature natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms are classified by the World Health Organization into extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) and aggressive NK cell leukaemia (ANKL). In order to propose their normal NK cell counterparts, we reviewed the literature on the phenotype of the neoplastic NK cells from five series of patients with ENKTL (n = 411) and seven series of patients with ANKL (n = 114) and compared with that of the normal and activated mature CD56 NK cell subsets. The tumour NK cells usually express brightly the CD56 adhesion molecule and CD94 lectin type killer receptor, and have an activation-related (cytoplasmic CD3ε, CD7, CD45RO, HLA-DR) phenotype; in contrast, CD16 and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors are frequently negative, and CD57 expression is almost never observed. These phenotypic features would suggest that ENKTL and ANKL cells do represent the neoplastic counterpart of the mature CD56 NK cells, which undergo activation and malignant transformation after Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Genetic alterations of JAK/STAT cascade and histone modification in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma nasal type (ENKL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that more frequently occurs in East Asia and Latin America. Even though its molecular background has been discussed in the last few years, the current knowledge does not explain the disease pathogenesis in most cases of ENKL. Here, we performed multiple types of next-generation sequencing on 34 ENKL samples, including whole-exome sequencing (9 cancer tissues and 4 cancer cell lines), targeted sequencing (21 cancer tissues), and RNA sequencing (3 cancer tissues and 4 cancer cell lines). Mutations were found most frequently in 3 genes, STAT3, BCOR, and MLL2 (which were present in 9, 7, and 6 cancer samples, respectively), whereas there were only 2 cases of JAK3 mutation. In total, JAK/STAT pathway- and histone modification-related genes accounted for 55.9% and 38.2% of cancer samples, respectively, and their involvement in ENKL pathogenesis was also supported by gene expression analysis. In addition, we provided 177 genes upregulated only in cancer tissues, which appear to be linked with angiocentric and angiodestructive growth of ENKL. In this study, we propose several novel driver genes of ENKL, and show that these genes and their functional groups may be future therapeutic targets of this disease.

Consolidative treatment after salvage chemotherapy improves prognosis in patients with relapsed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

The optimal treatment strategy for relapsed natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains largely unknown. We retrospectively reviewed the treatment modalities and prognosis of 56 relapsed NKTCL patients. Chemotherapy was the initial salvage treatment, followed by radiotherapy (RT) or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) as consolidative therapy, depending on the status of remission and the pattern of relapse. For patients with locoregional relapse alone, consolidative RT after salvage chemotherapy significantly improved prognosis compared with follow-up (5-year OS: 83.3 vs. 41.7%, P = 0.047). For patients with distant relapse, consolidative AHSCT after salvage chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival compared with follow-up (2-year OS: 100.0 vs. 20.0%, P = 0.004). Patients without consolidative treatment after response to salvage chemotherapy exhibited a comparable survival to those who experienced stable or progressive disease after chemotherapy. Asparaginase (ASP)-containing salvage chemotherapy failed to confer a survival advantage over ASP-absent chemotherapy (5-year OS: 44.2 vs. 39.3%, P = 0.369). In conclusion, consolidative RT or AHSCT improved prognosis in patients with relapsed NKTCL who responded to initial salvage chemotherapy, and the role of ASP in salvage chemotherapy requires further exploration in prospective studies.

GDP (Gemcitabine, Dexamethasone, and Cisplatin) Is Highly Effective and Well-Tolerated for Newly Diagnosed Stage IV and Relapsed/Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin) regimen in patients with newly diagnosed stage IV and relapsed/refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL).The study enrolled 41 ENKTL patients who received GDP regimen at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between January 2008 and January 2015.The disease status was newly diagnosed stage IV in 15 patients and relapsed/refractory in 26 patients. The median number of cycles of chemotherapy per patient was 6 (range, 2-8 cycles). The overall response rate and complete-remission rate were 83.0% (34/41) and 41.5% (17/41), respectively. After a median follow-up of 16.2 months, 1-year progression-free survival rate and 1-year overall survival rate for the whole cohort were 54.5% and 72.7%. Grade 3 to 4 adverse events included neutropenia (34.1%), thrombocytopenia (19.5%), and anemia (14.6%).Our study has suggested high efficacy and low toxicity profile of GDP regimen in patients with newly diagnosed stage IV and relapsed/refractory ENKTL.

Current Management Concepts: Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma, Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type, and Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder

Primary central nervous system lymphoma, natural killer T-cell lymphoma nasal type, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder are uncommon and complex lymphoproliferative disorders. These disorders present with different risk factors, have complex tumor characteristics, and require unique therapeutic interventions. These diseases require a multidisciplinary complex team approach. This article will update current management approaches and concepts.

Five-year analysis from phase 2 trial of "sandwich" chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed, stage IE to IIE, nasal type, extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

The “sandwich” protocol, was first proposed by us and comprised of l‐asparaginase, vincristine, and prednisone chemotherapy with radiotherapy, results in 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival rates that surpass traditional therapies for patients with newly diagnosed, stage IE‐IIE, nasal type, extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma. The results had been published by cancer. These patients were followed up over a median period of 67 months, for which updates and the results of prognostic factors analyses are presented. The 5‐year overall survival and progress‐free survival rates were both 64%. The highest rates of death occurred during the first 6 months, and between the second and third year after enrollment. The initial therapeutic response (odds ratio = 5.83; P = 0.001) and B symptoms (odds ratio = 6.13; P = 0.043) were significant prognostic factors for overall survival. However, the international prognostic index was not significant for progress‐free survival and overall survival. There were no severe long‐term side effects. These results indicate that the “sandwich” protocol may benefit the long‐term survival of patients with newly diagnosed stage IE‐IIE, nasal type, extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma. However, additional studies with larger samples are required to confirm these results. This study is registered at www.Chictr.org (ChicTR‐TNC‐09000394).

A Case of Mature Natural Killer-Cell Neoplasm Manifesting Multiple Choroidal Lesions: Primary Intraocular Natural Killer-Cell Lymphoma

Purpose

Natural killer (NK) cell neoplasm is a rare disease that follows an acute course and has a poor prognosis. It usually emerges from the nose and appears in the ocular tissue as a metastasis. Herein, we describe a case of NK-cell neoplasm in which the eye was considered to be the primary organ.

Case

A 50-year-old female displayed bilateral anterior chamber cells, vitreous opacity, bullous retinal detachment, and multiple white choroidal mass lesions. Although malignant lymphoma or metastatic tumor was suspected, various systemic examinations failed to detect any positive results. A vitrectomy was performed OS; however, histocytological analyses from the vitreous sample showed no definite evidence of malignancy, and IL-10 concentration was low. Enlarged choroidal masses were fused together. Three weeks after the first visit, the patient suddenly developed an attack of fever, night sweat, and hepatic dysfunction, and 5 days later, she passed away due to multiple organ failure. Immunohistochemisty and in situ hybridization revealed the presence of atypical cells positive for CD3, CD56, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNAs, resulting in the diagnosis of NK-cell neoplasm. With the characteristic clinical course, we concluded that this neoplasm was a primary intraocular NK-cell lymphoma.

Conclusions

This is the first report to describe primary intraocular NK-cell neoplasm. When we encounter atypical choroidal lesions, we should consider the possibility of NK-cell lymphoma, even though it is a rare disease.

Risk-adapted therapy for early-stage extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma: analysis from a multicenter study

Patients with early-stage extranodal nasal-type NKTCL were classified as low risk or high risk using 5 independent prognostic factors. Risk-adapted therapy of RT alone for the low-risk group and RT consolidated by CT for the high-risk group proved the most effective treatment.

Exome sequencing identifies somatic mutations of DDX3X in natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a malignant proliferation of CD56(+) and cytoCD3(+) lymphocytes with aggressive clinical course, which is prevalent in Asian and South American populations. The molecular pathogenesis of NKTCL has largely remained elusive. We identified somatic gene mutations in 25 people with NKTCL by whole-exome sequencing and confirmed them in an extended validation group of 80 people by targeted sequencing. Recurrent mutations were most frequently located in the RNA helicase gene DDX3X (21/105 subjects, 20.0%), tumor suppressors (TP53 and MGA), JAK-STAT-pathway molecules (STAT3 and STAT5B) and epigenetic modifiers (MLL2, ARID1A, EP300 and ASXL3). As compared to wild-type protein, DDX3X mutants exhibited decreased RNA-unwinding activity, loss of suppressive effects on cell-cycle progression in NK cells and transcriptional activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Clinically, patients with DDX3X mutations presented a poor prognosis. Our work thus contributes to the understanding of the disease mechanism of NKTCL.

The aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphomas: 2015

BACKGROUND

T-cell lymphomas make up approximately 10%-15% of lymphoid malignancies. The frequency of these lymphomas varies geographically, with the highest incidence in parts of Asia.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is usually made using the World Health Organization classification. The ability of hematopathologists to reproducibly diagnosis aggressive PTCL is lower than that for aggressive B-cell lymphomas, with a range of 72%-97% for the aggressive PTCLs.

RISK STRATIFICATION

Patients with aggressive PTCL are staged using the Ann Arbor Classification. Although somewhat controversial, positron emission tomography scans seem to be useful as they are in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. The most commonly used prognostic index is the International Prognostic Index. The specific subtype of aggressive PTCL is an important risk factor, with the best survival seen in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma-particularly young patients with the anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive subtype.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is the only subgroup to have a good response to a CHOP-like regimen. Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma has a prolonged disease-free survival in only ~20% of patients, but younger patients who have an autotransplant in remission seem to do better. PTCL-not otherwise specified is not one disease. Anthracycline-containing regimens have disappointing results, and a new approach is needed. Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma localized to the nose and nasal sinuses seems to be best treated with radiotherapy-containing regimens. Enteropathy-associated PTCL and hepatosplenic PTCL are rare disorders with a generally poor response to therapy, although selected patients with enteropathy-associated PTCL seem to benefit from intensive therapy.

A TNM Staging System for Nasal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma

Ann Arbor stage has limited utility in the prognostication and treatment decision making in patients with NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL), as NKTCL is almost exclusively extranodal and the majority is localized at presentation for which radiotherapy is the most important treatment and local invasiveness is the most important prognostic factor. In this study, we attempted to establish a TNM (Tumor-Node-Metastasis) staging system for nasal NKTCL (N-NKTCL). The staging rules of other head and neck cancers were used as reference along with the data of our 271 eligible patients. The primary tumor was classified into T1 to T4, and cervical lymph node metastasis was classified into N0 to N2 according to the extent of involvement. Any lesions outside the head and neck were classified as M1. N-NKTCL thereby was classified into four stages: stage I comprised T1-2N0M0; stage II comprised T1-2N1M0 and T3N0M0; stage III comprised T3N1M0, T1-3N2M0, and T4N0-2M0; and stage IV comprised TanyNanyM1. This staging system showed excellent performance in prognosticating survival. In the current series, the 5-year survival rates of patients with stages I, II, III, and IV N-NKTCL were 92%, 64%, 23%, and 0, respectively. Moreover, the predictive value of several currently used factors was abrogated in the presence of the TNM stage. The TNM staging system is highly effective in stratifying tumor burden and survival risk, which may have significant implications in the treatment decision making for patients with N-NKTCL.

Management of advanced NK/T-cell lymphoma

NK/T-cell lymphomas are aggressive malignancies, and the outlook is poor when conventional anthracycline-containing regimens designed for B-cell lymphomas are used. With the advent of L-asparaginase-containing regimens, treatment outcome has significantly improved. L-asparaginase-containing regimens are now considered the standard in the management of NK/T-cell lymphomas. In advanced diseases, however, outcome remains unsatisfactory, with durable remission achieved in only about 50% of cases. Stratification of patients with advanced NK/T-cell lymphomas is needed, so that poor-risk patients can be given additional therapy to improve outcome. Conventional presentation parameters are untested and appear inadequate for prognostication when L-asparaginase-containing regimens are used. Recent evidence suggests that dynamic factors during treatment and interim assessment, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA quantification and positron emission tomography computed tomography findings, are more useful in patient stratification. The role of high-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation requires evaluation in an overall risk-adapted treatment algorithm.

Nasal endoscopic evaluation and its impact on survival in patients with stage I/II extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic findings of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type, are heterogeneous, but not fully understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of nasal endoscopic examination and its implications for treatment of stage I/II ENKTL.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 60 consecutive patients diagnosed with stage I/II ENKTL, nasal type, from 2000 to 2011.

RESULTS

The endoscopic findings were classified into early (45%) and advanced (55%) lesions. Furthermore, the primary tumor extent assessed by endoscopy was significantly correlated with the radiologic imaging (p < 0.001). The results of univariate analysis showed that the patients with advanced lesions had worse overall survival (p = 0.004) and disease-free survival (p = 0.001) than those with early lesions. In multivariate analysis, advanced lesions on nasal endoscopy was an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.024; hazard ratio 5.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-22.39).

CONCLUSION

We found that nasal endoscopic findings were important prognostic factors in stage I/II ENKTL, nasal type, suggesting that comprehensive endoscopic evaluation of primary tumor should be performed in this setting.

The extent of local tumor invasion predicts prognosis in stage IE nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a novel T staging system for risk stratification

A heterogeneous treatment response and prognosis exists among patients with Ann Arbor stage IE natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL), and further risk stratification is required to identify high-risk patients. Here, we assessed the extent of local tumor invasion (LTI) in 185 patients with Ann Arbor stage IE primary nasal NKTCL and proposed a novel four-level T staging system. We found that a more advanced T stage was associated with a significantly lower rate of complete remission (CR) after chemotherapy and a marginally lower rate of CR after radiotherapy. While patients with no LTI (T1) or mild LTI (T2) presented with similar 5-year overall survival (OS; 83.6 % vs. 86.0 %, P = 0.990), those with moderately or highly advanced local disease (T3 or T4) had significantly worse survival (5-year OS was 63.3 % and 35.1 %, respectively). A more advanced T stage (T3 or T4) was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and progression-free survival (PFS) in the Cox regression model. In addition, patients with T3 or T4 disease experienced locoregional failure more frequently than those with T1 or T2 disease, and patients with T4 disease had a significantly higher risk of distant failure. Our data demonstrated that the T staging system, based on the extent of LTI, could serve as an effective clinical parameter for further risk stratification among patients with primary nasal Ann Arbor stage IE NKTCL.

Clinical study of l-asparaginase in the treatment of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, (ENKTL) is a rare distinct entity of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is prevalent in Asia and Latin America but rare in North America and Europe. ENKTL represents an aggressive clinical course and a poor prognosis especially for advanced disease. There is no standard chemotherapeutic regimen for ENKTL. Recently, the efficacy of l-asparaginase in ENKTL has been confirmed. A series of l-asparaginase-containing chemotherapeutic regimens have been studied in clinical trials and have significantly improved the efficacy and prognosis for patients with ENKTL. This review will focus on pharmacology of l-asparaginase, the efficacy of a series of l-asparaginase-containing regimens in the treatment of ENKTL and future clinical study directions of l-asparaginase-containing regimens in ENKTL. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The heat shock protein 90 inhibitor BIIB021 suppresses the growth of T and natural killer cell lymphomas

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which infects not only B cells but also T and natural killer (NK) cells, is associated with a variety of lymphoid malignancies. Because EBV-associated T and NK cell lymphomas are refractory and resistant to conventional chemotherapy, there is a continuing need for new effective therapies. EBV-encoded “latent membrane protein 1” (LMP1) is a major oncogene that activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways, thus promoting cell growth and inhibiting apoptosis. Recently, we screened a library of small-molecule inhibitors and isolated heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors as candidate suppressors of LMP1 expression. In this study, we evaluated the effects of BIIB021, a synthetic Hsp90 inhibitor, against EBV-positive and -negative T and NK lymphoma cell lines. BIIB021 decreased the expression of LMP1 and its downstream signaling proteins, NF-κB, JNK, and Akt, in EBV-positive cell lines. Treatment with BIIB021 suppressed proliferation in multiple cell lines, although there was no difference between the EBV-positive and -negative lines. BIIB021 also induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at G1 or G2. Further, it down-regulated the protein levels of CDK1, CDK2, and cyclin D3. Finally, we evaluated the in vivo effects of the drug; BIIB021 inhibited the growth of EBV-positive NK cell lymphomas in a murine xenograft model. These results suggest that BIIB021 has suppressive effects against T and NK lymphoma cells through the induction of apoptosis or a cell cycle arrest. Moreover, BIIB021 might help to suppress EBV-positive T or NK cell lymphomas via the down-regulation of LMP1 expression.

Treatment outcome of patients with advanced stage natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: elucidating the effects of asparaginase and postchemotherapeutic radiotherapy

The prognosis of advanced stage natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains relatively disappointing, and the optimal treatment strategy for this disease has yet to be discovered. Seventy-three patients with Ann Arbor stage III or IV NKTCL were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment efficacies of asparaginase-containing and asparaginase-absent chemotherapy regimens were compared, and the effects of postchemotherapeutic radiotherapy were explored. The overall response rate (ORR) of the asparaginase-containing regimens was marginally higher than that of the asparaginase-absent regimens (56.5 vs 32.6 %, P = 0.057). However, no significant difference was observed in 2-year overall survival (OS) (38.3 vs 22.7 %, P = 0.418) or 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) (25.4 vs 14.9 %, P = 0.134) between the asparaginase-containing and asparaginase-absent groups. Postchemotherapeutic radiotherapy was associated with a significantly prolonged survival (2-year OS 57.5 vs 14.5 %, P < 0.001; 2-year PFS 46.3 vs 8.4 %, P < 0.001) and was an independent predictor of both OS and PFS. Radiotherapy significantly improved the prognosis among the patients who exhibited complete or partial remission after initial chemotherapy (2-year OS 81.5 vs 40.2 %, P = 0.002; 2-year PFS 65.6 vs 23.4 %, P = 0.008) but failed to provide a significant survival advantage among those who experienced stable or progressive disease after initial chemotherapy. In conclusion, the use of asparaginase did not significantly improve survival for the treatment of patients with stage III/IV NKTCL. Postchemotherapeutic radiotherapy provided additional prognostic benefits to patients who responded well to the initial chemotherapy, which requires further validation in future prospective studies using larger sample sizes.

[Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type, revealed by cutaneous breast involvement]

BACKGROUND

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and carries a poor prognosis. Depending on the primary sites of anatomical involvement, it is subcategorized into nasal or extra-nasal ENKTL. Cutaneous involvement is the second localization reported for these lymphomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A woman was admitted for erythematous infiltrative patches on the breasts having an ulcerative course. Cutaneous histopathology showed a dense, diffuse infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of specific markers for NK-cells and of cytotoxic molecules (TIA-1, granzyme B and perforin), lack of expression of T-cell markers (except positivity of cytoplasmic CD3 and CD2), and the presence of EBV-DNA in lymphoma cells. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed sub- and supra-diaphragmatic multi-organ involvement (kidneys, breasts, stomach, duodenum, lungs, pleural cavity, uterus, bones). No bone marrow infiltration was noted. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) showed high circulating levels of EBV-DNA in peripheral blood. A systemic nasal-type ENKTL was diagnosed. A chemotherapy regimen including high-dose methotrexate, oxaliplatin, gemcitabine, L-asparaginase and dexamethasone was started. Despite good initial therapeutic response, the outcome was rapidly fatal with bone marrow involvement and multi-organ failure.

DISCUSSION

Major cutaneous manifestations of ENKTL comprise erythematous infiltrative patches mimicking panniculitis or cellulitis and evolving towards ulceration or necrosis. Subcutaneous nodules may also be noted. Late diagnosis at an advanced stage accounts for the poorer prognosis in extra-nasal ENKTL. In the advanced stages, treatment is based on a chemotherapy regimen including L-asparaginase, possibly followed by autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Spontaneous Hepatic Rupture Associated With Epstein-Barr Virus Negative Aggressive Natural Killer Cell Leukemia

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is a rare subtype of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, which typically presents in young adults of Asian descent. It is an aggressive disease, characterized initially by fever, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly, which rapidly progresses to organ failure and death over the course of months. Spontaneous hemorrhagic complications have been reported to occur in ANKL in a handful of case reports, including lethal intestinal and cerebral hemorrhage as well as splenic rupture. Here, we present a case of a 49-year-old man with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative ANKL who developed fatal spontaneous hepatic rupture approximately 4 months after initial diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is first reported case of hepatic rupture associated with ANKL.

Identification of immunophenotypic subtypes with different prognoses in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

To analyze the differentiation characteristics of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, one nude mouse model, cell lines SNK6 and SNT8, and 16 fresh human samples were analyzed by flow cytometry immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry staining; and 115 archived cases were used for phenotypic detection and prognostic analysis. We found that CD25 was expressed by most tumor cells in all samples, and CD56(+)CD25(+) cells were the predominant population in the mouse model, the 2 cell lines, and 10 of the 16 fresh tumor samples; in the other 6 fresh tumor samples, the predominant cell population was of the CD16(+)CD25(+) phenotype, and only a minor population showed the CD56(+)CD25(+) phenotype. The phenotype detected by immunohistochemistry staining generally was consistent with the phenotype found by flow cytometry immunophenotyping. According to the expression of CD56 and CD16, 115 cases could be classified into 3 phenotypic subtypes: CD56(-)CD16(-), CD56(+)CD16(-), and CD56(dim/-)CD16(+). Patients with tumors of the CD56(dim/-)CD16(+) phenotype had a poorer prognosis than patients with tumors of the other phenotypes. Differentiation of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type apparently resembles the normal natural killer cell developmental pattern, and these tumors can be classified into 3 phenotypic subtypes of different aggressiveness. Expression of CD56(dim/-)CD16(+) implies a poorer prognosis.

Prognostic significance of Ki-67 antigen expression in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type (ENKTL) is a clinically heterogeneous disease with poor prognosis and requires risk stratification in affected patients. Recent studies have shown that Ki-67 may serve as a prognostic marker in certain types of lymphoma. We analyzed Ki-67 expression and its correlation with prognosis in 182 patients with ENKTL from January 2002 to June 2013. The patients were classified into two groups through a median value: low (<60%) versus high Ki-67 (≥60%). High Ki-67 expression was more common in patients with B symptoms (p=0.02), bulky disease (p=0.001), and extraupper aerodigestive tract NK/T-cell lymphoma (p=0.001). High Ki-67 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p<0.0001) and progression-free survival (p<0.0001). For patients with low-risk IPI or KPI, Ki-67 at diagnosis could contribute to distinguish patients with favorable outcomes from those with poor outcomes. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the high Ki-67 expression is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and progression-free survival. (OS, p=0.001; PFS, p=0.003). Our data showed that Ki-67 is an effective prognostic indicator of survival in ENKTL patients. This prognostic index may be helpful in identifying high-risk patients with ENKTL.

Serum ferritin level is prognostic of patient outcome in extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type

The objective of the current study was to assess the prognostic factors in patients with extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL). We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients who were diagnosed with ENKL between 1998 and 2011. The median patient age was 63 years, and the male/female ratio was 22:13; twenty patients had localized ENKL, and 26 had a good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (score 0 or 1). B symptoms were present in 17 patients. Twenty-five patients presented with nasal or paranasal lesions, or both. With a median follow-up duration among patients still alive at their last follow-up of 47 months (range 8-93 months), the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 44.5 %. Multivariate analysis revealed that advanced disease stage (P = 0.002), the presence of extranasal disease (P = 0.013), and serum ferritin levels greater than 300 ng/ml (P < 0.001) were significant and independent (negative) prognostic factors. High serum ferritin levels were associated with the presence of B symptoms, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, and high soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, but not with clinical stage. Patients with high ferritin levels had a remarkably low remission rate (23 %) and a short OS time (median: 4 months). Serum ferritin level at the time of diagnosis of ENKL was a useful prognostic factor.

Anti-tumor effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid on Epstein-Barr virus-associated T cell and natural killer cell lymphoma

The ubiquitous Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infects not only B cells but also T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and is associated with various lymphoid malignancies. Recent studies have reported that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors exert anticancer effects against various tumor cells. In the present study, we have evaluated both the in vitro and in vivo effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), an HDAC inhibitor, on EBV-positive and EBV-negative T and NK lymphoma cells. Several EBV-positive and EBV-negative T and NK cell lines were treated with various concentrations of SAHA. SAHA suppressed the proliferation of T and NK cell lines, although no significant difference was observed between EBV-positive and EBV-negative cell lines. SAHA induced apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest in several T and NK cell lines. In addition, SAHA increased the expression of EBV-lytic genes and decreased the expression of EBV-latent genes. Next, EBV-positive NK cell lymphoma cells were subcutaneously inoculated into severely immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull mice, and then SAHA was administered intraperitoneally. SAHA inhibited tumor progression and metastasis in the murine xenograft model. SAHA displayed a marked suppressive effect against EBV-associated T and NK cell lymphomas through either induction of apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, and may represent an alternative treatment option.

Aggressive mature natural killer cell neoplasms: report on a series of 12 European patients with emphasis on flow cytometry based immunophenotype and DNA content of neoplastic natural killer cells

We report 12 cases of aggressive natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms diagnosed in Portugal, with emphasis on flow cytometry. Ten patients had extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type and two had aggressive NK cell leukemia, and seven were men and five were women, with a median age of 50 years. NK cells brightly expressed the CD56 adhesion molecule and CD94 lectin type killer receptor and had an activation-related HLA-DR+ CD45RA+ CD45RO+ immunophenotype, in most cases. In contrast, dim CD16 expression was found in a minor proportion of cases, whereas CD57 and the CD158a and CD158e1 killer immunoglobulin-like receptors were negative. One-third of cases showed a hyperploid DNA content and nearly all had a very high S-phase proliferative rate. The phenotypic features of the neoplastic NK cells would suggest that they represent the transformed counterpart of the CD56 + bright NK cells that circulate in normal blood.

Cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a comparative clinicohistopathologic and survival outcome analysis of 45 cases according to the primary tumor site

BACKGROUND

Differences in survival outcomes and prognostic factors of cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) depending on primary tumor site are currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of cutaneous ENKTL according to primary tumor site.

METHODS

In all, 45 patients with cutaneous ENKTL were classified with: (1) primary cutaneous ENKTL, or (2) nasal ENKTL with cutaneous involvement. Clinicopathologic features, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors were analyzed using patient's medical records. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log rank test. The Student t test, Fisher exact test, and linear by linear association test were used to analyze clinicopathologic differences between groups.

RESULTS

Clinical manifestations of cutaneous ENKTL included solitary or multiple subcutaneous nodules and cellulitis or abscess-like lesions. Primary cutaneous ENKTL demonstrated a less aggressive clinical course and better survival outcomes. The extent of cutaneous lesions demonstrated a significant effect on the prognosis of primary cutaneous ENKTL, but not on nasal ENKTL with cutaneous involvement. The presence of nasal lesions in primary cutaneous ENKTL was associated with poor prognosis.

LIMITATIONS

This study used a retrospective design and included a small sample size.

CONCLUSION

Although the clinicopathological features were similar regardless of subgroup, survival outcomes and prognostic factors differed depending on the primary tumor site of cutaneous ENKTL.

Immunophenotypic and clinical differences between the nasal and extranasal subtypes of upper aerodigestive tract natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

To investigate, in a large cohort of patients, the immunophenotypic and clinical differences of nasal and extranasal extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT-NKTCL) and examine the relevance of the immunophenotype on the clinical behavior, prognosis, and treatment.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 231 patients with UADT-NKTCL were recruited. One hundred eighty-one patients had primary location in the nasal cavity (nasal UADT-NKTCL), and 50 patients had primary extranasal UADT-NKTCL.

RESULTS

Patients with extranasal UADT-NKTCL had more adverse clinical features, including advanced-stage disease, regional lymph node involvement, B symptoms, and poor performance status, than patients with nasal UADT-NKTCL. In addition, CD56 and granzyme B were less frequently expressed in extranasal UADT-NKTCL. The 5-year overall survival rate was 74.1% for the entire group and 76.0% for early-stage disease. The 5-year overall survival rate for extranasal UADT-NKTCL was similar or superior to that of nasal UADT-NKTCL for all disease stages (76.9% vs 73.4%, P=.465), stage I disease (75.9% vs 79.2%, P=.786), and stage II disease (83.3% vs 50.3%, P=.018). CD56 expression and a Ki-67 proliferation rate ≥ 50% predicted poorer survival for extranasal UADT-NKTCL but not for nasal UADT-NKTCL.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with nasal and extranasal UADT-NKTCL have significantly different clinical features, immunophenotypes, and prognosis. Extranasal UADT-NKTCL should be considered as a distinct subgroup apart from the most commonly diagnosed prototype of nasal UADT-NKTCL.

[Radiation therapy of sinonasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma]

Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma are part of lymphoproliferative diseases, they are rare in Europe and the United States but relatively common in Asia and South America. Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma present clinically as destructive lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract with perforation of deep structures of the face, destruction of the palate or an invasion of orbits. Treatment modalities of these lymphomas are still discussed because of the lack of available studies and the rarity of this disease. Radiotherapy provides a rapid control of the disease and is positioned as a major treatment of localized stages of NK/T-cell lymphoma of the nasal cavity. We therefore studied the different forms of radiation therapy in the early stages of nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

Pathogenesis and treatment of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL) is one of the uncommon subtypes of malignant lymphoma, and predominantly occurs in the nasal or paranasal areas and less frequently in the skin. Previously, its prognosis was poor due to the expression of P-glycoprotein, which actively exports several anticancer agents outside the lymphoma cells. However, in recent years, novel therapeutic approaches such as simultaneous chemoradiotherapy or l-asparaginase-based regimens including SMILE (steroid, methotrexate, ifosfamide, l-asparaginase, and etoposide) improved the response to therapy and survival of ENKL patients. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in lymphoma cells of almost all patients, accounting for the pathogenesis of ENKL. Fragmented EBV-DNA is released from tumor cells, and can be detected in the peripheral blood of patients. The EBV-DNA copy numbers are associated with tumor burden, and can predict the prognosis of ENKL, as well as the toxicity against chemotherapy. Based on this recent progress, ENKL is currently categorized as a lymphoma with intermediate prognosis, but the overall treatment results are not satisfactory. Further improvement of the prognosis of ENKL is therefore warranted, including the optimal use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Extranodal natural killer/T-Cell lymphoma: A population-based comparison of sinonasal and extranasal disease

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell Lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that preferentially affects the paranasal region. This study analyzes the demographic, clinicopathologic, incidence, and survival characteristics of sinonasal ENKTL (SN-ENKTL) and extranasal ENKTL (EN-ENKTL) in a comparative fashion.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried; 528 cases were available for frequency and incidence analysis, and 473 for survival analysis. Data were examined according to age, gender, race, histology, the presence of systemic (or B) symptoms, treatment, and Ann Arbor stage.

RESULTS

Extranasal disease was a poor prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30-2.19, P < .05). Patients with EN-ENKTL were older (mean 53.8 vs. 49.9 years, P < .05), most were male (72.5% vs. 59.8%, P < .05), and they were more likely to present with stage IIIE/IV disease (38.33% vs. 18.26%, P < .05). B symptoms were present in 38.41% of the EN-ENKTL group (vs. 22.86%, P < .05), and were a poor prognostic factor in this group only (HR = 1.6593, 95% CI = 1.05-2.62, P < .05). Radiation therapy demonstrated a survival advantage among both groups, especially in early stage disease.

CONCLUSIONS

SN-ENKTL carries a significantly better prognosis than EN-ENKTL, which presents at more advanced stages. Radiation therapy was associated with increased survival in both groups, especially in cases of localized disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b.

The aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphomas: 2013

BACKGROUND

T-cell lymphomas make up approximately 10-15% of lymphoid malignancies. The frequency of these lymphomas varies geographically, with the highest incidence in parts of Asia.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is usually made using the WHO classification. The ability of hematopathologists to reproducibly diagnosis aggressive PTCL is lower than for aggressive B-cell lymphomas, with a range of 72-97% for the aggressive PTCLs.

RISK STRATIFICATION

Patients with aggressive PTCL are staged using the Ann Arbor Classification. Although somewhat controversial, PET scans appear to be useful as they are in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. The most commonly used prognostic index is the International Prognostic Index. The specific subtype of aggressive PTCL is an important risk factor, with the best survival seen in anaplastic large cell lymphoma-particularly young patients with the anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive subtype.

RISK ADAPTED THERAPY

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is the only subgroup to have a good response to a CHOP-like regimen. Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma has a prolonged disease-free survival in only ~20% of patients, but younger patients who have an autotransplant in remission seem to do better. PTCL-NOS (not otherwise specified) is not one disease. Anthracycline containing regimens have disappointing results and a new approach is needed. NK/T-cell lymphoma localized to the nose and nasal sinuses seems to be best treated with radiotherapy containing regimens. Enteropathy associated PTCL and hepatosplenic PTCL are rare disorders with a generally poor response to therapy, although selected patients with enteropathy associated PTCL seem to benefit from intensive therapy.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: advances in the management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal-type is a highly aggressive disease more frequent in Asia than in Western countries. There is no consensus treatment. The outcome depends on disease stage. Localized NK/T-cell lymphomas often respond to radiotherapy. In contrast, patients who have extensive disease or who relapse after radiotherapy have a very poor prognosis. Overall, long-term survival in these lymphomas tends to be inferior to that for other aggressive lymphomas. This review focuses on the new management modalities in light of advances in risk stratification, patient monitoring and treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many parameters have been reported to correlate with prognosis and new staging systems have been elaborated. Detecting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the bone marrow is important for staging and measuring EBV DNA in the serum improved monitoring response to therapy. Radiation modalities have been precised and new strategies combining radiation and chemotherapy have been proposed for patients with localized disease. The particular efficacy of L-asparaginase in this disease has been confirmed and L-asparaginase-based regimens have been studied in prospective trials for patients with refractory, relapsing or disseminated disease with good results. Laboratory studies may point the way toward new therapeutic approaches.

SUMMARY

Early-stage disease is treated by involved-field radiotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy. L-Asparaginase-containing regimens are the mainstay of treatment for advanced or disseminated disease. The role of targeted therapies, autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is yet to be clearly defined.

Retrospective study of modified SMILE chemotherapy for advanced-stage, relapsed, or refractory extranodal natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma, nasal type

Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphomas, nasal type (ENKLs), which are a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with poor prognoses, are much more common in China than in Western countries. Here, we retrospectively assessed the impact of two treatment regimens on clinical response and survival among 42 ENKL patients. All patients were diagnosed with stage IV, relapsed, or refractory ENKL. Twenty patients received modified SMILE (consisting of L-asparaginase, methotrexate, ifosphamide, etoposide, and dexamethasone) chemotherapy, and 22 control patients received CHOP (consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) treatment. Higher complete response (CR) and overall response rates (ORR) (CR 45.0 vs. 13%, ORR 70 vs. 36%) were observed among the patients treated with the modified SMILE regimen (Fisher's exact = 0.040, Pearson χ(2) P = 0.030). Similarly, a higher ORR rate was observed among Epstein-Barr virus-positive patients (ORR 50.0 vs. 18.0%, Fisher's exact = 0.049). The treatment group was also significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (Log-rank, P = 0.0341, P = 0.0142, respectively), but OS did not seem to be longer. Treatment-related toxicity was monitored in all patients throughout the protocol. There were no significant differences in the incidence of hematological and non-hematological toxicities between the two groups (P < 0.05), with the exception of peripheral neuropathy (treatment = 0 control = 5, Fisher's exact = 0.049).