Primary diagnosis and REAL/WHO classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration: cytomorphologic and immunophenotypic approach

Role of Flow Cytometric Immunophenotyping for Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma in Small Biopsy and Cytology Specimens

CONTEXT.—

The diagnosis of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) traditionally requires surgical tissue biopsy because of the paucity of diagnostic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Diagnosis can be challenging in small core needle and cytologic biopsies, which are increasingly used because of reduced costs and minimal invasiveness. Flow cytometric (FC) identification of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells is possible, but FC test efficacy is not well studied outside of validation settings, especially in small specimens.

OBJECTIVE.—

To assess the testing efficacy of FC performed on small biopsy and cytology specimens for the diagnosis of CHL.

DESIGN.—

We reviewed 131 patients with CHL and 459 patients without CHL during a 3-year period who underwent a small biopsy procedure, including core biopsy and/or cytology evaluation, with concurrent routine clinical FC testing for CHL, assessing performance of FC in small specimens.

RESULTS.—

Evaluating testing efficacy, sensitivity was 95.4% and specificity was 98.2%, whereas positive and negative predictive values were 92.2% and 99.0%, respectively. Although there were more false-positive results than compared with published validation studies, expert review identified distinct diagnostic pitfalls; awareness of these may improve testing efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Although FC diagnosis of CHL was historically considered unfeasible, our findings in a real-world clinical setting suggest that FC adds diagnostic value to small biopsy evaluation, reducing time to treatment, costs, and invasive excisional procedures.

Rinsing sampling of core needle biopsy for flow cytometric analysis: A favorable method for lymphoma diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Conventional protocols utilize core needle biopsy (CNB) or fine needle aspiration (FNA) to produce cell suspension for flow cytometry (FCM) is a diagnostic challenge for lymphoid malignancies. We aim to develop an alternative CNB rinsing technique (RT) to produce cell suspension for FCM during this mini-invasive procedure of CNB for lymphoma diagnosis.

METHODS

FNA and CNB specimens from the same lesion of 93 patients with suspected lymphoma were collected under the guidance of B-ultrasound simultaneously. The fresh CNB samples were prepared to cell suspension by RT for FCM immunophenotyping analysis (Group CNB-RT). Then, the CNB tissues after performing the RT process and the fresh FNA tissues were processed by conventional tissue cell suspension (TCS) technique to obtain the cell suspensions (Groups of CNB-TCS & FNA-TCS), respectively, as comparison. The diagnostic efficacies, as well as the concordances of the FCM results with reference to the morphologic diagnoses were compared in these three groups.

RESULTS

RT could yield sufficient cells for FCM immunophenotyping analysis, though a lower cell numbers compared to TCS technique. The diagnostic concordance was comparable in group CNB-RT (91.1%) to the group CNB-TCS (88.9%) and group FNA-TCS (88.4%) (p = 0.819). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CNB-RT (91.1%; 100%) was not inferior to that of CNB-TCS (88.9%; 100%) and FNA-TCS (88.4%; 98.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the CNB-RT presented non-inferior diagnostic concordance and efficacy as compared to the TCS technique. CNB-RT has the potential to produce cell suspension for FCM immunophenotyping while preserving tissue for lymphoma diagnosis and research.

Flow cytometric analysis of fine needle aspirates is affected by tumor subtype, but not by anatomic location nor technique

BACKGROUND

Current clinical practices are shifting towards utilizing less invasive biopsy techniques, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) and needle core biopsies. If a patient has a suspected hematologic malignancy, a portion of the FNA sample is typically submitted for flow cytometry (FC) analysis, providing valuable immunophenotypic data.

METHODS

FNA specimens were identified via a pathology database search. All cases were morphologic evaluated and a subset of cases were analyzed by FC.

RESULTS

245 hematologic FNA specimens were identified; 84% of these cases had an adequate number of cells for FC analysis, and an unequivocal morphologic diagnosis (benign or malignant) was rendered in 85%. The percentage of cases with an unequivocal diagnosis was statistically significantly higher in those with associated FC than with those without FC (90% vs 58%). Neither FNA technique nor anatomic site affected the likelihood of obtaining an adequate sample for FC analysis and/or rendering a definitive morphologic or unequivocal FC diagnosis. Likewise, tumor subtype did not affect the likelihood of acquiring enough cells for FC analysis, but occasionally resulted in equivocal FC diagnoses or discordant FNA and FC diagnoses. Aggressive B-cell lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphomas were significantly less likely to be detected by FC as compared to low-grade B-cell lymphomas. Discrepancies between FNA and FC diagnoses occurred in 13% of cases. The majority of discrepancies (78%) included FC false negatives, while only 22% of cases had atypical or positive FC with negative FNA.

CONCLUSIONS

FNA with associated FC is a powerful diagnostic technique; however, lymphoma subtype may affect diagnostic sensitivity by FC, and therefore, discordant FNA and FC results should be interpreted with caution.

Diagnosis of Lymphoma Using Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Core-Needle Biopsy: A Single-Institution Experience

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to study the efficacy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and core-needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of lymphoma in a single institution.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed 635 FNAB/CNB cases performed in our institution to rule out lymphoma during a 4-year period and collected the relevant clinical and pathological information for statistical analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

This cohort comprised 275 males and 360 females, with a median age of 57 years. Among the 593 cases with adequate diagnostic materials for lymphoma work-up, 226 were positive for lymphoma, 286 were negative for lymphoma, and 81 were nondiagnostic. Each case had an FNAB, and 191 cases also underwent a CNB. The subclassification rate according to the WHO (2008) was 67% overall, 81% for the FNAB with CNB group, and 40% for the FNAB group. In the FNAB with CNB group, the subclassification rates for cases with and without a history of lymphoma were not significantly different. A definitive diagnosis of lymphoma relied on ancillary studies, but was not affected by location, or the needle gauge of CNB. Follow-up data revealed a high diagnostic accuracy of FNAB with CNB. In conclusion, the use of FNAB and CNB with ancillary studies is effective in providing a definitive diagnosis of lymphoma in our experience at the Northwell Health System.

Nasal NK/T-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Acute Inflammation of Nasal Vestibule

Extra nodal nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is relatively a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Variable clinical presentation with rapidly progressive necrosis of the cartilaginous and bony wall of the nose and upper respiratory passages leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. A 43-years-old patient presented with right nasal pain and furuncle-like swelling. The swelling progressed rapidly to cellulitis to the face up to the right eye. Within 2 months, it had advanced to necrosis of the lateral vestibular cartilage, medial maxillary wall, turbinate and nasal septal cartilage. Biopsy reported as non-Hodgkin diffuse T cell (angiocentric T cell) lymphoma.

Lymph Node Fine-Needle Cytology of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Diagnosis and Classification by Flow Cytometry

In the last decades, lymph node fine-needle cytology (FNC), coupled with flow cytometry (FC), has gained a role in the diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The combination of FNC/FC allows the diagnosis and classification of NHL in lymph node samples with a high sensitivity and specificity by combining cytological features and specific phenotypic profiles. The present review provides a brief technical description of FC and a detailed analysis of the current markers and their combinations (diagnostic algorithm) for the diagnosis and classification of NHL. The basic principles of clonality assessment, as well as the diagnostic strengths and weaknesses of the procedure, are reported. The current diagnostic algorithms for NHL classification are critically reviewed with a focus on specific problems related to single entities. Moreover, this review provides a detailed analysis of the different clinical contexts in which FNC/FC is performed and related implications. Future and further applications of FNC/FC for NHL are also discussed.

Importance of Flow Cytometry in the Cytopathologic Evaluation of Lymphoid Lesions Involving the Kidney

BACKGROUND

Cytomorphology alone is often insufficient for the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphomas, so flow cytometry (FC) may be used as an adjuvant test.

METHODS

Renal fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) performed from January 1993 to August 2014 were reviewed for FC data or a diagnosis of lymphoma.

RESULTS

A total of 586 renal FNAs were collected. Thirty-three cases (5.1%) had FC analysis. Lymphoma was diagnosed 35 times (6%), and FC was performed in 21 (60%) cases. Both cytomorphology and FC were consistent with lymphoma in 20 cases. Cytomorphology alone was diagnostic of lymphoma in 15 cases. In 28 cases, biopsy from the kidney or another site was diagnostic of lymphoma. One subsequent biopsy revealed that a kidney FNA, which showed no definitive morphologic or FC evidence of lymphoma, likely represented necrotic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

FC is a useful adjuvant diagnostic test for renal FNAs, particularly for subclassification and confirmation of the diagnosis when there is insufficient material for immunohistochemistry. FC should be interpreted with caution when a sample is limited or when there is suspicion of Hodgkin lymphoma, and further work-up is warranted when cytomorphology suggests lymphoma but FC is negative.

Systematic review of the effectiveness of fine-needle aspiration and/or core needle biopsy for subclassifying lymphoma

CONTEXT

The World Health Organization system for lymphoma classification relies on histologic findings from excisional biopsies. In contradistinction to expert guidelines, practitioners increasingly rely on fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsies rather than excisional biopsies to diagnose lymphomas.

OBJECTIVE

To determine a rate at which fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsies, combined with flow cytometry and/or genetic techniques, can provide a diagnosis sufficient for optimal medical management of lymphoma.

DATA SOURCES

The English-language literature on fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsies for lymphoma was reviewed to identify studies that provided interpretations of all specimens regardless of whether these were deemed diagnostic.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-two studies (1989-2012) specified the lymphoma subtypes for each diagnosis or indicated a rate at which the methods failed to provide a diagnosis. The median rate at which fine-needle aspiration cytology and core needle biopsies yielded a subtype-specific diagnosis of lymphoma was 74%. Strictly adhering to expert guidelines, which state that follicular lymphoma cannot be graded by these techniques, decreased the diagnostic yield further to 66%. Thus, 25% to 35% of fine-needle aspirates and/or core biopsies of nodes must be followed by an excisional lymph node biopsy to fully classify lymphoma.

Impact of flow cytometry in liver cytopathology

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of lymphoproliferative diseases. Cytomorphology alone is often insufficient for the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphoma; therefore, flow cytometry (FC) plays an important role in the characterization of lymphoproliferative disorders. This study reviews our experience with FC on liver FNA at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

METHODS

2,424 liver FNAs performed over a 21-year period were reviewed for clinical FC data (n=74) or a subsequent diagnosis of lymphoma in the liver without FC data (n=40).

RESULTS

In our study, 114 cases (4.7%) were included out of the 2,424 liver FNAs performed during the study period. Lymphoma was diagnosed 79 times. Cytomorphology alone was diagnostic of lymphoma in 45 cases, and in 33 cases both the cytomorphology and the FC were consistent with a diagnosis of lymphoma. Neither FC nor cytomorphology were diagnostic of lymphoma on 1 specimen. In 39 cases, FC had negative results on a lesion suspicious for lymphoma based on cytomorphology. In several nonlymphoma cases, FC provided information that allowed further subclassification of the neoplasm.

CONCLUSION

FC is a useful adjuvant diagnostic test for liver FNAs performed on patients with lymphoproliferative disorders.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping and cell block immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration: Experience from a tertiary care center

Background:

Accurate diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimen is challenging and requires ancillary testing.

Aim:

The feasibility of flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) along with cell block immunocytochemistry (CB-ICC) as adjunct techniques in the diagnosis of NHL as per the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification was evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

All cases of suspected lymphoma underwent FNA, and the sample was triaged for light microscopic evaluation, FCI, and CB-ICC, and each case was classified as per the current WHO classification.

Results:

A total of 65 cases was analyzed which included 40 B-cell, 21 T-cell, and 4 unclassifiable lymphomas. Of 61 cases, FCI alone was contributory in 74% (45/61) cases whereas CB-ICC alone was contributory in 65.5% (40/61) cases in typing the lymphoma. In 11.4% (7/61) cases, the lymphoma could not be classified by either technique. Thus, in a total of 88.5% (54/61) cases a combination of FCI and CB-ICC from FNA enabled a diagnosis of lymphoma with its subtyping.

Conclusion:

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping and ICC on CBs are feasible on FNA material and are very useful in a suspected case of NHL especially when a biopsy may not be possible or feasible.

Immunophenotypic characterization of canine malignant lymphoma: a retrospective study of cases diagnosed in Poland Lower Silesia, over the period 2011-2013

Lymphoma is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of the canine haematopoietic system. In this study, the flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were used to characterize a series of canine lymphomas in detail. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of B- and T-cell high-grade lymphomas and their immunophenotypic characterization in Lower Silesia, Poland. The results show that the frequency of each type of lymphoma is 71% for B-cell and 17% for T-cell lymphomas. In two cases the PCR techniques confirmed the presence of simultaneous double gene rearrangements of the BCR and TCR receptors.

From cytomorphology to molecular pathology: maximizing the value of cytology of lymphoproliferative disorders and soft tissue tumors

OBJECTIVES

The field of cytopathology has been rapidly advancing in the era of molecular pathology and personalized medicine. On-site cytologic evaluation for adequacy and triaging specimens for small core biopsy or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) are often required. Cytopathologists face the challenge of how to best triage small specimens for diagnosis, molecular testing, and personalized treatment. Owing to its minimally invasive nature, FNA alone or combined with core biopsy for lymphoproliferative disorders and soft tissue tumors has gained popularity.

METHODS

Literature review and author's institutional experience are used for this review article. This article will focus mainly on lymphoproliferative disorders and soft tissue tumors.

RESULTS

Evaluation combining cytomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and/or molecular pathology is often needed to accurately diagnose and classify lymphomas and soft tissue tumors. Many molecular tests have been performed on cytologic specimens, such as tests for BRAF and RET in thyroid FNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular pathology has been widely integrated into conventional cytopathology for diagnosing lymphoproliferative disorders and soft tissue tumors, and the diagnostic value of FNA on those tumors has increased significantly. Cytology will play a more important role in the era of personalized medicine.

Tissue flow cytometry immunophenotyping in the diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: a retrospective evaluation of 1,792 cases

A retrospective analysis of 1,792 solid tissues suggestive of lymphoma, submitted over a 12-year period, was carried out and flow cytometry (FC) results were compared with histologic findings. The final histologic diagnosis of cases documented in this report is as follows: 1,270 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL); 17 composite lymphomas; four NHL plus carcinomas; five post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders; 105 Hodgkin's lymphomas (HL); eight acute leukemias; 42 tissue cancers; and 341 non-neoplastic diseases. A strong correlation between morphology and FC data was observed among hematological malignancies (1,268/1,304, 97.2%) with the exception of HL. Among B-NHL, FC detection of clonally restricted B-cell allowed the identification of lymphomas that were not histologically clear and the differential diagnosis between follicular lymphoma and reactive hyperplasia. A high correlation level (r = 0.83; P < 0.0001) was obtained in comparing proliferation results obtained by FC and immunohistochemistry. Among T-NHL, FC detection of an aberrant phenotype direct histologic diagnosis in cases having less than 20% of neoplastic cells. In nine cases, FC suggested the need to evaluate a neoplastic population, not morphologically evident. Results show that FC routinely performed on tissue samples suspected of lymphomas is a fundamental adjunct to morphology in the diagnosis of NHL and may enhance the performance of the histologic evaluation so as to achieve the final diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a wide series of tissues also studied by FC.

[Role of cytology in hematopathological diagnostics]

The role of cytology has so far been underrecognized in the diagnostic process of hematopathological questions. This article presents an algorithm which allows a stepwise work-up of cytology specimens obtained by minimally invasive ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in patients with unexplained lymph node swelling. Moreover, it is shown how the selective separation of cytology specimens allows the application of immunophenotypic analysis including flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry as well as molecular analyses, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategies. With the integrative procedure presented, cytology offers an excellent cost-effective tool for the diagnostic approach of patients with suspected hematopathological malignancies allowing a high diagnostic accuracy, ideal for initial diagnosis or follow-up.

Usefulness of multiparametric flow cytometry in detecting composite lymphoma: study of 17 cases in a 12-year period

Composite lymphoma (CL) is a rare occurrence of 2 or more morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct lymphoma clones in a single anatomic site. A retrospective analysis of 1,722 solid tissue samples clinically suggestive of lymphoma was carried out in our institute during a 12-year period to evaluate the efficacy of flow cytometry (FC) in identifying CL. We report 17 CL cases. A strong correlation between morphologic findings and FC was observed in 13 cases (76%). In the 4 cases diagnosed as non-Hodgkin lymphoma plus Hodgkin lymphoma, although FC did not detect Reed-Sternberg cells, it accurately identified the neoplastic B- or T-cell component. In 3 cases, FC indicated the need to evaluate an additional neoplastic component that was not morphologically evident. Our data demonstrate that FC immunophenotyping of tissues may enhance the performance of the diagnostic morphologic evaluation of CL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of a wide series of CL studied also by FC.

Independent diagnostic accuracy of flow cytometry obtained from fine-needle aspirates: a 10-year experience with 451 cases

Although the topic is somewhat contentious, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is frequently used in conjunction with flow cytometry (FC) to evaluate lymphoid proliferations. Despite the fact that the FNA and FC are often analyzed independently, no previous large-scale study has independently analyzed FC of FNA specimens. FC reports of 511 FNAs were retrospectively reviewed and FC diagnoses categorized as monoclonal, atypical, normal/reactive, or insufficient cellularity (3.9%). Abnormal immunophenotype was considered a positive test result. "Gold standard" diagnoses were established by histologic examination, treatment based on FNA, or clinical features. In 92.2% (451/489), there was adequate follow-up. The diagnostic accuracy of FC was 88.4%, sensitivity was 85.8%, and specificity was 92.9%. In addition, FC accuracy for classes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was assessed. We conclude that FC is an independently accurate ancillary test in the evaluation of FNA. However, the presence of false-negative and false-positive cases supports the common practice of correlating FC with cytomorphologic findings even if performed independently.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology and flow cytometric immunophenotyping in diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in comparison to histopathology

This prospective study aimed to compare the value of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology (FNAC) and flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) with histopatopathology (HP) in the diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Twenty-nine excised lymph nodes suspected of NHL were evaluated using FNAC, FCI, and HP. Specimens were divided into two equal parts; one for HP and the other for FNAC and FCI. Results were compared in terms of diagnosis (malignant, benign or reactive, and metastatic) and NHL class. With combined FNAC/FCI, 11 (37.9%) cases were diagnosed as NHL, 11 cases (37.9%) as reactive lymph node, six cases (20.6%) as Hodgkin's lymphoma, and one case (3.4%) as metastasis. HP revealed nine cases (31%) of NHL, five cases (17.2%) of reactive lymph nodes and all the diagnosed metastatic and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Considering histology as a gold standard method in diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of FNAC/FCI in differentiate malignant and benign lesion were 73.9%, 83.3%, 94.4%, and 45.5%, respectively and in differentiate NHL from others were 75%, 93.8%, 90%, and 83.3%, respectively. Cytology and HP in addition to FCI and HP are significantly different from determination of NHL lesions point of view (P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). However, FCI can be considered as an adjunctive method for Cytology especially because Cytology is not competent enough to differentiate between benign lesions and Lymphoma. Additionally, FCI is shown to be an accurate method in classifying NHL.

Automated pattern-guided principal component analysis vs expert-based immunophenotypic classification of B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: a step forward in the standardization of clinical immunophenotyping

Immunophenotypic characterization of B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD) is becoming increasingly complex due to usage of progressively larger panels of reagents and a high number of World Health Organization (WHO) entities. Typically, data analysis is performed separately for each stained aliquot of a sample; subsequently, an expert interprets the overall immunophenotypic profile (IP) of neoplastic B-cells and assigns it to specific diagnostic categories. We constructed a principal component analysis (PCA)-based tool to guide immunophenotypic classification of B-CLPD. Three reference groups of immunophenotypic data files-B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias (B-CLL; n = 10), mantle cell (MCL; n = 10) and follicular lymphomas (FL; n = 10)--were built. Subsequently, each of the 175 cases studied was evaluated and assigned to either one of the three reference groups or to none of them (other B-CLPD). Most cases (89%) were correctly assigned to their corresponding WHO diagnostic group with overall positive and negative predictive values of 89 and 96%, respectively. The efficiency of the PCA-based approach was particularly high among typical B-CLL, MCL and FL vs other B-CLPD cases. In summary, PCA-guided immunophenotypic classification of B-CLPD is a promising tool for standardized interpretation of tumor IP, their classification into well-defined entities and comprehensive evaluation of antibody panels.

The role of fluorescence in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis and classification of lymphoproliferative disorders on fine-needle aspiration

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has been used in the evaluation of lymphadenopathy for a long time and is highly reliable in the identification of metastatic malignancies. However, the role of FNA in the assessment of new lymphoproliferative disorders continues to be a subject of debate. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of molecular cytogenetic studies in FNA diagnoses of lymphoproliferative disorders.

METHODS

A retrospective, computer-based search for lymph node FNAs from 2006 to 2007 was performed. Cases with either fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies were subjected to further analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 243 lymph node FNAs were performed during the period, including 104 that were positive/suspicious for metastatic malignancies, 16 that were positive/suspicious for lymphomas, 15 that demonstrated atypical lymphoid proliferation, 73 that were reactive, 14 that were deemed granulomas, and 21 that were determined to be nondiagnostic. Molecular analysis included combined FISH/PCR in 4 cases, FISH only in 7 cases, and PCR only in 4 cases. By using multiplex PCR, 6 cases with atypical/negative flow cytometry results were diagnosed as 4 B-cell lymphomas, 1 T-cell lymphoma, and 1 reactive lymph node; and 4 cases that had atypical T cells determined by flow cytometry were diagnosed as reactive. One CD10-negative follicular lymphoma and 2 cases with suspicious flow cytometry results were positive for t(14;18)(q32;q21) by FISH. Forty-five cases had follow-up histology with 3 false-negative findings and no false-positive results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, multiplex PCR studies for immunoglobulin heavy-chain or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements were useful for demonstrating clonality, and FISH studies were able to detect translocations or gene rearrangements that allowed for the subclassification of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Economic burden of follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (FNHL), a slow-growing cancer of the immune system, constitutes about 15-30% of all incident non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in developed countries. Its incidence is rising worldwide. Patients can live many years, but FNHL is considered incurable. We systematically reviewed the English-language MEDLINE-indexed and non-indexed economic literature published in the past 10 years on FNHL, identifying 23 primary economic studies. The economic burden of FNHL is significant, but available data are generally limited to retrospective considerations of hospital-based direct treatment costs, with little information available regarding societal cost of illness. Most direct cost information originates from the US, with one estimate of $US36 000 for the per-patient incremental cost of FNHL care during the first year following diagnosis. The most studied treatment is rituximab, which may offer similar overall costs to fludarabine considering higher resource use with fludarabine complications. Nearly all cost-effectiveness models identified by this review evaluated rituximab for relapsed/refractory FNHL responding to chemotherapy induction. Rituximab is supported as a cost-effective addition to standard chemotherapy by two models in the UK and one in the US, as maintenance therapy instead of stem-cell transplant by one UK model, and as maintenance therapy instead of observation alone by one model each in France, Spain and Canada. The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence updated guidance on rituximab in February 2008, concluding that it is cost effective when added to induction chemotherapy, and when used as maintenance therapy. No studies of per-patient or national indirect costs of illness were identified, with the only study of indirect costs a Canadian survey documenting lost work productivity. Across all study types identified by our review, the most common focus was on the direct costs of rituximab. As new treatments for FNHL come to market, more real-life cost data are imperative to calculate their relative cost effectiveness.

Overview of lymphoma diagnosis and management

The malignant lymphomas, including both Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), represent a diverse group of diseases that arise from a clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. Each of the more than 30 unique types of lymphoma is a disease with a distinct natural history. This biologic heterogeneity gives rise to marked differences among the lymphomas with respect to epidemiology, pathologic characteristics, clinical presentation, and optimal management. This article emphasizes the principles of diagnosis, including appropriate pathologic evaluation and staging considerations, and focuses on the clinical presentation, staging, and optimal management strategies for the most common types of lymphoma.

2006 Bethesda International Consensus recommendations on the flow cytometric immunophenotypic analysis of hematolymphoid neoplasia: medical indications

The clinical indications for diagnostic flow cytometry studies are an evolving consensus, as the knowledge of antigenic definition of hematolymphoid malignancies and the prognostic significance of antigen expression evolves. Additionally the standard of care is not routinely communicated to practicing clinicians and diagnostic services, especially as may relate to new technologies. Accordingly there is often uncertainty on the part of clinicians, payers of medical services, diagnostic physicians and scientists as to the appropriate use of diagnostic flow cytometry. In an attempt to communicate contemporary diagnostic utility of immunophenotypic flow cytometry in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with hematolymphoid malignancies, the Clinical Cytometry Society organized a two day meeting of international experts in this area to reach a consensus as to this diagnostic tool. This report summarizes the appropriate use of diagnostic flow cytometry as determined by unanimous approval of these experienced practitioners.

Primary thyroid lymphoma: role of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic findings of primary thyroid lymphoma and evaluate the role of ultrasound-guided biopsy in diagnosing thyroid lymphoma.

METHODS

This study included 6 patients (age range, 56-72 years; mean, 62.5 years). We searched the database of our institution and retrospectively collected data on the thyroid lymphomas that were confirmed pathologically. All of the sonograms and medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

All 6 patients had an enlarged neck mass and underwent ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The most notable sonographic feature of primary thyroid lymphoma was a marked hypoechoic mass compared with the residual thyroid tissue. Among the 6 patients with a diagnosis of thyroid lymphoma, 3 (50%) had a diagnosis of lymphoma by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Final pathologic results were obtained by ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (3/6 patients [50%]) or thyroidectomy (3/6 [50%]). Most patients with thyroid lymphoma (5/6 [83.3%]) were found to have diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and were treated with chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. In 1 patient with follicular lymphoma, diagnosis and treatment were accomplished by total thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy can be a safe and accurate method for diagnosing thyroid lymphoma and may be a suitable replacement for diagnostic thyroid surgery.

Accuracy and Cost-Effectiveness of Core Needle Biopsy in the Evaluation of Suspected Lymphoma: A Study of 101 Cases

Context.—Lymphomas have traditionally been diagnosed on excisional biopsies of lymph nodes in order to evaluate tissue architecture and cytomorphology. Recent lymphoma classification schemes emphasize immunophenotypic, genetic, and molecular aspects in addition to morphology as diagnostic features. Core needle biopsies are increasingly being used to obtain tissue for diagnosis in patients with lymphadenopathy and a clinical suspicion of lymphoma. These procedures are rapid, minimally invasive, well tolerated, and may provide some architectural framework (unlike fine-needle aspirations), as well as material for ancillary studies.

Objective.—To explore the accuracy, utility, and cost-effectiveness of this technique.

Design.—Core needle biopsies of 101 consecutive patients from 2 large community hospitals who were suspected of having primary or recurrent lymphomas were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections of needle cores. Specimens morphologically suspicious for lymphoma were subjected to ancillary studies, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and/or molecular studies. Core needle biopsy diagnoses were correlated with subsequent excisional biopsies, if performed.

Results.—Core needle biopsies established a definitive pathologic diagnosis for the vast majority of cases. A diagnosis was considered sufficient to begin treatment for primary and recurrent lymphomas in most cases. Compared with an open biopsy, there is a cost savings of greater than 75%.

Conclusion.—The accuracy of this technique, along with the cost savings and decreased morbidity, suggest that this method may be used safely and reliably as a first-line diagnostic technique.

Cytomorphological and immunocytochemical study of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in pleural effusion and ascitic fluid

INTRODUCTION

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is often complicated by pleural effusion and ascites. The present study is an attempt to categorize the lymphomatous effusions according to the WHO classification, using archival material.

METHODS

May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Papanicolaou-stained smears of 31 lymphomatous effusion specimens were reviewed. Of these, detailed cytological assessment was done on 12 pleural effusions and ten ascitic fluid specimens from 22 patients using the WHO lymphoma classification system. Immunocytochemical studies were performed in 21 specimens.

RESULTS

Based on cytomorphological features, the 22 lymphomatous effusion specimens were categorized into lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (1), follicle centre cell (FCC) grade-1 (centrocytic) lymphoma (3), FCC grade-2 (centrocytic-centroblastic) lymphoma (3), FCC grade-3 (centroblastic) lymphoma (4), large cell immunoblastic lymphoma (4), lymphoblastic lymphoma (2), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (3) and miscellaneous types (2). Immunocytochemically, the lymphoma cells were T-cell (positive for CD3) and B-cell type (CD20 positive) in five and six cases respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cytological examination of pleural effusion and ascitic fluid samples, supported by immunocytochemical studies, may be useful for the classification of lymphomas under the WHO system.

Flow cytometric analysis of lymphomas: current status and usefulness

CONTEXT

Immunophenotyping has become a routine practice in the diagnosis and classification of most cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and flow cytometry is often the method of choice in many laboratories. The role that flow cytometry plays, however, extends beyond just diagnosis and classification.

OBJECTIVE

To review and evaluate the current roles of flow cytometry in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, to compare it with immunohistochemistry, and to discuss its potential future applications in the molecular diagnostic era.

DATA SOURCES

The information contained herein is derived from peer-reviewed articles on the subject published in the English-language medical literature during the years 1980 to 2005 that were identified using PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi, 1980-2005) search, various books and other sources on flow cytometry, and the author's personal experience of more than 10 years with flow cytometric analysis of lymphomas and leukemia using Becton-Dickinson (San Jose, Calif) and Beckman-Coulter (Miami, Fla) flow cytometers.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were selected based on adequate material and methods, statistically significant results, and adequate clinical follow-up.

DATA EXTRACTION

The data from various sources were compared when the methods used were the same or similar and appropriate controls were included. Most of the studies employed 2-color, 3-color, or 4-color flow cytometers with antibodies from Becton-Dickinson, Beckman-Coulter, or DakoCytomation (Carpinteria, Calif). Results were evaluated from studies utilizing the same or similar techniques and flow cytometers. Only objective data analyses from relevant and useful publications were included for reporting and discussion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Flow cytometry serves a variety of roles in the field of lymphoma/leukemia including rapid diagnosis, proper classification, staging, minimal residual disease detection, central nervous system lymphoma detection, evaluation of prognostic markers, detection of target molecules for therapies, ploidy analysis of lymphoma cell DNA, and evaluation of multidrug-resistance markers. It offers many advantages in comparison to immunohistochemistry for the same roles and provides uses that are either not possible or not preferable by immunohistochemistry such as multiparameter evaluation of single cells and detection of clonality in T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

By virtue of its ability to evaluate not only surface but also cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens, flow cytometry continues to enjoy widespread use in various capacities in lymphoma evaluation and treatment. Additional roles for flow cytometry are likely to be invented in the future and should provide distinctive uses in the molecular era.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lymphoproliferative disorders--interpretations based on morphologic criteria alone: results from the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Nongynecologic Cytopathology

CONTEXT

Diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders is one of the most challenging tasks faced by the cytologist. The initial cytomorphologic evaluation of lymphoproliferative lesions directs the choice of ancillary studies that ultimately lead to a diagnosis based on the World Health Organization classification system using a composite of clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ability of participating laboratories in the College of American Pathologists Interlaboratory Comparison Program in Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology to appropriately categorize lymphoproliferative lesions based solely on cytomorphologic criteria.

DESIGN

Laboratory responses for lymph node aspirates were examined. All responses were based on review of glass slides without ancillary immunologic or molecular data available. The benchmarking data provided for each specific diagnosis were analyzed, with a focus on the performance for evaluation of lymphoproliferative lesions.

RESULTS

Based on morphology alone, responses for lymph node aspirates in the Non-Gynecologic Cytopathology program were correct to the exact reference diagnosis for 87.1% of Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was identified in 69.5% of the large cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, of which 66.8% were correctly classified as large cell type. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was identified in 68.1% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, other than large cell cases, and of these, 94.7% were identified as other than large cell type.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of specific responses was consistent for lymphoproliferative lesions, with a reasonable differential diagnosis based on cytomorphology alone, which, in practice, facilitates the appropriate choice of immunophenotypic markers and other ancillary studies.

Combined applications of fine needle aspiration cytology and flow cytometric immunphenotyping for diagnosis and classification of non Hodgkin lymphoma

Aims and objectives

In this present study we have evaluated the feasibility of sub-classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) cases according to World Health Organization's (WHO) classification on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) material along with flow cytometric immunotyping (FCI) as an adjunct.

Materials and methods

In this five years study, only cases suggested or confirmed as NHL by FNAC were selected and FCI was performed with a complete panel of antibodies (CD3, CD2, CD 4, CD5, CD8, CD7, CD10, CD19, CD20, CD23, CD45, κ and λ) by dual color flow cytometry. Both cytologic findings and FCI data were interpreted together to diagnose and sub-classify NHL according to WHO classification. Wherever possible the diagnoses were compared with cytology.

Results

There were total 48 cases included in this study. The cases were classified on FNAC as predominant small cells (12), mixed small and large cells (5) and large cells (26). In five cases a suggestion of NHL was offered on FNAC material and these cases were labeled as NHL not otherwise specified (NHL-NOS). Flow cytometry could be performed in 45 cases (93.8%) and in rest of the three cases the material was inadequate because of scanty blood mixed aspirate. Light chain restriction was demonstrated in 30 cases out of 40 cases of B-NHL (75%). There were 15 cases each of κ and λ light chain restriction in these 30 cases. With the help of combined FCI and FNAC, it was possible to sub-classify 38 cases of NHL (79%) according to WHO classification. Combined FNAC and FCI data helped to diagnose 9 cases of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 2 cases of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), 4 cases of follicular lymphoma (FL), 17 cases of diffuse large B lymphoma (DLBL) and 6 cases of lymphoblastic lymphoma. Histopathology diagnosis was available in 31 cases of NHL out of which there were 14 recurrent and 17 cases of primary NHL. Out of 15 DLBL cases diagnosed on FCI and FNAC, histology confirmed 14 cases and one of these cases was diagnosed as Burkitt's lymphoma on histology. Cases of FL (4), SLL (3) and MCL (2) were well correlated with histopathology. Out of the five cases suggestive of NHL on cytology, histopathology was available in four cases. Histology diagnosis was given as DLBL (1), SLL (1), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (1) and FL transformed into large cell NHL (1). Considering histopathology as gold standard, diagnostic specificity of combined FNAC and FCI was 100% (31/31) and sensitivity in sub-classification was 83.8% (26/31).

Conclusion

FNAC combined with FCI may be helpful in accurately sub-classifying NHL according to WHO classification. Many of the subtypes of NHL such as FL and MCL which were previously recognized as a pure morphologic entity can be diagnosed by combined use of FNAC and FCI. Other ancillary investigations such as chromosomal changes, cell proliferation markers etc. may be helpful in this aspect.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology combined with flow cytometry immunophenotyping is a rapid and accurate approach for the evaluation of suspicious superficial lymphoid lesions

The authors report a prospective study on 88 samples of superficial lesions (lymph nodes, skin nodules, and breast tumors), performed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in 74 patients, allowing (i) morphologic analysis combined with immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FCM) and (ii) a cytogenetic study in 33 cases. Thirty-nine FNAC (44.3%) were performed at the time of diagnosis. The cytology results were correlated with histopathologic examination in 32 cases. Forty-nine FNAC (55.7%) were performed in the context of follow-up of a lymphoma and the results were correlated with those of histopathologic examination in 14 cases. In this study, the concordance between FNAC plus FCM and histopathologic examination was 90% for low-grade non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphomas (NHLs) and 83% for high-grade NHL. The limits of this morphologic and phenotypic approach are (i) partial tumor infiltrations, (ii) Hodgkin lymphoma, and (iii) T-cell NHL. In conclusion, it may be said that this combined approach is very useful for diagnosis and follow-up of patients but requires teams experienced in the sampling technique and the morphologic diagnosis of the various types of low-grade NHL in which supplementary ancillary studies may be performed when morphology and flow cytometry immunophenoyping are not conclusive.

Fine-needle aspiration diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma using current WHO classification—Re-evaluation of cases from 1999–2004 with new proposals

With the advent of modern therapy, the differences in prognoses and treatment regimens among different subtypes of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have largely vanished. Stage and the presence of systemic symptoms are much more important than histologic subtypes as predictive factors. The current (2001) WHO classification markedly de-emphasizes spatial relationships as critical to the diagnosis of lymphoma and emphasizes cell morphology, immunophenotype, genetic features, and clinical information to define the disease states. This classification, thus, greatly enhances the capability of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to accurately diagnose HL. We searched all the FNA cases in our institute in years 1999 through 2004 and found 42 cases, for which 13 were primarily diagnosed (31.0%), 2 were recurrent (4.8%), 5 were highly suspicious (11.9%), and 22 were suspicious (52.3%) for HL. On follow-up tissue biopsy, all the primarily diagnosed, recurrent, and highly suspicious cases were confirmed to be HL (100% agreement). For the 22 suspicious cases, 13 were HL (59.1%), 5 were other lymphomas (22.8%), 1 was lymphoma unclassifiable (4.5%), and 3 were reactive processes (13.6%). The effect of immunostains on the diagnosis of HL was examined, and its importance was emphasized. Analysis of demographic data and the distribution of HL subtypes demonstrate that the study sample is representative of the general HL patient population. On the basis of these results, we propose: (1) If the FNA diagnosis of HL is confirmed both by morphology and immunostains, no further tissue confirmation, subclassification and grading is necessary, and appropriate treatment regimens should follow. (2) The nodular lymphocyte predominant HL and classical HL can be differentiated by adequate immunostaining. (3) If a definitive diagnosis cannot be achieved by FNA, a second FNA or a tissue biopsy should be recommended.

Fine-needle aspiration of a primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: a case report with cytologic, histologic, and flow cytometric considerations

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry (FCM) are increasingly being used for diagnosing and subclassifying lymphoma in the REAL/WHO classification. Herein, we report a case of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the WHO classification, diagnosed by FNA cytology in conjunction with FCM. This, to our knowledge, has not previously been reported. A 57-yr-old woman presented with bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and intermittent shortness of breath. CT scan revealed a 5-cm anterior mediastinal mass and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA of a 4.5-cm subcarinal lymph node showed medium to large atypical lymphocytes with scant to moderate finely vacuolated cytoplasm. Nuclei were enlarged, cleaved, noncleaved, lobulated, and hyperchromatic. The background showed lymphoglandular bodies. Malignant large cell lymphoma was cytologically diagnosed. FCM, performed on a portion of the FNA specimen, demonstrated large B cells devoid of surface immunoglobulin expression, the characteristic immunophenotype of PMBL. The histologic diagnosis was PMBL. Touch-imprint cytology of the histologic specimen showed large cells with a narrow rim of clear cytoplasm and prominent outer cell border. Nuclear features were similar to the FNA specimen. In the presence of a mediastinal mass, FNA cytology in conjunction with FCM can effectively diagnose PMBL in the appropriate clinical setting.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping including Bcl-2 detection on fine needle aspirates in the diagnosis of reactive lymphadenopathy and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with immunophenotyping by immunocytochemistry (IC) on cytospins has recently received increased consideration in the diagnosis of lymphoma. The aim of our study was to establish the diagnostic value of a four-color flow cytometric (FCM) panel, including cytoplasmic Bcl-2, in cytologic diagnosis of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RH).

METHODS

We investigated 424 FNAs from 396 patients. FCM panel included lambda/kappa/CD19/CD5, CD23/CD10/CD20/CD19, CD4/CD7/CD8/CD3 and Bcl-2/CD10/CD19/CD3 in fluorescein isothiocyanate, phycoerythrin, and peridinin chlorophyll protein or a tandem conjugate of R-phycoerythrin and indodicarbocyanine and allophycocyanin. Bcl-2 expression was evaluated separately for gated B and T cells.

RESULTS

In 97% of 172 RH samples, FCM was concordant with the diagnosis. FCM gave correct immunologic diagnosis in 95% of low-grade B-cell NHLs, 78% of high-grade B-cell NHLs, and 53% of T-cell lymphomas. Malignant B cells had higher Bcl-2 expression than did reactive B and T cells. This helped to establish a correct diagnosis especially in cases where no clear-cut monoclonality could be shown by kappa/lambda staining or where there was no expression of surface light chain. The highest Bcl-2 expression was found in follicular lymphomas.

CONCLUSION

Our FCM panel allowed precise classification of NHL in FNA material in 89.5% of all samples. Bcl-2 staining can be recommended for primary differentiation between reactive hyperplasia and NHL.

Best Practice No 185. Cytological and molecular diagnosis of lymphoma

With the advances in molecular pathology, the cell as a morphological and functional unit has become essential in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Conventional staining, preparation, and interpretation of cells, as seen in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), often used as a first line investigation of lymphadenopathy, is being supplemented with an array of immunocytochemical and molecular analyses, aimed not only at a more precise disease definition, but also at recognising factors that can predict prognosis and response to treatment. Accepting the pitfalls of conventional cytomorphology, this review looks at molecular changes characteristic to particular lymphomas and explores the currently available technology for their detection, with particular reference to cytological material. Future protocols for the diagnosis and management of patients with lymphadenopathy should include FNAC as an initial investigation, followed by immunocytochemistry and molecular investigations. Tissue biopsy, the conventional method of diagnosis, may be avoided in selected cases.

Pitfalls in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and how to avoid them

Although a broad range of pancreatic, gastrointestinal, thoracic, and abdominal pathology may be sampled by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), certain difficulties tend to recur because of the frequency of certain sample types and because of the nature of their individual cytomorphologic profiles. With this in mind, we review certain pitfalls that may befall cytopathologists with EUS-guided FNA. We discuss the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and of other pancreatic epithelioid tumors including pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, solid pseudopapillary tumors, and acinar cell carcinomas. We also discuss the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasia including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms and the diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal neoplasia with particular attention to gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Finally, we discuss the interpretation of lymph node aspirates.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of uncommon types of lymphoma

AIMS

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is an accepted means of diagnosing and typing common forms of lymphoma, particularly small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and large B cell lymphoma. However, its usefulness for diagnosing less common forms of lymphoma is not clearly established and this study was designed to examine this.

METHODS

The study reviewed the FNAs of suspected lymphomas collected over a period of approximately five years.

RESULTS

FNA samples were available for 138 definite lymphomas; most were common forms of B cell lymphoma. However, there was also one Burkitt lymphoma (BL), two Burkitt-like large B cell lymphomas, 15 classic Hodgkin lymphomas (HLs), two nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphomas, four mantle cell lymphomas, two mediastinal (thymic) large B cell lymphomas (MLBCLs), 11 peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCLs), and five T cell rich large B cell lymphomas (TCRLBCLs).

CONCLUSIONS

FNA diagnosis of BL was possible with immunoflow cytometry (IFC), cell block immunohistochemistry (IHC), and cell block fluorescent in situ hybridisation for c-myc alteration. It was difficult to make a definite diagnosis of HL and MLBCL on FNA alone. Both tend to be sclerotic tumours and FNA tends to yield scanty neoplastic cells. The FNA diagnosis of PTCL depended on cell block IHC; IFC was not usually useful. TCRLBCL did not show light chain restriction on IFC of FNA samples, probably because of frequent reactive B cells in the tumour. Thus, HL, MLBCL, and TCRLBCL are often difficult to diagnose accurately on FNA cytology, even when using IFC and cell block IHC.