Immunohistochemical profiling based on Bcl-2, CD10 and MUM1 expression improves risk stratification in patients with primary nodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Expression and Clinical Significance of ki-67, CD10, BCL6, MUM1, c-MYC, and EBV in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Patients

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in adults. Although studies regarding the association between the expression of Ki-67, CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 proteins, as well as c-MYC amplification and EBV status with clinicopathologic characteristics have rapidly progressed, their co-expression and prognostic role remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the expression of all markers and clinicopathologic features and their prognostic value in DLBCL. Also, the co-expression of markers was investigated.

METHODS

The protein expression levels and prognostic significance of Ki-67, CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 were investigated with clinical follow-up in a total of 53 DLBCL specimens (including germinal center B [GCB] and activated B cell [ABC] subtypes) as well as adjacent normal samples using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Besides, the clinical significance and prognostic value of c-MYC and EBV status were also evaluated through chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH), and their correlation with other markers was also assessed.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a positive correlation between CD10 and BCL6 expression, with both markers being associated with the GCB subtype (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Besides, we observe a statistically significant association between MUM1 protein expression and clinicopathologic type (P<0.005) as well as a positive association between c-MYC and recurrence (P=0.028). Our survival analysis showed that patients who had responded to R-CHOP treatment had better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than those who did not.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, this study's results add these markers' value to the existing clinical understanding of DLBCL. However, further investigations are needed to explore markers' prognostic and biological roles in DLBCL patients.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: Comprehension of cell-of-origin subtypes

Primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNS-DLBCL) is an uncommon extranodal lymphoma that accounts for more than 95% of all the CNS lymphomas. Unlike its systemic/nodal counterpart, which is currently subtyped into cell-of origin (COO) subtypes, its feasibility and utility are largely debatable in PCNS-DLBCL.

Objectives

To classify PCNS-DLBCL into COO-subtypes based on immunohistochemical algorithms by Hans and Choi and evaluate concordance between the two. A further aim is to investigate the clinicoradiological and histomorphological parameters of the subtypes thus obtained.

Materials and Methods

As many as 143 cases of primary CNS lymphoma were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for CD10, BCL6, MUM1, GCET, and FOXP1 and based on which the said 143 cases were further classified into COO subtypes using Hans and Choi algorithms.

Results

Mean age was 53.8 years with marginal male preponderance and predominantly centroblastic morphology (75.5%). CD 10 was positive in 8.9% of the cases, BCL6 in 58.6%, MUM1 in 89.9%, GCET in 32.9%, and FOXP1 in 79.5%. As much as 84.9% cases were of non-germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype and 15.1% cases were of GCB subtype as determined based on Hans algorithm. Furthermore, 90.7% cases were of activated B-cell (ABC) subtype and 9.3% cases were of GCB subtype according to Choi algorithm. A 91.8% concordance was observed between Hans and Choi algorithms. Among the 6 discordant cases, 5 cases were subtyped as GCB by Hans and ABC by Choi and 1 case as ABC by Hans and GCB by Choi.

Conclusion

Most of PCNS-DLBCLs are of non-GCB/ABC COO subtype, but inconsistences abound in the utility of IHC algorithms in PCNS-DLBCL COO subtypes.

Unusual Instance of Primary Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma of the Colon

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) commonly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, although primary DLBCL rarely occurs in the colon. Primary colorectal lymphoma is a surprisingly rare diagnosis, accounting for a minute percentage of GI lymphomas and colorectal malignancies. We present an interesting case of an immunocompromised young adult female who was diagnosed with DLBCL confined to a cecum polyp after she underwent a colonoscopy for a GI bleed. The lymphoma presented endoscopically as a semi-sessile polyp in the cecum that was successfully removed. The patient was treated with appropriate therapy of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP).

A Multicenter Study of Clinicopathology and Immunohistochemical Distinction between Adult and Pediatric Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Introduction: Pediatric DLBCL is considered a homogenous group and has superior outcomes compared to adults. This study investigated the clinical pathology and immunohistochemical distinction between adult and pediatric large B-cell lymphoma. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 314 NHLs with the morphology of diffuse pattern, large B-cell, and CD20 expression was investigated. Results: Of 314 cases, there were 6 cases of pleomorphic MCL (all in adults), 19 cases of Burkitt lymphoma (all in children), and 289 cases of DLBCL. Pediatric DLBCL had many striking differences: More frequency in extra-nodal sites; a higher proportion of centroblastic morphology; a predominance of GCB-type; a high proliferation rate; an infrequency of Bcl2 protein expression, and a lack of double-expresser lymphoma. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the significant biological differences between adult and pediatric DLBCL.

Molecular Diagnostic Review of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Its Tumor Microenvironment

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a clinically and morphologically heterogeneous entity that has continued to resist complete subtyping. Molecular subtyping efforts emerged in earnest with the advent of gene expression profiling (GEP). This molecular subtyping approach has continued to evolve simultaneously with others including immunohistochemistry and more modern genomic approaches. Recently, the veritable explosion of genomic data availability and evolving computational methodologies have provided additional avenues, by which further understanding and subclassification of DBLCLs is possible. The goal of this review is to provide a historical overview of the major classification timepoints in the molecular subtyping of DLBCL, from gene expression profiling to present day understanding.

Immunohistochemical algorithms and gene expression profiling in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

to assess whether immunohistochemical (IHC) algorithms used to classify the cell of origin (COO) of nodal Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (nDLBCL) in Germinal Center type (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes may be applied to Primary Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL) too, and which of these algorithms performs better on PCBCL.

DESIGN

Retrospective case control study.

SETTING

Pathology Department of the University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona" Salerno, Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen PCBCL, including Primary Cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (PCFCL) and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) and 14 nDLBCL were evaluated for 7-year period (January 2011 to December 2017). Primary cutaneous marginal zone cell lymphoma (PCMZL) cases were not included in the present study.

INTERVENTION

Evaluation of immunohistochemical CD10, BCL6, MUM1/IRF4, BCL2, MYC and Ki-67 expression and classification according to three different algorithms. Gene expression profiling (GEP) was performed on the same series using Lymph2Cx assay (Nanostring). The data obtained were compared and analysed.

RESULTS

All the IHC algorithms showed 13 GCB and 15 non-GCB. GEP showed 12 GCB, 12 activated B cell-type and 4 unclassified.

CONCLUSIONS

The PCBCL were classifiable as GCB and non-GCB like the nDLBCL as IHC algorithms were concordant to GEP and produced the same results.

Prognostic molecular biomarkers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era and their therapeutic implications

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents a group of tumors characterized by substantial heterogeneity in terms of their pathological and biological features, a causal factor of their varied clinical outcome. This variation has persisted despite the implementation of rituximab in treatment regimens over the last 20 years. In this context, prognostic biomarkers are of great importance in order to identify high-risk patients that might benefit from treatment intensification or the introduction of novel therapeutic agents. Herein, we review current knowledge on specific immunohistochemical or genetic biomarkers that might be useful in clinical practice. Gene-expression profiling is a tool of special consideration in this effort, as it has enriched our understanding of DLBCL biology and has allowed for the classification of DLBCL by cell-of-origin as well as by more elaborate molecular signatures based on distinct gene-expression profiles. These subgroups might outperform individual biomarkers in terms of prognostication; however, their use in clinical practice is still limited. Moreover, the underappreciated role of the tumor microenvironment in DLBCL prognosis is discussed in terms of prognostic gene-expression signatures, as well as in terms of individual biomarkers of prognostic significance. Finally, the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of DLBCL patients are discussed and an evidence-based therapeutic approach by specific genetic subgroup is suggested.

A refined cell-of-origin classifier with targeted NGS and artificial intelligence shows robust predictive value in DLBCL

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous entity of B-cell lymphoma. Cell-of-origin (COO) classification of DLBCL is required in routine practice by the World Health Organization classification for biological and therapeutic insights. Genetic subtypes uncovered recently are based on distinct genetic alterations in DLBCL, which are different from the COO subtypes defined by gene expression signatures of normal B cells retained in DLBCL. We hypothesize that classifiers incorporating both genome-wide gene-expression and pathogenetic variables can improve the therapeutic significance of DLBCL classification. To develop such refined classifiers, we performed targeted RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) with a commercially available next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform in a large cohort of 418 DLBCLs. Genetic and transcriptional data obtained by RNA-Seq in a single run were explored by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a NGS-COO classifier for COO assignment and NGS survival models for clinical outcome prediction. The NGS-COO model built through applying AI in the training set was robust, showing high concordance with COO classification by either Affymetrix GeneChip microarray or the NanoString Lymph2Cx assay in 2 validation sets. Although the NGS-COO model was not trained for clinical outcome, the activated B-cell-like compared with the germinal-center B-cell-like subtype had significantly poorer survival. The NGS survival models stratified 30% high-risk patients in the validation set with poor survival as in the training set. These results demonstrate that targeted RNA-Seq coupled with AI deep learning techniques provides reproducible, efficient, and affordable assays for clinical application. The clinical grade assays and NGS models integrating both genetic and transcriptional factors developed in this study may eventually support precision medicine in DLBCL.

Predictive and Prognostic Molecular Factors in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest form of lymphoid malignancy, with a prevalence of about 40% worldwide. Its classification encompasses a common form, also termed as “not otherwise specified” (NOS), and a series of variants, which are rare and at least in part related to viral agents. Over the last two decades, DLBCL-NOS, which accounts for more than 80% of the neoplasms included in the DLBCL chapter, has been the object of an increasing number of molecular studies which have led to the identification of prognostic/predictive factors that are increasingly entering daily practice. In this review, the main achievements obtained by gene expression profiling (with respect to both neoplastic cells and the microenvironment) and next-generation sequencing will be discussed and compared. Only the amalgamation of molecular attributes will lead to the achievement of the long-term goal of using tailored therapies and possibly chemotherapy-free protocols capable of curing most (if not all) patients with minimal or no toxic effects.

Cytologic and Molecular Diagnostics for Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Current Approaches and Emerging Single-Cell Analyses

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare ocular malignancy that manifests as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent mistreatment and to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with VRL. The disease can be diagnosed using various methods, including cytology, immunohistochemistry, cytokine analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis of bulk vitreous aspirates. Despite these options, VRL diagnosis remains challenging, as samples are often confounded by low cellularity, the presence of debris and non-target immunoreactive cells, and poor cytological preservation. As such, VRL diagnostic accuracy is limited by both false-positive and false-negative outcomes. Missed or inappropriate diagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which can have life-threatening consequences for patients with VRL. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and the diagnostic modalities used for VRL diagnosis. We also highlight several emerging molecular techniques, including high-resolution single cell-based analyses, which may enable more comprehensive and precise VRL diagnoses.

Prognostic impact of immunophenotyping of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma - a single-centre experience

The concept generated by biological expression profile divided patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into two subtypes. This concept has been presented in the recent editions of WHO classification and became a prognostic tool. Aim of the study was introduction of new three-marker model for immunohistochemical and prognostic subclasification of patients with DLBCL. Our retrospective study enrolled 200 adult patients with DLBCL diagnosed and treated in the period between January 2013 to January 2021. They were all treated with chemoimmunotherapy with R+/-CHOP regimen and the median follow-up of the patients was 48 months. We analysed the biopsy samples immunohistochemically with the markers of germinal (BCL6) and post-germinal centre (MUM1), and the marker of apoptosis (BCL2). Using the immunohistochemical three-marker model, which consisted of BCL-2, BCL-6, and MUM1, we distributed the patients with DLBCL into 2 subgroups: germinal centre – like (GCL) and activated centre-like lymphoma (ACL). The GCL and ACL patients were comparable regarding age, gender and all other already established prognostic parameters. Patients with GCL had overall survival of 140 months, and patients with ACL had overall survival of 88 months. ACL patients with BCL2 expression had a shorter survival compared to ACL patients without BCL2 expression. The difference in survival was statistically significant for p=0.01914. The study introduced the new three-marker model for immunohistochemical subclasification of patients with DLBCL treated with immunochemotherapy. Apoptotic marker BCL2 is a strong survival predictor. In the present study, we confirmed the prognostic importance of BCL2 protein expression, which showed a predictive capacity in ACL. Keywords: DLBCL, three - marker model, immunohistochemical, BCL2

Oral and oropharyngeal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma: A clinicopathologic and prognostic study of 69 cases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the clinicopathological, molecular, and prognostic features of oral/oropharyngeal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

STUDY DESIGN

All cases were retrieved from 7 Brazilian institutions. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed to confirm the diagnoses and to categorize the tumors. In situ hybridization was used to detect Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to identify gene rearrangements.

RESULTS

Most cases involved the oral cavity (76.8%). Males and females, with a mean age of 60 years, were evenly affected. Tumors mostly presented as painful swellings. Forty cases represented germinal center B-cell type (58%). Five cases presented double-hit translocation and 3 harbored rearrangement for MYC/BCL2/BCL6. EBV was detected in 3 cases (4.3%). The 5-year overall survival was 44.4%. Female sex, presence of pain and ulcer, microscopic "starry sky pattern" and necrosis, co-expression of c-Myc/Bcl2, and translocation of MYC were associated with a lower survival in univariate analysis (P = .05, P = .01, P = .01, P = .03, P = .05, P = .006, P = .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients affected by oral/oropharyngeal DLBCL have a low survival rate. High-grade B-cell lymphoma (17.7%) and EBV-positive DLBCL, not otherwise specified (4.3%) account for a small number of cases.

High Ki67 proliferation index but not cell-of-origin subtypes is associated with shorter overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background:

CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 are commonly used immunohistochemical stains for classifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is useful in predicting outcome. Conflicting reports of the prognostic value of other markers such as BCL2, CD23, and Ki67 proliferation index have been reported. Our objective was to correlate these immunostains and Hans classification with response to therapy and overall survival.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with DLBCL from 2008–2014 at a tertiary-care cancer hospital. The slides with the IHC stains were reviewed by two independent pathologists. The clinical outcomes––assessed independently––were response to therapy and overall survival. The treatment response evaluation was based on the new Lugano classification. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Fisher’s exact test and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Forty-one patients were included in the study with a known Hans classification, available clinical data, and at least 5-year follow-up. CD10 immunostain was reported in all patients, whereas CD23 was the least reported in only four patients. No significant association was observed between CD10, BCL6, MUM1, BCL2, and both Response to therapy and overall survival. Owing to few cases reported CD23 immunostain, further analysis of association is not reported. High Ki67 proliferative index of >80% was statistically significantly associated with shorter overall survival and not statistically significant associated with no response to therapy. Hans classification subtypes were not predictive in regard to therapy response.

Conclusion:

High Ki67 expression (>80%) was associated with shorter overall survival in DLBCL. Hans classification subtypes were not predictive.

Cytogenetic complexity and heterogeneity in intravascular lymphoma

AIMS

To characterise the karyotypic abnormalities and heterogeneities in intravascular lymphoma (IVL).

METHODS

G-banded karyotyping was performed on biopsy specimens from a single-centre IVL cohort comprising intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL, n=12) and NK/T-cell lymphoma (IVNKTCL, n=1).

RESULTS

Five IVLBCL cases and one IVNKTCL case (total 46%) were found to have normal karyotypes, and the cytogenetic abnormalities observed in the other seven IVLBCL cases (54%) were investigated further. These seven karyotypes were uniformly complex with an average of 13 aberrations. The seven cases all had abnormalities involving chromosome 6, with 57% involving structural abnormalities at 6q13, and chromosome 8, with 43% involving abnormalities at 8p11.2. In addition, 71% had aberrations at 19q13. On average, 4.4 chromosomal gains and losses were detected per case. Cytogenetic heterogeneities were observed in six cases (86%) and tetraploidy in three cases (43%). There was no significant difference in progression-free survival (p=0.92) and overall survival (p=0.61) between the IVLBCL cases with complex and normal karyotypes.

CONCLUSION

Approximately half of IVLBCL cases had a highly heterogeneous pattern of karyotypes with different clonal numerical and structural chromosome aberrations.

Overexpression of microRNA-130a predicts adverse prognosis of primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A number of studies have demonstrated that microRNA-130a (miR-130a) serves a role in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of numerous human tumors. However, to the best of our knowledge, the prognostic significance of miR-130a in PGI-DLBCL remains unknown. The present study explored the association between miR-130a and the clinical outcomes of PGI-DLBCL. Relative miR-130a expression was assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression levels of BCL-2, c-MYC, neprilysin, B-cell lymphoma 6 protein, PWWP domain-containing DNA repair factor 3A and proliferation marker protein Ki-67. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to analyze the specificity and sensitivity of microRNA levels in the diagnosis of PGI-DLBCL. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. In the present study, miR-130a expression was notably higher in patients with PGI-DLBCL compared with in the controls (P<0.0001). miR-130a overexpression was closely associated with a high International Prognostic Index score (3–5) and drug resistance (P=0.017 and P=0.044, respectively). No significant difference in other clinical features was observed. Patients with increased expression levels of miR-130a had lower overall survival [hazard ratio (HR), 2.998; 95% CI, 1.347-6.673; P=0.007] and progression-free survival (HR, 3.325; 95% CI, 1.488-7.429; P=0.003) compared with patients who had lower expression levels of miR-130a. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that miR-130a was a negative prognostic parameter in PGI-DLBCL. Therefore, upregulation of miR-130a could become a potential prognostic marker for PGI-DLBCL. Additionally, further study of these results may have important guiding significance for the prognosis of patients with PGI-DLBCL in the clinical setting.

Identifying transcriptional profiles and evaluating prognostic biomarkers of HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from Malawi

Lymphoma incidence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasing due to HIV and population aging. Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common lymphoma in SSA and worldwide, is highly associated with HIV, but molecular studies of HIV-associated DLBCL are scarce globally. We describe profiling of DLBCL from Malawi, aiming to elucidate tumor biology and identify clinically meaningful biomarkers specifically for SSA. Between June 1, 2013 and June 1, 2016, 59 cases of DLBCL (32 HIV+/27 HIV-) enrolled in the Kamuzu Central Hospital Lymphoma Study were characterized, of which 54 (92%) were negative for Epstein-Barr virus. Gene expression profiling (GEP) by whole transcriptome sequencing was performed on the first 36 cases (22 HIV+/14 HIV-). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and GEP results were compared with published data and correlated to clinical outcome and pathologic features. Unsupervised clustering strongly segregated DLBCL by HIV status (p = 0.0003, Chi-squared test), indicating a marked contribution of HIV to expression phenotype. Pathway analysis identified that HIV-associated tumors were enriched in hypoxia, oxidative stress, and metabolism related gene expression patterns. Cell-of-origin subtype, determined by sequencing and IHC, did not associate with differences in overall survival (OS), while Ki-67 proliferation index ≥80% was associated with inferior OS in HIV+ DLBCL only (p = 0.03) and cMYC/BCL2 co-expression by IHC was negatively prognostic across the entire cohort (p = 0.01). This study provides among the first molecular characterizations of DLBCL from SSA, demonstrates marked gene expression differences by HIV status, and identifies genomic and immunophenotypic characteristics that can inform future basic and clinical investigations.

A Practical Approach to Diagnosis of B-Cell Lymphomas With Diffuse Large Cell Morphology

CONTEXT.—

Large B-cell lymphomas represent the most common non-Hodgkin lymphomas and often present as extranodal masses with advanced stage similar to metastatic tumors. Without proper intraoperative, microscopic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic evaluation they may be mistaken for other hematopoietic or even nonhematopoietic tumors. Also, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas often have clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic clinical features that are similar to those of other less common B-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, classification of these neoplasms is continually becoming more refined.

OBJECTIVE.—

To provide a rational, methodic approach to the evaluation of large B-cell lymphomas for community practice pathologists who provide general pathology services.

DATA SOURCES.—

This review incorporates guidelines detailed in the 2017 update to the World Health Organization's Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues in addition to other recent peer-reviewed publications.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Many large B-cell neoplasms respond favorably to current treatments, but these cases also require accurate and timely diagnoses. We propose a process following a brief checklist that focuses on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common entity, and rules out other similar lymphomas in a stepwise fashion.

Molecular Complexity of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Can It Be a Roadmap for Precision Medicine?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma; it features extreme molecular heterogeneity regardless of the classical cell-of-origin (COO) classification. Despite this, the standard therapeutic approach is still immunochemotherapy (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone-R-CHOP), which allows a 60% overall survival (OS) rate, but up to 40% of patients experience relapse or refractory (R/R) disease. With the purpose of searching for new clinical parameters and biomarkers helping to make a better DLBCL patient characterization and stratification, in the last years a series of large discovery genomic and transcriptomic studies has been conducted, generating a wealth of information that needs to be put in order. We reviewed these researches, trying ultimately to understand if there are bases offering a roadmap toward personalized and precision medicine also for DLBCL.

OSdlbcl: An online consensus survival analysis web server based on gene expression profiles of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and is a clinical, pathological, and molecular heterogeneous disease with highly variable clinical outcomes. Currently, valid prognostic biomarkers in DLBCL are still lacking. To optimize targeted therapy and improve the prognosis of DLBCL, the performance of proposed biomarkers needs to be evaluated in multiple cohorts, and new biomarkers need to be investigated in large datasets. Here, we developed a consensus Online Survival analysis web server for Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma, abbreviated OSdlbcl, to assess the prognostic value of individual gene. To build OSdlbcl, we collected 1100 samples with gene expression profiles and clinical follow‐up information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. In addition, DNA mutation data were also collected from the TCGA database. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), disease‐free interval (DFI), and progression‐free interval (PFI) are important endpoints to reflect the survival rate in OSdlbcl. Moreover, clinical features were integrated into OSdlbcl to allow data stratifications according to the user's special needs. By inputting an official gene symbol and selecting desired criteria, the survival analysis results can be graphically presented by the Kaplan‐Meier (KM) plot with hazard ratio (HR) and log‐rank p value. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, the prognostic value of 23 previously reported survival associated biomarkers, such as transcription factors FOXP1 and BCL2, was evaluated in OSdlbcl and found to be significantly associated with survival as reported (HR = 1.73, P < .01; HR = 1.47, P = .03, respectively). In conclusion, OSdlbcl is a new web server that integrates public gene expression, gene mutation data, and clinical follow‐up information to provide prognosis evaluations for biomarker development for DLBCL. The OSdlbcl web server is available at https://bioinfo.henu.edu.cn/DLBCL/DLBCLList.jsp.

Remaining challenges in predicting patient outcomes for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is an aggressive malignancy with heterogeneous outcomes. Diverse methods for DLBCL outcomes assessment ranging from clinical to genomic have been developed with variable predictive and prognostic success.Areas covered: The authors provide an overview of the various methods currently used to estimate prognosis in DLBCL patients. Models incorporating cell of origin, genomic features, sociodemographic factors, treatment effectiveness measures, and machine learning are described.Expert opinion: The clinical and genetic heterogeneity of DLBCL presents distinct challenges in predicting response to therapy and overall prognosis. Successful integration of predictive and prognostic tools in clinical trials and in a standard clinical workflow for DLBCL will likely require a combination of methods incorporating clinical, sociodemographic, and molecular factors with the aid of machine learning and high-dimensional data analysis.

Clinical impact of the cell-of-origin classification based on immunohistochemistry criteria and Lymph2Cx of diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma patients in a South-east Asian population: a single center experience and review of the literature

Background: Previous studies in Western populations, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods to subtype diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), suggest that germinal center B-cell lymphomas (GCBs) have improved outcomes. However, data in Asians have been limited and conflicting. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic impact of cell-of-origin (COO) subtyping by IHC and Lymph2Cx in South-East Asian (SEA) DLBCL patients, and to summarize the existing literature.Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of 384 DLBCL patients diagnosed 2013-2018 who received Rituximab-based chemotherapy was performed. Hans and Lymph2Cx were used to assign COO and correlated with outcomes.Results: International Prognostic Index (IPI) score was associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The 5-yr-OS for non-GCB versus GCB for COO by Hans was 70% versus 71% p=0.39, while 5-yr-OS for ABC versus GCB for COO by Lymph2Cx was 74% versus 92% p=0.19. The 5-yr-PFS for non-GCB versus GCB for COO by Hans was 65% versus 70% p=0.26, while 5-yr-PFS for ABC versus GCB for COO by Lymph2Cx was 64% versus 86% p=0.07.Conclusions: IPI is reaffirmed to be relevant in the rituximab era. COO by Hans has no prognostic significance, while subtyping by Lymph2Cx trends toward GCBs having better PFS and OS.

Discriminant analysis and machine learning approach for evaluating and improving the performance of immunohistochemical algorithms for COO classification of DLBCL

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is classified into germinal center-like (GCB) and non-germinal center-like (non-GCB) cell-of-origin groups, entities driven by different oncogenic pathways with different clinical outcomes. DLBCL classification by immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based decision tree algorithms is a simpler reported technique than gene expression profiling (GEP). There is a significant discrepancy between IHC-decision tree algorithms when they are compared to GEP.

Methods

To address these inconsistencies, we applied the machine learning approach considering the same combinations of antibodies as in IHC-decision tree algorithms. Immunohistochemistry data from a public DLBCL database was used to perform comparisons among IHC-decision tree algorithms, and the machine learning structures based on Bayesian, Bayesian simple, Naïve Bayesian, artificial neural networks, and support vector machine to show the best diagnostic model. We implemented the linear discriminant analysis over the complete database, detecting a higher influence of BCL6 antibody for GCB classification and MUM1 for non-GCB classification.

Results

The classifier with the highest metrics was the four antibody-based Perfecto–Villela (PV) algorithm with 0.94 accuracy, 0.93 specificity, and 0.95 sensitivity, with a perfect agreement with GEP (κ = 0.88, P < 0.001). After training, a sample of 49 Mexican-mestizo DLBCL patient data was classified by COO for the first time in a testing trial.

Conclusions

Harnessing all the available immunohistochemical data without reliance on the order of examination or cut-off value, we conclude that our PV machine learning algorithm outperforms Hans and other IHC-decision tree algorithms currently in use and represents an affordable and time-saving alternative for DLBCL cell-of-origin identification.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1951-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders

HIV infection is associated with an increased risk for developing B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. The spectrum of disease differs in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected persons, with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas constituting a higher proportion of all lymphoproliferative disorders in the HIV-positive population. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly changed the landscape of lymphomas arising in HIV-infected persons, population growth and aging are reflected in the steady increase in non-AIDS-defining cancers. In the ART era, outcomes for HIV-infected lymphoma patients are similar to those of HIV-negative patients. This article reviews the diagnostic features and summarizes current biologic understanding of HIV-associated lymphomas.

Integrating precision medicine through evaluation of cell of origin in treatment planning for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Precision medicine is modernizing strategies for clinical study design to help improve diagnoses guiding individualized treatment based on genetic or phenotypic characteristics that discriminate between patients with similar clinical presentations. Methodology to personalize treatment choices is being increasingly employed in clinical trials, yielding favorable correlations with improved response rates and survival. In patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), disease characteristics and outcomes may vary widely, underscoring the importance of patient classification through identification of sensitive prognostic features. The discovery of distinct DLBCL molecular subtypes based on cell of origin (COO) is redefining the prognosis and treatment of this heterogeneous cancer. Owing to significant molecular and clinical differences between activated B-cell-like (ABC)- and germinal center B-cell-like (GCB)-DLBCL subtypes, COO identification offers opportunities to optimize treatment selection. Widespread adoption of COO classification would greatly improve treatment and prognosis; however, limitations in interlaboratory concordance between immunohistochemistry techniques, cost, and availability of gene expression profiling tools undermine universal integration in the clinical setting. With advanced methodology to determine COO in a real-world clinical setting, therapies targeted to specific subtypes are under development. The focus here is to review applications of precision medicine exemplified by COO determination in DLBCL patients.

Dissecting diffuse large B-cell lymphomas of the "not otherwise specified" type: the impact of molecular techniques

The updated edition of the Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues, published in September 2017 by the World Health Organization (WHO), presents many important changes to the document published in 2008. Most of these novelties are linked to the exceptional development of biomolecular techniques during the last 10 years. To illustrate how much new technologies have contributed to the better classification of single entities, as well as the discovery of new ones, would go beyond the objectives of this work. For this reason, we will take diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as an example of the cognitive improvement produced by high-yield technologies (such as the gene expression profile, the study of copy number variation, and the definition of the mutational spectrum). The acquisition of this knowledge not only has a speculative value but also represents the elements for effective application in daily practice. On the one hand, it would allow the development of personalised therapy programs, and on the other it would promote the transition from the bench of the researcher's laboratory to the patient's bedside.

Clinicopathologic implication of microRNA-197 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Background

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) contains heterogeneous subtypes with various molecular dysregulation at the gene, protein and microRNA levels. Compared with the GCB subtype, the non-germinal center B-like (non-GCB)/activated B cell-like (ABC) subtype exhibits frequent progression despite standard immunochemotherapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of miR-197 on the progression and chemosensitivity of DLBCL with respect to the GCB and non-GCB/ABC subtypes.

Methods

To screen distinctively expressed microRNAs, microRNA expression patterns were analyzed in 10 DLBCL cases by microarray chip assays. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), associations between miR-197 expression levels and clinicopathologic variables were investigated in 51 DLBCL tissue samples. The effects of miR-197 on doxorubicin chemosensitivity were investigated using the OCI-Ly1 and SUDHL9 cell lines.

Results

MicroRNA expression profiling by hierarchical clustering revealed that miR-197 was one of the distinctively expressed microRNAs in DLBCL. Quantitative analysis using qRT-PCR revealed that miR-197 levels were not correlated with clinicopathologic variables, including the international prognostic index, but low miR-197 levels were significantly associated with lymphoma progression defined by refractoriness, relapse or death in the rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP)-treated subgroup (n = 43; p = 0.004). Among the three molecular groups, i.e., the GCB, non-GCB/miR-197^low and non-GCB/miR-197^high groups, progression was most frequently observed in the non-GCB/miR-197^low group in the full cohort (p = 0.013) and the R-CHOP cohort (p = 0.008). In survival analysis, low miR-197 levels were independently predictive of shorter progression-free survival in the R-CHOP cohort (p = 0.031; HR = 27.9) and the non-GCB subgroup (p = 0.037; HR = 21.5) but not in the GCB subgroup. Using SUDHL9 (ABC type) and OCI-Ly1 (GCB type) cells, the effects of doxorubicin on reducing cell viability were enhanced by miR-197 transfection. In apoptosis assays, miR-197 transfection enhanced doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in SUDHL9 cells but not in OCI-Ly1 cells, suggesting a chemosensitizing effect of miR-197 in ABC DLBCL.

Conclusions

These results suggest the role of miR-197 as a biomarker with potential therapeutic implications.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1537-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Round-robin test for the cell-of-origin classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-a feasibility study using full slide staining

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is subdivided by gene expression analysis (GEP) into two molecular subtypes named germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and activated B-cell-like (ABC) after their putative cell-of-origin (COO). Determination of the COO is considered mandatory in any new-diagnosed DLBCL, not otherwise specified according to the updated WHO classification. Despite the fact that pathologists are free to choose the method for COO classification, immunohistochemical (IHC) assays are most widely used. However, to the best of our knowledge, no round-robin test to evaluate the interlaboratory variability has been published so far. Eight hematopathology laboratories participated in an interlaboratory test for COO classification of 10 DLBCL tumors using the IHC classifier comprising the expression of CD10, BCL6, and MUM1 (so-called Hans classifier). The results were compared with GEP for COO signature and, in a subset, with results obtained by image analysis. In 7/10 cases (70%), at least seven laboratories assigned a given case to the same COO subtype (one center assessed one sample as not analyzable), which was in agreement with the COO subtype determined by GEP. The results in 3/10 cases (30%) revealed discrepancies between centers and/or between IHC and GEP subtype. Whereas the CD10 staining results were highly reproducible, staining for MUM1 was inconsistent in 50% and for BCL6 in 40% of cases. Image analysis of 16 slides stained for BCL6 (N = 8) and MUM1 (N = 8) of the two cases with the highest disagreement in COO classification were in line with the score of the pathologists in 14/16 stainings analyzed (87.5%). This study describes the first round-robin test for COO subtyping in DLBCL using IHC and demonstrates that COO classification using the Hans classifier yields consistent results among experienced hematopathologists, even when variable staining protocols are used. Data from this small feasibility study need to be validated in larger cohorts.

Prognostication of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the molecular era: moving beyond the IPI

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease with variable outcomes. Despite the majority of patients being cured with combination chemoimmunotherapy, up to 30% eventually succumb to the disease. Until recently, baseline prognostic assessment has centred on the International Prognostic Index (IPI), although this index is yet to impact strongly on treatment choice. Molecular features such as cell of origin, MYC and BCL-2 genetic alterations and protein overexpression were identified over a decade ago, yet their prognostic value is still not fully elucidated. Adding complexity are the plethora of new clinical, biological and molecular prognostic markers described in the recent literature, most of which lack independent validation, likely act as surrogate markers for those already in common use and have yet to substantially impact on therapeutic decision making. This review comprehensively assesses the value of individual prognostic markers in the clinical setting and their potential to predict response to novel agents, and ways to optimise their use in future research.

GATA3 expression correlates with poor prognosis and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in peripheral T cell lymphoma

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by a poor prognosis. In this study, we examined the prognostic value of two T-cell-specific transcription factors, GATA3 and T-bet, in PTCL, uncovered the pathogenesis of PTCL, and investigated new PTCL therapeutic targets. Samples from 109 PTCL patients were examined for expression of GATA3, T-bet and CD68. High GATA3 expression correlated with poor survival in PTCL patients and with tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration, as indicated by the presence of CD68-positive cells. Multivariate analysis further confirmed that high GATA3 expression and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores higher than 2 were independent predictors of patient survival. Using lentiviral transfection to induce stable GATA3 knockdown in a PTCL cell line, we observed that GATA-3 knockdown in Hut78 cells decreased levels of IL4, IL5, IL13 and VEGF mRNA and reduced the number of co-cultured U937 cells that differentiated towards the M2 phenotype. These results suggest that high GATA3 expression is a predictor of a poor prognosis in PTCL, and that T lymphoma cells promote M2-type macrophage differentiation through a GATA3-dependent mechanism.

PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a potentially curable disease, but standard treatment is not effective enough for all patients. That is why so important to identify high risk patients who need more aggressive therapy at the time of diagnosis. Nowadays prognosis for patients with DLBCL is based on International prognostic index (IPI). However, this index consists of only clinical parameters and does not include the biological characteristics of the tumour. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers could also play a prognostic role. There are some publications regarding predictive and prognostic role of expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-6, MUM1, CD10 and CD30, but their results are controversial. The aim of our study was to analyze prognostic role of these markers, to compare survival of patients with positive and negative expression of these markers and to build a prognostic model which include biological parameters for identifying high risk patients. There were statistically significant differences in EFS between the group of patients with negative and positive expression of CD10 (51.5 % versus 72.5 %, р=0.01) and in OS between the group of patients with negative and positive expression of Bcl-6 (61.1 % versus 79.6 %, р=0.03). Six-factors nonlinear neural network prediction model (MLP_6) was built. The sensitivity of the model is 63.2 % (95 % CІ 49.3 % – 75.6 %), specificity – 85.2 % (95 % CІ 79.1 % – 90.1 %). Prognostic factors include negative IHC expression of Bcl-6, CD10, non-GCB molecular subtype (according to algorithm Hans), gender (male), advanced Ann-Arbor stages, >2extranodal involvement. Our nonlinear neural network prediction model could improve prognostic role of IPI by adding of biological tumour characteristics (IHC expression of CD10, Bcl-6, molecular subtype by IHC algorithm).

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide, representing approximately 30-40% of all cases in different geographic regions. Patients most often present with a rapidly growing tumour mass in single or multiple, nodal or extranodal sites. The most common type of DLBCL, designated as not otherwise specified, represents 80-85% of all cases and is the focus of this review. There are also rare types of lymphoma composed of large B-cells, in aggregate about 15-20% of all neoplasms that are sufficiently distinctive to recognise separately. DLBCL not otherwise specified (referred to henceforth as DLBCL) is a heterogeneous entity in terms of clinical presentation, genetic findings, response to therapy, and prognosis. A major advance was the application of gene expression profiling (GEP) to the study of DLBCL which further clarified this heterogeneity and provided a rationale for subdividing cases into groups. The most popular system divides cases of DLBCL according to cell-of-origin into germinal centre B-cell like (GCB) and activated B-cell like (ABC) subtypes, with about 10-15% of cases being unclassifiable. Patients with the GCB subtype usually have better prognosis than patients with the ABC subtype. Although cell-of-origin is useful for predicting outcome, the GCB and ABC subtypes remain heterogeneous, with better and worse prognostic subsets within each group. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of DLBCL has facilitated global identification of numerous and diverse genetic abnormalities in these neoplasms and has shown that GCB and ABC tumours have different mutation profiles. Although the therapy of patients with DLBCL is an active area of research, the current 5-year overall survival rate is 60-70% using standard-of-care frontline therapy. A precision medicine approach for the design of new therapies based on molecular findings in DLBCL is likely the best path forward. As pathologists, our role has expanded beyond diagnosis. We must perform a complete work-up of DLBCL cases. In addition to our traditional role in establishing the diagnosis, we need to analyse markers that provide information regarding prognosis and potential therapeutic targets. We also must ensure that adequate tissue is triaged for molecular studies which are essential for designing therapy regimens, particularly in the setting of disease relapse.

Prognostic Significance of in situ Phenotypic Marker Expression in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are the most common lymphoid malignancies, and encompass all malignant lymphomas characterized by large neoplastic cells and B-cell derivation. In the last decade, DLBCL has been subjected to intense clinical, phenotypic and molecular studies, and were found to represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. These studies suggested new disease subtypes and variants with distinct clinical characteristics, morphologies, immunophenotypes, genotypes or gene expression profiles, associated with distinct prognoses or unique sensitivities to particular therapy regimens. Unfortunately, the reliability and reproducibility of the molecular results remains unclear due to contradictory reports in the literature resulting from small sample sizes, referral and selection biases, and variable methodologies and cut-off levels used to determine positivity. Here, we review phenotypic studies on the prognostic significance of protein expression profiles in DLBCL and reconsider our own retrospective data on 301 primary DLBCL cases obtained on a previously validated tissue microarray in light of powerful statistical methods of determining optimal cut-off values of phenotypic factors for prediction of outcome.

Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma

The management of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has been gradually evolving since the discovery of its 2 major forms, the germinal center B-like (GCB) and activated B-cell (ABC) types. Although the reference standard for the identification of these cell types is considered gene expression profiling (GEP), currently the only method commercially available is immunohistochemistry (IHC). The application of various IHC-based algorithms and their correlation with GEP and clinical outcome are discussed. Because of the adverse prognostic implications of the non-GCB type and its potential effects on treatment selection, the recently revised World Health Organization classification has included these biologic cell types. The management of double hit lymphomas, which almost exclusively fall under the GCB category, is discussed, together with the double expresser phenotype, which is usually grouped under the non-GCB type. The role of lenalidomide and ibrutinib in the management of the non-GCB type is examined. We also discuss the front-line management of primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma using the EPOCH (etoposide, prednisolone, Oncovin [vincristine], cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin [doxorubicin]) regimen and examine new salvage data on immune checkpoint inhibitors for this clinical subtype. The prognosis, clinical features, and management of de novo CD5+ DLBCL are discussed, and newer and promising developments in the management of primary central nervous system lymphomas are presented in detail. The most popular salvage regimens and the application of high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation are assessed in detail. Finally, data on new treatment tactics such as CART (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) cells and promising new drugs, including blinatumomab and venetoclax, are presented.

Interim fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET-computed tomography and cell of origin by immunohistochemistry predicts progression-free and overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients in the rituximab era

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of the interim PET (iPET)-computed tomography (CT) (iPET-CT) after two cycles of immunochemotherapy with the R-CHOP protocol in patients with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with a curative intent in combination with the neoplastic cell origin defined by Hans’s immunohistochemstry algorithm followed in a reference center for cancer treatment in Brazil.

Materials and methods

We prospectively evaluated 147 DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP-21 to assess the value of the International Prognostic Index, iPET-CT, and cell of origin by immunohistochemistry as prognostic markers in the rituximab era. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT was performed after two cycles (iPET-CT) and at the end of treatment in 111 patients. Lymphoma cases were categorized into germinal center (GC) and nongerminal center subtypes by immunohistochemistry according to Hans’s algorithm.

Results

The median age of GC-DLBCL patients (52.7 years) was lower than that of nongerminal center-DLBCL patients (59.4 years) (P=0.021); in addition, it was lower in patients with negative iPET-CT findings (52.7 years) versus positive findings (59.4 years) (P=0.031). The overall survival at 48 months was 100% for iPET-CT-negative GC-DLBCL patients and 61.2% for iPET-CT-positive GC-DLBCL patients (P=0.002). Progression-free survival at 30 months was 100% for iPET-CT-negative GC-DLBCL patients and 60.3% for iPET-CT-positive GC-DLBCL patients (P=0.001).

Conclusion

We conclude that iPET-CT associated with cell origin identified a very good prognostic group in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP. Video Abstract: http://links.lww.com/NMC/A59

Multimodality Technologies in the Assessment of Hematolymphoid Neoplasms

Accurate assessment of tissues for hematolymphoid neoplasms requires an integrated multiparameter approach. Although morphologic examination by light microscopy remains the mainstay of initial assessment for hematolymphoid neoplasms, immunophenotypic analysis by immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry is essential to determine the pattern of differentiation and to detect minimal disease when morphology is inconclusive. In some cases, immunophenotypic analysis provides additional information for targeted immunotherapy and prognostication. Genotypic studies, including cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, DNA microarray, polymerase chain reaction, and/or next-generation sequencing, are also imperative for subclassification of the genetically defined disease entities in the current World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid neoplasms. Moreover, genotypic studies can establish clonality, stratify patients to determine appropriate treatment, and monitor patients for treatment response.

Detection of the value of consecutive serum total light chain (sTLC) in patients diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma

There are limited data on serum total light chain (sTLC) in lymphoma and its relative role on the outcome of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Blood samples from 46 cases newly diagnosed with DLBCL were collected consecutively during chemotherapy to detect sTLC, IgG, IgA, and IgM levels. Clinical data and survival outcomes were analyzed according to the results of sTLC measurements. In summary, 22 patients (47.8 %) had abnormal k or λ light chain, respectively, and 6 patients (13.0 %) had both abnormal k and λ light chains before chemotherapy. Patients with elevated k light chain more frequently displayed multiple extra-nodal organ involvement (P = 0.01) and had an inferior overall survival (OS) (P = 0.041) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.044) compared to patients with normal level of k light chain. Furthermore, patients with elevated level of both k and λ also exhibited significant association with shorter OS (P = 0.002) and PFS (P = 0.009). Both elevated k alone and concurrent elevated k and λ had independent adverse effects on PFS (P = 0.031 and P = 0.019, respectively). sTLC level was reduced gradually by treatment in this study and reached the lowest point after the fourth cycle of chemotherapy, which was consistent with the disease behavior during chemotherapy. Considering the small sample size of this study, these results should be confirmed in a larger prospective study.

ESMO consensus conference on malignant lymphoma: general perspectives and recommendations for prognostic tools in mature B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) consensus conference on mature B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) was held on 20 June 2015 in Lugano, Switzerland, and included a multidisciplinary panel of 25 leading experts. The aim of the conference was to develop recommendations on critical subjects difficult to consider in detail in the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. The following areas were identified: (i) the elderly patient, (ii) prognostic factors suitable for clinical use and (iii) the 'ultra-high-risk' group. Before the conference, the expert panel was divided into three working groups; each group focused on one of these areas in order to address four clinically relevant questions relating to that topic. All relevant scientific literature, as identified by the experts, was reviewed in advance. During the consensus conference, each working group developed recommendations to address each of the four questions assigned to their group. These recommendations were then presented to the entire panel and a consensus was reached. This manuscript presents recommendations dedicated to the second area of interest, i.e. prognostic factors suitable for clinical use. The four topics [i.e. interim positron emission tomography (PET), TP53 mutations, cell of origin (COO) and minimal residual disease (MRD)] were primarily chosen because of the bulk of available data together with the lack of clear guidance regarding their use in clinical practice and within clinical trials. Results, including a summary of evidence supporting each recommendation, are detailed in this manuscript. The panel acknowledged that detection of TP53 inactivation by deletion or mutation in CLL should be implemented in clinical practice (level of evidence I, strength of recommendation A). Due to their potentially high prognostic value, at least in some lymphoma entities, implementation of interim PET, COO and MRD was highly recommended in the context of clinical trials. All expert panel members approved this final article.

Expression IRF/MUM1>25% Predictor to Three-year Survival of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in the Immunochemotherapy Era

INTRODUCTION

Non Hodgkin lymphoma-Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBC) is composed of more varieties of one disease. Analysis and understanding of a wide range of characteristics of the disease, which include: clinical, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics may improve treatment results.

AIM

achieving the estimated three-year survival and influence of IRF/MUM1 expression to three-year survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A study was retrospective-prospective, patients were followed for seven years a period of dine. The study included 60 patients de novo DLBCL. Age was 18-72 years old, the average age 45 years, male 31 (51,7%) and female 29 (48.3%). Median follow-up was 47 months (3-91 months). To determine differentiation immunophenotype antibodies those were used anti-CD20, anti-CD10, anti-Bcl-6, IRF-4/MUM1, CD 138.

RESULTS

Included the GCB type was 65%. Impact prognostic index IPI>2 GBC vs non GBC p=0,038 X2. Statistically significant difference was confirmed compared to the IPI> 2 to 3 year OS p<0,0005 X2. Significantly longer three-year survival was provided in the group GCB 36 (92,3%) vs. non GCB 8 (38,1%) p=0,003 X2. Clinical and immunohistochemical factors showed a significant impact to three-year survival by univariate: LDH p=0,005, MUM1 p=0,003, while CD10 p=0,069 was confirmed on the level of borderline impact. Using multivariate analysis, expression MUM1 has the greatest impact p<0.0005 OR=0.083 (95% CI 0.23-0.303) on the disease outcome - three-year survival.

CONCLUSION

expression MUM1 >25% has the greatest impact on the disease outcome - three-year survival.

Clinical and Pathologic Correlation of Increased MYC Gene Copy Number in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Only a few studies have investigated the presence of increased MYC gene copy number (ICN) as a prognostic indicator in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and the results have been variable. We compared overall survival in patients with ICN to MYC-negative patients and investigated the prognostic significance of increased MYC gene copy number.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two groups, those with MYC ICN (n = 33) and those with no MYC aberrations (n = 43), identified by fluorescence in-situ hybridization DNA probes for the MYC region at 8q24, were compared for survival (1-9 years), MYC immunohistochemical (IHC) protein expression, and treatment protocol. Comparison of cases of DLBCL with MYC ICN to those with no MYC aberration demonstrated no significant difference in survival (P = .58). Additionally, no difference in survival was found between patients with increased MYC protein expression (IHC MYC ≥ 40%) compared to those with IHC MYC < 40% (P = .5).

RESULTS

Comparison of Ki-67 proliferation rates, stratified into low and high groups, did not achieve statistical significance (P = .67). Patients with MYC ICN showed a slightly increased MYC protein expression (P > .05). Importantly, the majority of patients in both groups (79% of patients with ICN and 81% of patients with no MYC aberrations) were treated with rituximab-based therapies.

CONCLUSION

No significant difference in survival was found between patients with DLBCL with MYC ICN and patients with no MYC aberrations (P = .58).

Lenalidomide for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Although the combination of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and chemotherapy has widely improved survival of patients with B-cell lymphoma, the disease still relapses. A better understanding of the biology of lymphomas has highlighted the role of the cell of origin in response to treatment and outcome. Lenalidomide represents an attractive therapeutic option due to its original mechanism of action.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors describe the pharmacological properties of lenalidomide, and the rational for its use in B-cell lymphomas; focusing on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). They discuss the mechanism of action of the drug and its current and future clinical development. They also review the current data in relapsed/refractory situations as well as in first-line treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Lenalidomide is an oral non-chemotherapy immunomodulatory agent with an acceptable toxicity profile and manageable side-effects. Efficacy has widely been demonstrated, especially in MCL, FL and non-Germinal Center DLBCL patients. Further studies are now warranted to better define the strategy for the use of lenalidomide in B-NHL patients, and clarify which subgroup of patients will really benefit of lenalidomide as part of first-line treatment or in a relapsed/refractory setting.

Recent Advances in Aggressive Large B-cell Lymphomas: A Comprehensive Review

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive disease with considerable heterogeneity reflected in the 2008 World Health Organization classification. In recent years, genome-wide assessment of genetic and epigenetic alterations has shed light upon distinct molecular subsets linked to dysregulation of specific genes or pathways. Besides fostering our knowledge regarding the molecular complexity of DLBCL types, these studies have unraveled previously unappreciated genetic lesions, which may be exploited for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. Following the last World Health Organization classification, we have witnessed the emergence of new variants of specific DLBCL entities, such as CD30 DLBCL, human immunodeficiency virus-related and age-related variants of plasmablastic lymphoma, and EBV DLBCL arising in young patients. In this review, we will present an update on the clinical, pathologic, and molecular features of DLBCL incorporating recently gained information with respect to their pathobiology and prognosis. We will emphasize the distinctive features of newly described or emerging variants and highlight advances in our understanding of entities presenting a diagnostic challenge, such as T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lmphoma and unclassifiable large B-cell lymphomas. Furthermore, we will discuss recent advances in the genomic characterization of DLBCL, as they may relate to prognostication and tailored therapeutic intervention. The information presented in this review derives from English language publications appearing in PubMed throughout December 2015. For a complete outline of this paper, please visit: http://links.lww.com/PAP/A12.

Expression of D-type cyclins in mantle cell and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas

D-type cyclins are involved in cell cycle regulation and play an important role in the pathogenesis of lymphomas. Aberrant expression of cyclin D1 is associated with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and serves as a diagnostic marker of MCL. Analysis of cyclin D expression in tumor tissues of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) which comprises a heterogeneous group of tumors may contribute to their stratification. We analyzed expression of cyclin D1, D2, and D3 mRNAs in 30 MCL and 104 DLBCL patients using qRT-PCR and addressed their significance for disease outcome. We confirmed a high level of cyclin D1 mRNA in 29 MCL cases (97%). One case (3%) was identified as positive for cyclin D2. Expression of cyclin D1 was limited to MCL and did not occur in DLBCL. Overexpression of cyclin D2, which is rare in MCL, occurred more frequently in DLBCL (11 cases, 10.6%). We showed that high expression of cyclin D2 in DLBCL cases de novo decreased the overall survival rate (P=0.016) and progression-free survival (P=0.009). The expression pattern of cyclin D3 was similar in both types of studied lymphomas and it did not affect the disease outcome.

Cell-of-Origin in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Are the Assays Ready for the Clinic?

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma worldwide and consists of a heterogeneous group of cancers classified together on the basis of shared morphology, immunophenotype, and aggressive clinical behavior. It is now recognized that this malignancy comprises at least two distinct molecular subtypes identified by gene expression profiling: the activated B-cell-like (ABC) and the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) groups-the cell-of-origin (COO) classification. These two groups have different genetic mutation landscapes, pathobiology, and outcomes following treatment. Evidence is accumulating that novel agents have selective activity in one or the other COO group, making COO a predictive biomarker. Thus, there is now a pressing need for accurate and robust methods to assign COO, to support clinical trials, and ultimately guide treatment decisions for patients. The "gold standard" methods for COO are based on gene expression profiling (GEP) of RNA from fresh frozen tissue using microarray technology, which is an impractical solution when formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) biopsies are the standard diagnostic material. This review outlines the history of the COO classification before examining the practical implementation of COO assays applicable to FFPET biopsies. The immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based algorithms and gene expression-based assays suitable for the highly degraded RNA from FFPET are discussed. Finally, the technical and practical challenges that still need to be addressed are outlined before robust gene expression-based assays are used in the routine management of patients with DLBCL.

Serum nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics and outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients - a pilot study

The prognosis for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with early relapse or refractory disease is dismal. To determine if clinical outcome correlated to diverse serum metabolomic profiles, we used (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and compared two groups of DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy: i) refractory/early relapse (REF/REL; n=27) and ii) long-term progression-free (CURED; n = 60). A supervised multivariate analysis showed a separation between the groups. Among discriminating metabolites higher in the REF/REL group were the amino acids lysine and arginine, the degradation product cadaverine and a compound in oxidative stress (2-hydroxybutyrate). In contrast, the amino acids aspartate, valine and ornithine, and a metabolite in the glutathione cycle, pyroglutamate, were higher in CURED patients. Together, our data indicate that NMR-based serum metabolomics can identify a signature for DLBCL patients with high-risk of failing immunochemotherapy, prompting for larger validating studies which could lead to more individualized treatment of this disease.

The distinct clinical features and prognosis of the CD10⁺MUM1⁺ and CD10⁻Bcl6⁻MUM1⁻ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Using an immunohistochemistry (IHC) based method, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be classified into germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes. However, the prognostic value of Hans algorithm was contradictory in the literature. Using IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we analyzed the antibodies applied in Hans algorithm and other genetic factors in 601 DLBCL patients and prognostic value of Hans algorithm in 306 cases who were treated with chemoimmunotherapy. The results showed that patients with GCB subtype have better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than non-GCB cases. However, to some extent, double positive (CD10(+)MUM1(+), DP) and triple negative (CD10(-)Bcl6(-)MUM(-), TN) showed different clinical characteristics and prognosis to others that were assigned to the same cell-of-origin group. The DP group showed similar OS (median OS: both not reached, P = 0.3650) and PFS (median PFS: 47.0 vs. 32.7 months, P = 0.0878) with the non-GCB group while the TN group showed similar OS (median OS: both not reached, P = 0.9278) and PFS (median PFS: both not reached, P = 0.9420) with the GCB group. In conclusion, Recognition of specific entities in Hans algorithm could help us to accurately predict outcome of the patients and choose the best clinical management for them.