Chlamydia psittaci is variably associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in different geographical regions

Remission With Radiation Therapy in Primary Tongue Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: A Case Report

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma arising from the tongue is a rare pathologic condition for which a standard treatment mode has not been established. This disease represents a low-grade lymphoma frequently found in the stomach but rarely in the lymphoid tissue of the tongue. Only six cases that have been reported could be retrieved. We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who manifested with a mass on her tongue. A biopsy of the mass confirmed a diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. Radiation therapy of 30.6 Gy in 17 fractions was performed, and a complete metabolic response was achieved.

Long-Term Survival and Factors Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Ocular Adnexal Lymphomas

Orbital and ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) affects the orbit and the surrounding structures and can arise as several subtypes with variable prognoses. We performed an observational study on the relationship between OAL subtype, diagnostic features, and prognosis to offer valuable insights into imaging techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose integrated with Computed Tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT), in predicting outcomes. With this aim, we retrospectively reviewed 99 patients with OALs, recording demographics, cancer subtype, location and treatment, 18FDG avidity, and bone marrow positivity. We divided patients into Group 1 (those presenting with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma-EMZL) and Group 2, including all other subtypes. The primary outcome was long-term cancer-specific survival (CSS) based on key predictors, performed through Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test, with a p < 0.05 significance threshold. The mean patient age was 67 years (57-75.5). The most frequent histopathologic subtypes were EMZL lymphoma in 69 patients (69.7%), small lymphocytic lymphoma (11.1%) and diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (10.1%). Patients of Group 1 showed a better prognosis (CSS = 80%) compared to those of Group 2 (CSS = 60%) (p = 0.01). In patients with high-grade lymphoma, the occurrence of 18FDG avidity (p = 0.003) and bone marrow positivity (p = 0.005) were related to a worse prognosis. In our group, EMZL was the most prominent subtype of OALs and exhibited the best prognosis, low 18FDG avidity, and bone marrow negativity. By observing specific patterns in radiological findings, it is possible to increase our understanding of disease progression, treatment response, and the overall prognosis in OAL patients.

Hyper-N-glycosylated SEL1L3 as auto-antigenic B-cell receptor target of primary vitreoretinal lymphomas

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is a rare subtype of DLBCL and can progress into primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). To investigate the role of chronic antigenic stimulation in PVRL, we cloned and expressed B-cell receptors (BCR) from PVRL patients and tested for binding against human auto-antigens. SEL1L3, a protein with multiple glycosylation sites, was identified as the BCR target in 3/20 PVRL cases. SEL1L3 induces proliferation and BCR pathway activation in aggressive lymphoma cell lines. Moreover, SEL1L3 conjugated to a toxin killed exclusively lymphoma cells with respective BCR-reactivity. Western Blot analysis indicates the occurrence of hyper-N-glycosylation of SEL1L3 at aa 527 in PVRL patients with SEL1L3-reactive BCRs. The BCR of a PVRL patient with serum antibodies against SEL1L3 was cloned from a vitreous body biopsy at diagnosis and of a systemic manifestation at relapse. VH4-04*07 was used in both lymphoma manifestations with highly conserved CDR3 regions. Both BCRs showed binding to SEL1L3, suggesting continued dependence of lymphoma cells on antigen stimulation. These results indicate an important role of antigenic stimulation by post-translationally modified auto-antigens in the genesis of PVRL. They also provide the basis for a new treatment approach targeting unique lymphoma BCRs with ultimate specificity.

Role of Antigenic Stimulation in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) involves a clonal expansion of malignant cells accumulating in the skin, a primary barrier site. CTCL has long been hypothesized to be caused or perpetuated by chronic antigen stimulation due to unknown exposures. These antigenic triggers, defined as any element that may cause activation of malignant T cells through TCR signaling, have been hypothesized to range from chemicals to microbes. This review covers current evidence supporting chemical and microbial stimuli that may act as antigenic triggers of CTCL and summarizes novel areas of investigation, in which the potential antigenicity of the exposure is still unknown.

Comprehensive analysis of orbital lymphoma in a Turkish cohort: clinical characteristics, histological subtypes, treatment modalities, prognostic factors, and implications for management

The study analysed the clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and survival outcomes of 97 consecutive patients with orbital lymphoma (OL) over a 25-year period at. The median age of the patients was 57.6 years, and 59.8% (n = 58) were male. Marginal zone lymphoma constitutes the most prevalent subtype, accounting for 67% of cases, whereas other common subtypes include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and T-cell lymphomas. Unilateral involvement was observed in the majority of cases (72.3%). Common clinical presentations included mass (30.9%), swelling (26.8%), and epiphora (11.3%). Of the patients, 7.2% received rituximab alone, 14.4% received radiotherapy alone, 48.5% received chemotherapy, 27.8% received radiotherapy plus rituximab, 22.7% received radiotherapy plus chemotherapy, and 5.2% underwent surgery as the first-line treatment. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 15.5% of patients experienced relapse or disease progression. The 5-year and 10-year progression-free survival rates were 84.1% and 79.1%, respectively. This study contributes to our understanding of OLs and provides a foundation for further investigations in this field. Male gender, presence of B symptoms, advanced stage, secondary orbital lymphoma, aggressive histological subtype, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase levels were associated with poorer (either inferior or worse) progression-free survival.

Radiotherapy of Orbital and Ocular Adnexa Lymphoma: Literature Review and University of Catania Experience

Orbital and ocular adnexa lymphomas are rare neoplasms confined to the orbital region. The prognosis is generally favorable, with a high proportion of localized disease, indolent clinical course, prolonged disease-free intervals, and low lymphoma-related mortality rate. We report our experience on eleven patients with confirmed histological diagnosis of lymphoma stage IE-IIE, treated between 2010 and 2021 with radiotherapy alone or in association with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Eight patients were treated with primary radiotherapy only, while three received previous systemic treatments. Six patients were treated with Proton beam therapy (PBT), and five with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The five-year local control rate was 98%; only one patient developed an out-of-field recurrence. We also conducted a comprehensive literature review using electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library). Articles were selected based on their pertinence to treatment of the ocular and adnexal lymphoma focusing on radiotherapy techniques (electron beam radiotherapy, photon beam radiotherapy, or proton beam radiotherapy), treatment total dose, fractionation schedule, early and late radio-induced toxicities, and patient's clinical outcome. Radiotherapy is an effective treatment option for orbital lymphoma, especially as standard treatment in the early stage of orbital lymphoma, with excellent local control rate and low rates of toxicity.

Signaling pathways driving ocular malignancies and their targeting by bioactive phytochemicals

Ocular cancers represent a rare pathology. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,360 cases of ocular cancer occur annually in the United States. The major types of cancers of the eye include ocular melanoma (also known as uveal melanoma), ocular lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. While uveal melanoma is one of the primary intraocular cancers with the highest occurrence in adults, retinoblastoma remains the most common primary intraocular cancer in children, and squamous cell carcinoma presents as the most common conjunctival cancer. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves specific cell signaling pathways. Oncogene mutations, tumor suppressor mutations, chromosome deletions/translocations and altered proteins are all described as causal events in developing ocular cancer. Without proper identification and treatment of these cancers, vision loss, cancer spread, and even death can occur. The current treatments for these cancers involve enucleation, radiation, excision, laser treatment, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments present a significant burden to the patient that includes a possible loss of vision and a myriad of side effects. Therefore, alternatives to traditional therapy are urgently needed. Intercepting the signaling pathways for these cancers with the use of naturally occurring phytochemicals could be a way to relieve both cancer burden and perhaps even prevent cancer occurrence. This research aims to present a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways involved in various ocular cancers, discuss current therapeutic options, and examine the potential of bioactive phytocompounds in the prevention and targeted treatment of ocular neoplasms. The current limitations, challenges, pitfalls, and future research directions are also discussed.

Management of Marginal Zone Lymphoma: A Canadian Perspective

Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are a rare, heterogenous group of lymphomas, accounting for 5-17% of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the western world. They can be further divided into three subtypes: extranodal MZL, splenic MZL, and nodal MZL. These subtypes differ in clinical presentation and behavior, which influences how they are managed. There is currently no standard of care for the treatment of MZL, owing to the difficulty in conducting phase 3 randomized trials in MZL, and the fact that there are limited data on the efficacy of therapy in individual subtypes. Treatment practices are thus largely borrowed from other indolent lymphomas and are based on patient and disease characteristics, as well as access to therapy. This review summarizes the Canadian treatment landscape for MZL and how these therapies may be sequenced in practice.

First-line antibiotic treatment in patients with localized extragastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

Between January 2010 and December 2015, we enrolled 28 patients with stage IEI/IIE1 extragastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma who received first-line antibiotic treatment, after informing them about the pros and cons of alternative therapies. In addition, during the same period, 64 patients with stage IE/IIE1 disease who received conventional treatment were selected as the control group. The most common primary sites were the ocular adnexal area (17 cases), followed by the salivary glands (four cases), pulmonary (three cases), and thyroid, trachea, larynx, and colon region (one case each). First-line antibiotic treatment resulted in an overall response rate of 57.1%: 12 patients achieved complete remission (CR), while four achieved partial remission (antibiotic-responsive tumors). Monoclonal gammopathy was significantly prevalent in antibiotic-unresponsive tumors than in antibiotic-responsive tumors (50.0% [6/12] vs. 12.5% [2/16], p = 0.044). After a median follow-up of 7 years, all patients with CR remained lymphoma-free, with 7-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of 62.7% and 96.4%, respectively. The 7-year EFS and OS rates of patients who received conventional treatments were 73.1% and 91.1%, respectively. Compared with that noted in patients who received conventional treatment, antibiotic treatment was effective in some patients with localized extragastric MALT lymphoma.

B-cell receptors of EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma bind modified isoforms of autoantigens

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) represents the most aggressive B-cell-lymphoma. Beside the hallmark of IG-MYC-translocation, surface B-cell receptor (BCR) is expressed, and mutations in the BCR pathway are frequent. Coincidental infections in endemic BL, and specific extra-nodal sites suggest antigenic triggers. To explore this hypothesis, BCRs of BL cell lines and cases were screened for reactivities against a panel of bacterial lysates, lysates of Plasmodium falciparum, a custom-made virome array and against self-antigens, including post-translationally modified antigens. An atypically modified, SUMOylated isoform of Bystin, that is, SUMO1-BYSL was identified as the antigen of the BCR of cell line CA46. SUMO1-BYSL was exclusively expressed in CA46 cells with K139 as site of the SUMOylation. Secondly, an atypically acetylated isoform of HSP40 was identified as the antigen of the BCR of cell line BL41. K104 and K179 were the sites of immunogenic acetylation, and the acetylated HSP40 isoform was solely present in BL41 cells. Functionally, addition of SUMO1-BYSL and acetylated HSP40 induced BCR pathway activation in CA46 and BL41 cells, respectively. Accordingly, SUMO1-BYSL-ETA' immunotoxin, produced by a two-step intein-based conjugation, led to the specific killing of CA46 cells. Autoantibodies directed against SUMO1-BYSL were found in 3 of 14 (21.4%), and autoantibodies against acetylated HSP40 in 1/14(7.1%) patients with sporadic Burkitt-lymphoma. No reactivities against antigens of the infectious agent spectrum could be observed. These results indicate a pathogenic role of autoreactivity evoked by immunogenic post-translational modifications in a subgroup of sporadic BL including two EBV-negative BL cell lines.

Conjunctival Lymphoma

Lymphoma of the conjunctiva is an ocular malignancy derived from clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. The majority of conjunctival lymphoma is extranodal marginal zone B-Cell lymphoma (EMZL), however diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL), follicular (FL), mantle cell (MCL) and T- cell subtypes are also seen. Clinical manifestations are non-specific, but include unilateral or bilateral painless salmon-pink conjunctival lesions. Approaches to treatment have centered around local immunomodulation, often with Interferon-α2b or Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) with or without radiation. Although conjunctival lymphoma is generally considered an indolent disease, recent advances in next-generation sequencing have improved clinicians' ability to predict future recurrence or systemic disease through assessment of cytogenic and molecular features. In this paper, we review the classification, clinical features, diagnostic techniques, and emerging strategies for management and prognostication of conjunctival lymphomas.

[Lymphoma of the eye and its adnexa : Modern pathological diagnostics and systemic treatment]

BACKGROUND

Malignant lymphomas of the eye and its adnexal structures account for approximately 5-15% of extranodal lymphomas. According to anatomic and biological criteria, two large groups of lymphomas in and around the eye need to be distinguished: (1) primary lymphomas of intraocular structures and (2) primary lymphomas of ocular adnexa. Furthermore, there is a large spectrum of secondary manifestations of malignant lymphomas in ocular and periocular structures.

OBJECTIVE

This article gives a summary of the classification and molecular pathology of various intraocular and periocular lymphomas as well as oncological systemic treatment with a focus on primary vitreoretinal lymphomas.

METHODS

A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed on the topic of intraocular and periocular lymphomas and own experiences are presented.

RESULTS

The treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphomas (PVRL) is an interdisciplinary challenge and despite the apparently localized disease, systemic treatment concepts are necessary to reduce the high risk of secondary involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, it is crucial that the substances used can penetrate the CNS, and protocols should be chosen in accordance with the treatment concepts for primary CNS lymphomas. The knowledge on the genetics and biology of ocular lymphomas generated by modern high throughput methods enable not only improved diagnostics using molecular methods but also provide rationales for targeted therapeutic approaches.

CONCLUSION

A deep understanding of the biological and molecular principles of intraocular and periocular lymphomas forms a basic prerequisite for precise diagnostics and the use of targeted systemic treatment.

Analysis of Genetic Alterations in Ocular Adnexal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma With Whole-Exome Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing studies on ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (OAML) have to date revealed several targets of genetic aberrations. However, most of our current understanding of the pathogenesis and prognosis of OAML is primarily based on studies conducted in populations from Europe and the US. Furthermore, the majority were based on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, which generally has poor integrity and creates many sequencing artifacts. To better investigate the coding genome landscapes of OAML, especially in the Chinese population, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 21 OAML cases with fresh frozen tumor tissue and matched peripheral blood samples. IGLL5, as a novel recurrently mutated gene, was found in 24% (5/21) of patients, with a higher relapse rate (P=0.032). In addition, mutations of MSH6, DIS3, FAT1, and TMEM127 were found in 10% of cases. These novel somatic mutations indicate the existence of additional/alternative lymphomagenesis pathways in OAML. Moreover, the difference between our and previous studies suggests genetic heterogeneity of OAML between Asian and Western individuals.

Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma in the Gastrointestinal Tract in the Modern Era

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) typically arises from sites such as the stomach, where there is no organized lymphoid tissue. Close associations between Helicobacter pylori and gastric MALT lymphoma or Campylobacter jejuni and immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (IPSID) have been established. A subset of tumors is associated with chromosomal rearrangement and/or genetic alterations. This disease often presents as localized disease, requiring diverse treatment approaches, from antibiotic therapy to radiotherapy and immunochemotherapy. Eradication therapy for H. pylori effectively cures gastric MALT lymphoma in most patients. However, treatment strategies for H. pylori-negative gastric MALT lymphoma are still challenging. In addition, the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy has been controversial in intestinal MALT lymphoma, except for IPSID. Endoscopic treatment has been noted to usually achieve complete remission in endoscopically resectable colorectal MALT lymphoma with localized disease. MALT lymphoma has been excluded from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders with the exception of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). We also describe the expanding spectrum of EBV-negative MZL and a close association of the disease with the gastrointestinal tract.

Impact of the microenvironment on the pathogenesis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas

Approximately 8% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas are extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), also known as MALT lymphomas. These arise at a wide range of different extranodal sites, with most cases affecting the stomach, the lung, the ocular adnexa and the thyroid. The small intestine is involved in a lower percentage of cases. Lymphoma growth in the early stages is associated with long-lasting chronic inflammation provoked by bacterial infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori or Chlamydia psittaci infections) or autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome or Hashimoto thyroiditis). While these inflammatory processes trigger lymphoma cell proliferation and/or survival, they also shape the microenvironment. Thus, activated immune cells are actively recruited to the lymphoma, resulting in either direct lymphoma cell stimulation via surface receptor interactions and/or indirect lymphoma cell stimulation via secretion of soluble factors like cytokines. In addition, chronic inflammatory conditions cause the acquisition of genetic alterations resulting in autonomous lymphoma cell growth. Recently, novel agents targeting the microenvironment have been developed and clinically tested in MALT lymphomas as well as other lymphoid malignancies. In this review, we aim to describe the composition of the microenvironment of MALT lymphoma, the interaction of activated immune cells with lymphoma cells and novel therapeutic approaches in MALT lymphomas using immunomodulatory and/or microenvironment-targeting agents.

Ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: a narrative review

Lymphoma is the most common primary tumor of the orbit, accounting for 55% of all orbital malignancies. When divided into histopathological subtypes, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) comprises the largest proportion. Clinical manifestations are unspecific, but in patients with slow-growing painless orbital mass, or red conjunctival lesion suggestive of 'salmon patch', ocular adnexa lymphoma (OAL) should be suspected. Although the pathogenetic mechanism of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma (OAML) is not yet fully understood, the relationship between OAML and Chlamydia psittaci has been hypothesized recently, similar to that between gastric MALT lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori. This suggests a new treatment option for OAML; bacterial eradication therapy with systemic antibiotics. Several other treatment methods for OAML have been introduced, but no treatment guidelines have been established yet. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge on the clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, and prognosis of OAML.

Lack of Association between Chlamydophila psittaci and Ocular Adnexal MALT Lymphoma in Korean Patients-Is the Geographic or Genetic Difference Significant?

Clamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci) has been proposed to be an etiologic factor in extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) in the ocular adnexa. However, the pathogenetical significance of the infection has not been fully elucidated. Many previous studies have shown controversial results regarding C.&nbsp;psittaci detection rates in said patients, ranging from 0 to 87%. We investigated the presence of C. psittaci in a single institutional cohort (n = 150) of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma (OAML) patients in Korea. We tried to exclude the methodological biases derived from the different primer sets in polymerase chain reaction-based studies. For that reason, we applied five sets of primers, including four previously reported and one newly designed primer set. There was no case of C. psittaci-positive OAML in repeated trials validated with appropriate positive and negative controls. All 150 cases showed negative results with five primer sets. These results suggest that the pathogenetic role of C. psittaci in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma might have been overestimated to date, at least in the Korean population. Therefore, the molecular diagnosis of C. psittaci is considered a very low priority.

MALT lymphoma of the tongue: An unusual site that may present a diagnostic challenge

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is a low-grade B cell lymphoma that can affect any organ, usually preceded by acquisition of MALT in response to antigenic stimulus provided by infections or autoimmune diseases. Most often, MALT lymphoma involves the stomach (about 35% of cases), followed by the ocular adnexal region, skin, lungs, and salivary glands, but virtually any extranodal site can be involved. MALT lymphomas are less common at sites of normal MALT tissue, such as Waldeyer ring and the ileocecal region of the gastrointestinal tract. Lymphomas involving the tongue are extremely rare and represent approximately 3% of all lymphomas involving the head and neck region. In this study, we discuss potentially challenging diagnostic aspects of MALT lymphoma involving the tongue and review and summarize the available literature about this topic.

Two rare cases of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma successfully treated with rituximab-bendamustine

BALT lymphoma is a rare B-NHL with a favorable prognosis. We here report on two patients with nonspecific symptoms: one showed as major symptom severe thrombocytopenia and the other dyspnea and dry cough, thereby suggesting an inflammatory focus in the lungs. There is no standard of care established yet. Both patients were successfully treated with rituximab and bendamustine. Thus, combined immunochemotherapy should be considered as first-line therapy as in other MALT lymphomas, if the treatment/eradication of an underlying chronic inflammatory disorder/trigger factor can be excluded.

A comprehensive review on avian chlamydiosis: a neglected zoonotic disease

Avian chlamydiosis is one of the important neglected diseases with critical zoonotic potential. Chlamydia psittaci, the causative agent, affects most categories of birds, livestock, companion animals, and humans. It has many obscured characters and epidemiological dimensions, which makes it unique among other bacterial agents. Recent reports on transmission from equine to humans alarmed the public health authorities, and it necessitates the importance of routine screening of this infectious disease. High prevalence of spill-over infection in equines was associated with reproductive losses. Newer avian chlamydial species are being reported in the recent years. It is a potential biological warfare agent and the disease is an occupational hazard mainly to custom officers handling exotic birds. Prevalence of the disease in wild birds, pet birds, and poultry causes economic losses to the poultry industry and the pet bird trade. Interestingly, there are speculations on the ‘legal’ and ‘illegal’ bird trade that may be the global source of some of the most virulent strains of this pathogen. The mortality rate generally ranges from 5 to 40% in untreated cases, but it can sometimes be higher in co-infection. The intracellular lifestyle of this pathogen makes the diagnosis more complicated and there is also lack of accurate diagnostics. Resistance to antibiotics is reported only in some pathogens of the Chlamydiaceae family, but routine screening may assess the actual situation in all pathogens. Due to the diverse nature of the pathogen, the organism necessitates the One Health partnerships to have complete understanding. The present review focuses on the zoonotic aspects of avian chlamydiosis with its new insights into the pathogenesis, transmission, treatment, prevention, and control strategies. The review also briefs on the basic understandings and complex epidemiology of avian chlamydiosis, highlighting the need for research on emerging one health perspectives.

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection: Their potential implication in the Etiology of Cervical Cancer

Pathogenic bacterial strains can alter the normal function of cells and induce different levels of inflammatory responses that are connected to the development of different diseases, such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, cancer etc. Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is an intracellular obligate gram-negative bacterium which has been connected with the cervical cancer etiology. Nevertheless, establishment of causality and the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis of cervical cancer associated with C. trachomatis remain unclear. Studies reveal the existence of C. trachomatis in cervical cancer patients. The DNA repair pathways including mismatch repair, nucleotide excision, and base excision are vital in the abatement of accumulated mutations that can direct to the process of carcinogenesis. C. trachomatis recruits DDR proteins away from sites of DNA damage and, in this way, impedes the DDR. Therefore, by disturbing host cell-cycle control, chromatin and DDR repair, C. trachomatis makes a situation favorable for malignant transformation. Inflammation originated due to infection directs over production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent oxidative DNA damage. This review may aid our current understanding of the etiology of cervical cancer in C. trachomatis-infected patients.

Prospective Phase II trial of radiation therapy in localised non-gastric marginal zone lymphoma with prospective evaluation of autoimmunity and Helicobacter pylori status: TROG 05.02/ALLG NHL15

BACKGROUND

This Phase 2 multicentre trial in localised non-gastric marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) evaluated the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy and documented markers of autoimmunity and Helicobacter pylori infection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had Stages I and II or paired-organ, non-gastric MZL. Bone marrow evaluation, autoantibody panel, and H. pylori evaluation were mandatory. Involved-field or involved-site radiotherapy was delivered to 24-30.6 Gy. Detected H. pylori infections underwent eradication.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2014, six centres enrolled 70 patients, and 68 commenced treatment. The median age was 59 (range: 23-84) years, and 31 (46%) were male. Overall, 55 patients had Stage I disease, nine patients had Stage II disease, and four patients had paired organ-confined disease. Involved extranodal sites with three or more cases were orbital (n = 18), conjunctiva (n = 13), lacrimal (n = 8), skin (n = 8), salivary (n = 7), and muscle (n = 4). Eight patients had primary nodal MZL. At the median follow-up of 5 years (range 0.7-9.4), progression-free survival and overall survival were 79% and 95%, respectively. One lymphoma-related death and two in-field failures (after 25 and 30 Gy, respectively) occurred. Distant relapse sites were skin (n = 2), lymph nodes (n = 2), duodenum, stomach, muscle, and conjunctiva (1 each). No paired-organ MZL relapsed. Apart from cataracts (n = 18), only three treatment-related late grade ≥3 adverse events occurred. Autoantibodies or autoimmune events were detected in 26 of 68 patients (38%). H. pylori infection was detected in 15 of 63 patients (24%) tested. Neither autoimmunity nor H. pylori was detected in 27 of 68 patients (40%).

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy was a potentially curative treatment with low toxicity in localised non-gastric MZL. Autoimmunity, H. pylori infection or both were detected in 60% of patients.

No evidence for a pathogen associated with pulmonary MALT lymphoma: a metagenomics investigation

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is generally associated with chronic antigen stimulation: auto-antigens or of microbial origin. Only one study suggested association between Achromobacter xylosoxidans and pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We aimed to investigate the presence of virus or any infectious agents in pulmonary MALT lymphoma by using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

All lung samples were centrally reviewed. The t(11;18) (q21;q21) was evaluated by FISH analysis. The snap frozen large lung biopsies were analyzed by mNGS. After lung biopsies homogenization total nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) were extracted, amplified and classified according to their taxonomic assignment, after exclusion of host DNA.

We included 13 samples from pulmonary MALT lymphoma (mean age: 60.3 years, 7 women, 3 with auto-immune background) and 10 controls. The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma was confirmed for the 13 samples, 3 showed API2-MALT1 translocation (23%). No evidence of the presence of a specific pathogen was clearly identified in the group of patients with pulmonary MALT lymphoma. We identifiedA. xylosoxidans sequence in 4/13 patients and in 4/10 controls.

This study did not find evidence for a DNA or RNA virus, a fungi, a parasite or a bacteria associated with pulmonary MALT lymphoma either in the stroma or in tumor cells.

Bacterial nucleomodulins and cancer: An unresolved enigma

Recent studies in microbial pathogenesis have identified several bacterial proteins with the potential to influence host cell nuclei. This field of research is in its infancy, however it is rapidly growing. In particular, the role of bacterial nucleomodulins in animal oncogenesis is an area that requires attention. Earlier research has suggested the role of nucleomodulins in plant tumor development and these findings may provide us with a better understanding of the role of these proteins in human cancer development. This proposition is further supported by previous identification of nucleomodulins present in bacteria that have been associated with cancer development, but their role in human cancer is unclear. In this article, we provide an update on the status of these nucleomodulins and their role in cancer etiology. We collected information about known bacterial nucleomodulins and tried to relate their mechanistic implication with already known plant tumor development model. The present research indicates that bacterial nucleomodulins may be an important target in cancer etiology and knowledge of their role in human oncogenesis may help us to create suitable alternative cancer management strategies.

Role of Specific B-Cell Receptor Antigens in Lymphomagenesis

The B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway is a crucial pathway of B cells, both for their survival and for antigen-mediated activation, proliferation and differentiation. Its activation is also critical for the genesis of many lymphoma types. BCR-mediated lymphoma proliferation may be caused by activating BCR-pathway mutations and/or by active or tonic stimulation of the BCR. BCRs of lymphomas have frequently been described as polyreactive. In this review, the role of specific target antigens of the BCRs of lymphomas is highlighted. These antigens have been found to be restricted to specific lymphoma entities. The antigens can be of infectious origin, such as H. pylori in gastric MALT lymphoma or RpoC of M. catarrhalis in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, or they are autoantigens. Examples of such autoantigens are the BCR itself in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, LRPAP1 in mantle cell lymphoma, hyper-N-glycosylated SAMD14/neurabin-I in primary central nervous system lymphoma, hypo-phosphorylated ARS2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and hyper-phosphorylated SLP2, sumoylated HSP90 or saposin C in plasma cell dyscrasia. Notably, atypical posttranslational modifications are often responsible for the immunogenicity of many autoantigens. Possible therapeutic approaches evolving from these specific antigens are discussed.

A Cautionary Tale and Update on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first recognized by the World Health Organization in 2016. The total number of cases worldwide continues to increase, with >800 cases confirmed through a combination of Food and Drug Administration data, verified reports, and registries. To date, 33 deaths have been reported. Typical presentation includes a late seroma containing monoclonal T cells that are CD30 positive and anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative. We present a review of the current literature and report on 3 cases of BIA-ALCL at our institution, which serve to illustrate our approach to diagnosis and management of this disease. In 2 cases, the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was not initially confirmed due to an incomplete workup but was recognized upon explantation. The seroma fluid was sent for flow cytometry. Initially, the cells were reported as morphologically suspicious for malignancy with phenotypically normal T cells based on standard CD3+ T-cell gating. Subsequent cytology specimens were reported as consistent with recurrent adenocarcinoma. However, upon regating of flow-cytometry data, a population of CD30+, CD3- T cells was noted and the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was confirmed by immunohistochemical stains of the excised breast capsule specimen. Given the increasing incidence of this disease, as plastic surgeons we must stay informed to order the correct workup to avoid misdiagnosis and be prepared to appropriately refer affected patients to centers with multidisciplinary teams experienced in the management of BIA-ALCL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Orbital and Eyelid B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Simple Summary

The treatment of orbital and eyelid B-cell lymphoma remains a field of progress. The aim of our study was to analyze patients diagnosed, staged and treated for orbital and eyelid B-cell lymphoma to assess clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and recurrence patterns. We included in this study 141 cases of orbital and eyelid B-cell lymphoma. We found five lymphoma subtypes and we confirmed that the histopathologic subtype and the type of treatment were found to be the main factors influencing treatment outcome.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze patients diagnosed, staged and treated for orbital and eyelid B-cell lymphoma (OEL). Methods: One hundred and forty-one cases of OEL were included in this study. Primary endpoints were to analyze the histopathologic findings, the main risk factors and the type of treatment and to correlate them with recurrence of OEL. The secondary endpoint was to determine the progression-free survival (PFS) time. Results: Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma was the most frequent subtype (66%), followed by small lymphocytic lymphoma (12.7%), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (9.2%), follicular lymphoma (6.6%), mantle cell lymphoma (4.3%) and Burkitt lymphoma (1.2%). The probability of relapse was influenced by the histopathologic subtype DLBCL (OR = 7.7, 95% CI 1.8–32.3) and treatment with chemotherapy (OR = 14.9, 95% CI 2.6–83.7). Multivariate analysis showed that the histopathologic subtype DLBCL and chemotherapy treatment retained statistical significance for a poorer PFS, with hazard ratios of 8.581 (p = 0.0112) and 9.239 (p = 0.0094), respectively. Conclusions: Five lymphoma subtypes were found in patients with OEL. The histopathologic subtype and the type of treatment were found to be the main factors influencing treatment outcome.

Nationwide trends in the incidence of orbital lymphoma from 1999 to 2016 in South Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Lymphomas are the most frequent neoplasm of the orbit. However, the epidemiology of orbital lymphomas is not well reported. This study aimed to provide a population-based report on the epidemiology of orbital lymphomas and measure the trends in the incidence of orbital lymphoma cancer in South Korea.

METHODS

Nationwide cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2016 were obtained from the Korea Central Cancer Registry. Age-standardised incidence rates and annual percent changes were calculated according to sex and histological types. The analysis according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results summary stage classifications was performed from 2006 to 2016. Survival rates were estimated for cases diagnosed from 1999 to 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 630 patients (median age: 54 years) with orbital lymphoma in the orbital soft tissue were included in this study. The age-standardised incidence rates increased from 0.03 to 0.08 per 100 000 individuals between 1999 and 2016, with an annual percent change of 6.61%. The most common histopathological type of orbital lymphoma was extra marginal zone B cell lymphoma, accounting for 82.2% of all orbital lymphomas during 1999-2016, followed by diffuse large B cell lymphoma (9.2%). Five-year, 10-year and 15-year overall survival (OS) of orbital lymphoma was 90.8%, 83.8% and 75.8%, respectively. OS showed a significant decrease as age increased and no significant differences between men and women.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of orbital lymphoma is very low in South Korea. However, the incidence rate has increased over the past years. Orbital lymphomas have a worse prognosis as age increases.

Ocular adnexal lymphoma in Denmark: a nationwide study of 387 cases from 1980 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Nationwide studies of ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) are very rare in the literature, and knowledge on incidence, subtype distribution and long-term survival data is limited. This is the largest national study of OAL to date. This study sought to find information on incidence, changes in incidence, clinical findings, distribution of subtypes, survival and prognostic factors.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with OAL from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2017 were identified in Danish registers, and clinical as well as survival data were collected. The data were analysed with Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank test.

RESULTS

387 patients were included in the study. The major lymphoma subtypes were extranodal marginal-zone B cell lymphoma (EMZL) (55%), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (13%), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (11%) and follicular lymphoma (FL) (10%). OAL is a disease of the elderly (median age 69 years). The incidence of lymphoma of the ocular adnexal region has increased significantly throughout the time period of the study (Pearson correlation coefficient, r=0.65; P<0.001). In the period 1980-1984, the incidence was 0.086 per 100 000, which increased to 0.307 per 100 000 in the period 2013-2017. Low-grade, low-stage primary lymphomas were treated with radiotherapy, whereas patients with high-stage, high-grade and/or relapsed disease were treated with chemotherapy. Low-grade subtypes EMZL (89%) and FL (56%) had better 10-year disease-specific survival than the high-grade lymphomas DLBCL (38%) and MCL (31%)(p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

OAL is increasing in incidence in the Danish population for unknown reasons. However, the prognosis for most OAL is favourable, as highlighted in this national long-term study.

Lymphocyte predominant cells detect Moraxella catarrhalis-derived antigens in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma of B-cell origin with frequent expression of functional B-cell receptors (BCRs). Here we report that expression cloning followed by antigen screening identifies DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta’ (RpoC) from Moraxella catarrhalis as frequent antigen of BCRs of IgD⁺ LP cells. Patients show predominance of HLA-DRB1*04/07 and the IgVH genes encode extraordinarily long CDR3s. High-titer, light-chain-restricted anti-RpoC IgG1/κ-type serum-antibodies are additionally found in these patients. RpoC and MID/hag, a superantigen co-expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis that is known to activate IgD⁺ B cells by binding to the Fc domain of IgD, have additive activation effects on the BCR, the NF-κB pathway and the proliferation of IgD⁺ DEV cells expressing RpoC-specific BCRs. This suggests an additive antigenic and superantigenic stimulation of B cells with RpoC-specific IgD⁺ BCRs under conditions of a permissive MHC-II haplotype as a model of NLPHL lymphomagenesis, implying future treatment strategies.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with IgD+ lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells is a rare clinical distinct lymphoma subset of B-cell origin. Here the authors show that antigens expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis are recognized by B cell receptors of IgD+ LP cells, suggesting the contribution of chronic antigen stimulation to lymphomagenesis.

Bacterial infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

One quarter of all cancers are linked to infectious diseases. The link between viral infection and cancer has been widely studied, but few reports have focused on the carcinogenic role of bacterial infection. Nonetheless, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni are bacteria that can be associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), the most common haematologic malignancy. Here, we review the evidence in favour of a link between these bacterial infections and NHL. Sero-epidemiological observation makes it possible to identify a link between H. pylori, C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi infection and NHL. Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni could be identified in NHL tissue samples at the site of chronic inflammation, where B and T lymphocytes are attracted to participate in follicle formation. Lymphoma remissions have been observed under antimicrobial therapies supporting the carcinogenic contribution of bacteria. If the theory of causality is characterized by the lack of universal criteria for establishing a causal link between two diseases, infection and lymphoma, epidemiological, clinical, and histological evidences reported here, should lead clinicians to pay attention to these infectious agents, to detect early lymphoma transformation.

Identifying Genetic Lesions in Ocular Adnexal Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphomas of the MALT Subtype by Whole Genome, Whole Exome and Targeted Sequencing

The pathogenesis of ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue-type (OAML) is not fully understood. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) and/or whole exome sequencing (WES) for 13 cases of OAML and sequenced 38 genes selected from this analysis in a large cohort of 82 OAML. Besides confirmation of frequent mutations in the genes transducin beta like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREBBP), we newly identifed JAK3 as a frequently mutated gene in OAML (11% of cases). In our retrospective cohort, JAK3 mutant cases had a shorter progression-free survival compared with unmutated cases. Other newly identified genes recurrently mutated in 5-10% of cases included members of the collagen family (collagen type XII alpha 1/2 (COL12A1, COL1A2)) and DOCK8. Evaluation of the WGS data of six OAML did not reveal translocations or a current infection of the lymphoma cells by viruses. Evaluation of the WGS data for copy number aberrations confirmed frequent loss of TNFAIP3, and revealed recurrent gains of the NOTCH target HES4, and of members of the CEBP transcription factor family. Overall, we identified several novel genes recurrently affected by point mutations or copy number alterations, but our study also indicated that the landscape of frequently (>10% of cases) mutated protein-coding genes in OAML is now largely known.

Prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Chlamydia trachomatis Determined by Molecular Testing in Ocular Adnexa Lymphoma Specimens

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Chlamydia trachomatis in ocular adnexa lymphoma (OAL) determined by molecular testing in different countries and the potential association of Chlamydia infection with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) histotype by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the presence of Chlamydia in OAL. Pooled prevalence of the three Chlamydia species was calculated in each country. An odds ratio was calculated for the association between Chlamydia and MALT histotype, with a significant P < .05.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies with 1,188 OALs were included. Pooled prevalence of C psittaci, C pneumoniae, and C trachomatis by country was done. Chlamydia infection was significantly associated with MALT histotype (odds ratio, 2.183; P = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

The involvement of C psittaci in OAL is highly variable, with the highest prevalence in Italy and Korea. Chlamydia is associated with MALT histotype.

High throughput sequencing reveals high specificity of TNFAIP3 mutations in ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas

The majority of ocular adnexal (OA) lymphomas (OAL) are extranodal marginal zone lymphomas (MZL). First high throughput sequencing (HTS) studies on OA-MZL showed inconsistent results and the distribution of mutations in reactive lymphoid lesions of this anatomic region has not yet been sufficiently addressed. We characterized OAL and lymphoid lesions of the OA by targeted HTS. The study included 34 OA-MZL, 11 chronic conjunctivitis, five mature small cell B-cell lymphomas spreading to the OA, five diseases with increase of IgG4+ plasma cells, three Burkitt lymphomas (BL), three diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL), three mantle cell lymphomas, three idiopathic orbital inflammations/orbital pseudo tumors (PT), and three OA lymphoid hyperplasia. All cases were negative for Chlamydia. The mutational number was highest in BL and lowest in PT. The most commonly (and exclusively) mutated gene in OA-MZL was TNFAIP3 (10 of 34 cases). Altogether, 20 out of 34 patients harbored mutually exclusive mutations of either TNFAIP3, BCL10, MYD88, ATM, BRAF, or NFKBIE, or nonexclusive mutations of IRF8, TNFRSF14, KLHL6, and TBL1XR1, all encoding for NK-κB pathway compounds or regulators. Thirteen patients (38%) had, to a great part, mutually exclusive mutations of chromatin modifier-encoding genes: KMT2D, CREBBP, BCL7A, DNMT3A, EP300, or HIST1H1E. Only four patients harbored co-occurring mutations of genes encoding for NK-κB compounds and chromatin modifiers. Finally, PTEN, KMT2D, PRDM1, and HIST1H2BK mutations were observable in reactive lymphoid lesions too, while such instances were devoid of NF-κB compound mutations and/or mutations of acetyltransferase-encoding genes. In conclusion, 80% of OA-MZL display mutations of either NK-κB compounds or chromatin modifiers. Lymphoid lesions of the OA bearing NF-κB compound mutations and/or mutations of acetyltransferase-encoding genes highly likely represent lymphomas.

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: lessons from Western and Eastern diagnostic approaches

Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZLs) are a group of clinically indolent B-cell lymphomas postulated to derive from memory B lymphocytes in the 'marginal zone' of secondary lymphoid tissue. Today, MZL is recognised as a nosological umbrella term encompassing distinct entities with some shared phenotypic and genotypic features, including extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (EMZL) or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, splenic MZL, and nodal MZL, accounting for approximately 70%, 20%, and 10% of MZLs, respectively. These lymphomas share some phenotypic and genotypic features and have some variants and related provisional diseases, but are different in regards to their clinical and molecular characteristics. In addition, they are frequently associated with chronic antigenic stimulation represented either by infectious agents, particularly bacteria and viruses, or autoimmune diseases as exemplified by Sjögren syndrome, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and newly recognised IgG4-related disease. Furthermore, several chromosomal translocations have been identified in EMZL. In this review, we will focus on the updated histopathological criteria and the main problems with differential diagnoses in order to aid the diagnostic approach in our routine practice.

Long-term outcome, relapse patterns, and toxicity after radiotherapy for orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: implications for radiotherapy optimization

OBJECTIVES

Although mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) is sensitive to radiation therapy (RT), the optimal RT dose and treatment volumes have not been established. This study aimed to assess the relapse patterns and outcomes of patients with orbital MALToma who underwent RT and to suggest implications for optimized RT.

METHODS

We reviewed 212 patients (246 orbits) diagnosed with orbital MALToma who received RT between 1993 and 2013. Median RT dose was 25.2 Gy. Generally, conjunctival and eyelid lesions were irradiated with electrons, whereas retrobulbar and lacrimal gland lesions with photons. Lens shielding was used for 70% of treated eyes, mainly conjunctival and eyelid tumors.

RESULTS

Relapse occurred in 29 patients. Among 11 patients with local relapse (LR), 4 were attributed to insufficient dose (n = 2) and improper RT volume (n = 2). The 10-year LR, contralateral orbit relapse, and distant relapse rates were 8.6%, 12.8% and 4.9%, respectively. Twelve patients died of disease-specific causes (n = 1) and intercurrent diseases (n = 11). The 10-year relapse-free survival, overall survival, and cause-specific survival rates were 69.7%, 88.2% and 98.8%, respectively. Grade 3 cataracts and nasolacrimal duct obstruction were observed in 27 and 4 orbits, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose RT with proper lens shielding is an appropriate treatment for orbital MALToma in terms of high disease control rate and acceptable morbidity. However, lower RT dose may be attempted to further reduce toxicity while maintaining excellent outcomes.

Bilateral benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia of the conjunctiva: a case treated with oral doxycycline and review of the literature

Background

To report a case of bilateral benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH) of the conjunctiva treated with oral doxycycline and perform review of the literature evaluating the presentation, treatment and risk of transformation to lymphoma.

Case presentation

A case report is described and review of the literature from January 1975 to January 2019 was performed. A 30-year-old man presented with bilateral enlarging fleshy pink medial canthal conjunctival lesions. Incisional biopsy revealed BRLH. Oral doxycycline was initiated (100 mg two times a day) for a total of 2 months. Both lesions decreased in size significantly at the patient’s two-month follow up visit. The residual lesion in the right eye was excised along with an adjacent pterygium and the patient has been free of recurrence for the past 1.5 years. The lesion in the left eye has remained stable in size after cessation of the oral doxycycline. A total of 235 cases of conjunctival BRLH were identified in our literature search. The mean age at diagnosis was 35.2 years (range, 5 to 91 years). BRLH lesions were unilateral in 75% of patients and bilateral in 25% of them. Seven patients (2.9%) had a concurrent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection at the time of lesion appearance. The most common treatments were surgical excision (155/235 or 65.9%) and corticosteroids (30/235 or 12.7%), while 14% (33/235) of the patients were observed and 4.6% (11/235) received external beam radiotherapy alone. Recurrence occurred in ten patients (10/235 or 4.2%), of whom five had undergone surgical excision alone, two excision followed by external beam radiotherapy, one excision and oral corticosteroids, one radiotherapy alone and one had been treated with topical corticosteroids. Overall, only 2 of the 235 reported cases (0.8%) developed malignancy, one localized to the conjunctiva and one systemic.

Conclusions

Benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia is one of the lymphoproliferative disorders of the conjunctiva and ocular adnexa. Extensive literature review shows that most cases are treated with surgery, steroids or observation. Oral doxycycline may be considered an alternative non-invasive treatment of BRLH conjunctival lesions. BRLH lesions warrant careful follow up as they can rarely transform into conjunctival or systemic lymphoma.

Primary thymic MALT lymphoma in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and multiple lung cysts: a case report

Background

Thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare and also known for its association with autoimmune diseases, especially Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS), which could affect the systemic organs, and pulmonary involvement often reveals multiple lung cysts.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old woman presented with an anterior mediastinal mass and multiple lung cysts on computed tomography. We suspected thymoma concomitant with lymphangioleiomyomatosis and performed a total thymectomy and wedge resection of the lung as a surgical biopsy. The histopathological diagnosis of the mediastinal mass was a MALT lymphoma, and there were no specific findings in the lung specimen. She had a history of SjS, which had been overlooked during the initial work-up.

Conclusions

A history of SjS should raise suspicion of a MALT lymphoma for the differential diagnosis of an anterior mediastinal mass. A precise history taking is crucial for the correct diagnosis, and we could have avoided a lung resection in our case.

An Unusual Presentation of Pediatric Conjunctival Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma

Ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is uncommon in the pediatric population. Initial misdiagnosis is common and there is lacking consensus regarding the optimal approach to treatment. Herein, we report an atypical presentation of pediatric conjunctival MALT lymphoma and review the presentation and management of this rare condition.

Refractory follicular conjunctival lesions: overlook as just inflammation or not?

PURPOSE

To report the clinical manifestations of 199 patients with suspected conjunctival lymphoma, the associations between these features and the pathological diagnoses, and the prognosis of conjunctival lesions during long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 199 patients who underwent conjunctival biopsy on suspicion of conjunctival lymphoproliferative disease between January 2008 and June 2015. We focused on slit-lamp findings in the conjunctiva and the pathological diagnoses.

RESULTS

In total, 261 specimens of 199 patients were included in this study. The median age of patients was 42 years (range, 16-87 years), and those over 60 years of age constituted 17.1% of all patients. The proportion finally diagnosed with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas was 58.2%. In these patients, the most common slit-lamp findings were the 'salmon patch' appearance (73.7%), followed by a follicular appearance (14.5%) and a nodular or subconjunctival mass (6.6%). Bilateral ocular manifestations were more common in patients with disease with the follicular appearance, as compared with patients with the salmon-patch appearance.

CONCLUSION

Conjunctival MALT lymphoma presents in various ways, not only with the salmon-patch appearance. Therefore, biopsy should be considered if suspicion is raised, even though the conjunctival lesion does not exhibit the typical appearance of MALT lymphoma. In cases of follicular lesions responding poorly to topical steroids, a conjunctival MALT lymphoma may be suspected, given that chronic inflammation may precede neoplasia in patients with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma on right lower eyelid previously diagnosed as lymphoid hyperplasia

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an uncommon form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. Most commonly affected organ is the stomach. But, it could affect almost every organ in the whole body. If they have suspicious lesion, excision biopsy could be made. For staging, blood test including blood smear, abdomen and chest tomography or scan will be checked. Also, bone marrow test can be done if it is needed. The patient had visited the clinic for palpable mass on right lower eyelid. With excisional biopsy, it was diagnosed as lymphoid hyperplasia on pathologic test. But 2 years later, the patient came with recurrent symptom for our department with worry. At that time, we recommended excisional soft tissue biopsy under general anesthesia. Unfortunately, it was revealed MALT lymphoma on pathologic finding. It turned out to be stage 3 in Ann Arbor staging system without B symptoms. Hematologic consultation was made and she was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for eight cycles to complete remission. We report a case of MALT lymphoma on subcutaneous tissue at right lower eyelid previously diagnosed as lymphoid hyperplasia.

High Frequency of MYD88 L265P Mutation in Primary Ocular Adnexal Marginal Zone Lymphoma and Its Clinicopathologic Correlation: A Study From a Single Institution

CONTEXT.—

The pathogenesis of primary ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma (POAMZL) remains unclear. The reported associations with Chlamydia psittaci infection and MYD88 mutations are highly variable.

OBJECTIVE.—

To examine MYD88 L265P mutation in ocular marginal zone lymphomas and correlate with clinicopathologic features and Chlamydia infection.

DESIGN.—

Presence of MYD88 L265P mutation and Chlamydia infection in lymphoma was analyzed by using sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.

RESULTS.—

The MYD88 L265P mutation was identified in 8 of 22 POAMZLs (36%), including 2 of 3 cases in which PCR failed to detect clonal IGH gene rearrangement; none of the 4 secondary marginal zone lymphomas were positive. Test results for Chlamydia were negative in all cases. Patients with and without the MYD88 mutation had similar clinicopathologic features.

CONCLUSIONS.—

The MYD88 mutational analysis provides important information in diagnostic workup of POAMZL. The frequent MYD88 mutation suggests a critical role of this aberration in the pathogenesis of POAMZL and may serve as a therapeutic target for patients with progressive disease.

Recent advances in understanding the biology of marginal zone lymphoma

There are three different marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs): the extranodal MZL of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type (MALT lymphoma), the splenic MZL, and the nodal MZL. The three MZLs share common lesions and deregulated pathways but also present specific alterations that can be used for their differential diagnosis. Although trisomies of chromosomes 3 and 18, deletions at 6q23, deregulation of nuclear factor kappa B, and chromatin remodeling genes are frequent events in all of them, the three MZLs differ in the presence of recurrent translocations, mutations affecting the NOTCH pathway, and the transcription factor Kruppel like factor 2 ( KLF2) or the receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase delta ( PTPRD). Since a better understanding of the molecular events underlying each subtype may have practical relevance, this review summarizes the most recent and main advances in our understanding of the genetics and biology of MZLs.

Recurrent mutations in NF-κB pathway components, KMT2D, and NOTCH1/2 in ocular adnexal MALT-type marginal zone lymphomas

The pathogenesis of ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue-type (OAML) is still poorly understood. We analyzed 63 cases of such lymphomas for non-synonymous mutations in 24 candidate genes by amplicon sequencing. We validated frequent mutations in the NF-κB regulators MYD88, TNFAIP3 and TNIP1 in OAML, but also identified recurrent mutations in several additional components of the NF-κB pathway, including BCL10 and NFKBIA. Overall, 60% of cases had mutations in at least one component of NF-κB signaling, pointing to a central role of its genetic deregulation in OAML pathogenesis. Mutations in NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 were each found in 8% of cases, indicating a pathogenetic function of these factors in OAML. KMT2D was identified as the first epigenetic regulator with mutations in OAML, being mutated in 22% of cases. Mutations in MYD88 were associated with an inferior disease-free survival. Overall, we identified here highly recurrent genetic lesions in components of the NF-κB pathway, of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 as well as KMT2D in OAML and thereby provide major novel insights into the pathogenesis of this B cell malignancy.