Clinical prognostic analysis of 116 patients with primary intestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Efficacy and side effects of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory gastrointestinal lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Although anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy was approved as a very effective salvage strategy in relapsed/refractory (R/R) B cell lymphoma, the experience in R/R gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma is still insufficient.

METHODS

We summarized the efficacy and side effects of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in 12 patients with R/R GI lymphoma. Based on literature, the R/R GI lymphoma patients were divided into subgroups with different characteristics: Bulky/No bulky disease, Gastric/Gastrointestinal involvement, Gastrointestinal/Combined extra-gastrointestinal lesions, Ulcer/Lumps or nodules type, With/without gastrointestinal bleeding.

RESULTS

The objective response rate (ORR) was 66.67% in these 12 patients. The ORR was 83.33% in no bulky disease group, 80.00% in gastric involvement group, 100.00% in ulcer type group, and 80.00% in no gastrointestinal bleeding group. The CR rate was 33.33% in these 12 patients. The CR was 50.0% in no bulky disease group, 60.00% in gastric involvement group, and 80.00% in ulcer type group. The PFS and OS rate of the 12 patients at 6 months after infusion were 54.55% and 58.33%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) at 6 months was higher in no bulky disease group. There was no difference of the OS or the progression free survival (PFS) at 6 months between the other groups. The mean peak of CAR-T cells and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) grade were higher in gastrointestinal lesions group. The mean peak of IFN-γ and CRS grade were higher in gastrointestinal bleeding group. Four out of six patients in group of gastrointestinal lesions group were patient with high tumor burden. Patients with gastrointestinal involvement only were at higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The ORR and CR of high tumor load, gastrointestinal involvement, lumps or nodules type and gastrointestinal bleeding group were lower. The CRS grade was higher in gastrointestinal lesions group and in gastrointestinal bleeding group. Patients with gastrointestinal involvement only were at higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.

Emergency laparotomy for abdominal catastrophes secondary to lymphoma: A systematic review

Intestinal lymphomas can rarely present as abdominal catastrophes with perforation or small bowel obstruction. There is little data regarding their optimal surgical management and associated outcomes. We aimed to systematically review relevant published literature to assess the presentation, diagnosis, optimal surgical approach and associated post-operative outcomes. A systematic on-line literature search of Embase and Medline identified 1485 articles of which 34 relevant studies were selected, including 7 retrospective studies, 1 case series and 26 case reports. Selected articles were assessed by two reviewers to extract data. 95 patients with abdominal catastrophes secondary to lymphoma (predominately Burkitt (28 %) and Diffuse Large B-cell lymphoma (29 %)) were identified with a median age of 52 years, 40 % were female. Of the small bowel resections 25% (n = 18) suffered post-operative complications with a 13.8 % (n = 10) 30-day mortality. Ileocolonic resections had a 27 % complication rate with 18 % mortality and primary repair had a 25 % complications rate and 25 % mortality. Median follow-up was 8 days (range 1-96). Notable points of differences in the presentations between these different lymphomas included the majority of Burkitt's lymphoma were younger, had a known diagnosis, were on chemotherapy and presented with perforation in contrast to those with B cell lymphoma who were predominately older, had new diagnoses and presented with a balanced proportion of obstruction and perforation. Abdominal catastrophes secondary to intestinal lymphomas most commonly present with perforation. Aggressive surgical management, including small bowel resection, may offer similar remission rates for lymphoma patients presenting with abdominal catastrophes as those without such emergency complications.

Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting as Ileocolic Intussusception in an Adult

Adult intussusception is rare, highly associated with a malignant lead point, and often requires emergent surgical management. We report the case of a 44-year-old male who presented with generalized abdominal pain and was found to have early ileocolic intussusception secondary to a large ileocecal mass. Biopsies of the mass and an enlarged cardiophrenic lymph node, as well as pleural fluid cytology were all consistent with Burkitt lymphoma (BL). Curiously, the patient's abdominal exam was reassuring, and the intussusception and malignant bowel obstruction resolved over 36 hours with conservative management alone. With a Burkitt lymphoma international prognostic index (BL-IPI) score of 2, the patient proceeded to treatment with combination chemoimmunotherapy and attained a complete response after four cycles. There was no bowel perforation or recurrent intussusception throughout treatment. Thus, this report marks the first reported case of adult BL-associated intussusception to resolve with non-invasive management and establishes a precedent for conservative management in select patients.

The prognostic impact of lymphoma perforation in patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma - a single-center analysis

Patients with primary gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma are at risk of GI perforations. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of non-traumatic GI perforations. 54 patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of primary GI lymphoma were included. Non-traumatic lymphoma perforation occurred in ten patients (19%). Perforations occurred only in patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. In patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma, the median overall survival (mOS) was 52 months (95% CI 9.88-94.12) and 27 months (95% CI 0.00-135.48) in patients with and without GI perforation, respectively. The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 30 months (95% CI 5.6-54.4) in patients with GI perforations. In patients without lymphoma perforation, mPFS was not reached. Both mOS and mPFS did not significantly differ. In conclusion, despite the need for emergency surgery and delay in lymphoma-directed treatment, lymphoma perforation did not negatively impact our study population's OS or PFS.

Identification and validation of hub genes in CD5-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

CD5+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), as a significant heterogeneity category of DLBCL, is reflected in both the molecular biological and genetic levels, which in turn induces ever-changing clinical manifestations, and what mediates tumor survival mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to predict the potential hub genes in CD5+ DLBCL. A total of 622 patients with DLBCL diagnosed between 2005 and 2019 were included. High expression of CD5 was correlated with IPI, LDH, and Ann Arbor stage, patients with CD5-DLBCL have longer overall survival. We identified 976 DEGs between CD5-negative and positive DLBCL patients in the GEO database and performed GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. After intersecting the genes obtained through the Cytohubba and MCODE, further external verification was performed in the TCGA database. Three hub genes were screened: VSTM2B, GRIA3, and CCND2, of which CCND2 were mainly involved in cell cycle regulation and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Analysis of clinical samples showed that the expression of CCND2 was found to be correlated with CD5 (p = 0.001), and patients with overexpression of CCND2 in CD5+ DLBCL had poor prognosis (p = 0.0455). Cox risk regression analysis showed that, for DLBCL, CD5, and CCND2 double positive was an independent poor prognostic factor (HR: 2.545; 95% CI: 1.072-6.043; p = 0.034). These findings demonstrate that CD5 and CCND2 double-positive tumors should be stratified into specific subgroups of DLBCL with poor prognosis. CD5 may regulate CCND2 through JAK-STAT signaling pathways, mediating tumor survival. This study provides independent adverse prognostic factors for risk assessment and treatment strategies for newly diagnosed DLBCL.

Clinical and endoscopic features of primary small bowel lymphoma: a single-center experience from mainland China

Objective

The worldwide incidence of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL) is increasing. However, little is known about the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and endoscopic data of patients with PSIL, with the goal of enhancing our understanding of the disease, improving diagnostic accuracy, and facilitating more accurate prognosis estimation.

Methods

Ninety-four patients diagnosed with PSIL were retrospectively studied at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between 2012 and 2021. The clinical data, enteroscopy findings, treatment modalities, and survival times were collected and analyzed.

Results

Ninety-four patients (52 males) with PSIL were included in this study. The median age of onset was 58.5 years (range: 19-80 years). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=37) was the most common pathological type. Abdominal pain (n=59) was the most frequent clinical presentation. The ileocecal region (n=32) was the most commonly affected site, and 11.7% of patients had multiple lesions. At the time of diagnosis, the majority of patients (n=68) were in stages I-II. A new endoscopic classification of PSIL was developed, including hypertrophic type, exophytic type, follicular/polypoid type, ulcerative type, and diffusion type. Surgery did not show a significant increase in overall survival; chemotherapy was the most commonly administered treatment. T-cell lymphoma, stages III-IV, "B" symptoms, and ulcerative type were associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and endoscopic features of PSIL in 94 patients. This highlights the importance of considering clinical and endoscopic characteristics for accurate diagnosis and prognosis estimation during small bowel enteroscopy. Early detection and treatment of PSIL is associated with a favorable prognosis. Our findings also suggest that certain risk factors, such as pathological type, "B" symptoms, and endoscopic type, may affect the survival of PSIL patients. These results underscore the need for careful consideration of these factors in the diagnosis and treatment of PSIL.

Primary Gastrointestinal Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as Ileal Perforation

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and can rarely present as a primary gastrointestinal malignancy. Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) is associated with a significant risk of perforation and peritonitis, with high rates of mortality. Here we describe a case of a newly diagnosed PGIL in a previously healthy 22-year-old male presenting for new-onset abdominal pain with diarrhea. Early hospital course was characterized by peritonitis and severe septic shock. Despite multiple surgical interventions and resuscitative efforts, the patient's condition continued to deteriorate until cardiac arrest and death on hospital day five. A diagnosis of DLBCL of the terminal ileum and cecum was made by pathology post-mortem. The prognosis for these patients can be improved through early intervention with chemotherapy regimens and surgical resection of the malignant tissue. This report highlights DLBCL as a rare cause of gastrointestinal perforation that can culminate in precipitous multiorgan failure and death.

Real-World clinical features and survival outcomes associated with primary gastrointestinal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma from 1999 to 2020

BACKGROUND

Primary gastrointestinal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (PGINKTL) is a rare T-/NK-cell lymphoma subtype, and the clinical features and survival outcomes remain largely unknown.

METHODS

To summarize the clinical features and survival outcomes of PGINKTL, PGINKTL cases diagnosed at our hospital from May 1999 to December 2020 were reviewed; and the clinical data, information on treatment strategies, and survival were collected. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. We constructed a nomogram to visualize the survival prediction of PGINKTL. The discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram for prediction were tested using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration plots.

RESULTS

The cohort included 81 cases, the median age was 36 years (range, 7-80 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1.7:1. The most common clinical symptom at the time of diagnosis was abdominal pain (71.6%). The most common lesion site was the colon (59.3%). During a median follow-up period of 37.7 months, the median overall survival (OS) time of 81 patients was 4.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1-4.9 months), and the 2-year OS rate was 30.7% (95% CI, 20.3%-40.1%). The multivariate analyses indicated that patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) score ≥2, serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level ≥ the upper limit normal (ULN), and perforation had worse OS. We used these data to establish a nomogram to predict survival for PGINKTL. The nomogram displayed good accuracy, with a C-index of 0.726.

CONCLUSION

The clinical features and poor outcomes of PGINKTL, which is a rare and fatal lymphoma type, are presented. The proposed nomogram provides an individualized estimate of survival for these patients. In the future, the study focused on exploring a better treatment strategy to improve survival is required in PGINKTL.

Complications of lymphoma in the abdomen and pelvis: clinical and imaging review

Involvement of the abdomen and pelvis is common in lymphoma. Nodal and extranodal abdominal and pelvic lymphoma may present with various complications. Complications are most common in high-grade lymphomas, especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Complications may occur as the initial manifestation of lymphoma, during treatment course, or late following complete disease remission. Most complications are associated with worse prognosis and increased mortality. Imaging is essential in evaluation of disease extent and diagnosis of complications. Therefore, radiologists should be familiar with the clinical context and imaging features of abdominal and pelvic lymphoma complications. We provide a comprehensive, organ system-based approach, and clinical and imaging review of complications of abdominal and pelvic lymphoma along with radiologic images of illustrated cases of the most commonly encountered complications.

T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Ileum Presenting as Perforation and Peritonitis: A Case Report

Background

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the ileum, presenting as perforation and peritonitis, is a rare disease, derived from intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocytes. The degree of malignancy is extremely high. The pathogenesis of ileal perforation caused by NHL remains unclear, as well as the chromosome and immune system abnormalities, which may be related to NHL, and are indistinguishable from other benign and malignant conditions and are clinically nonspecific.

Case Report

We describe an 84-year-old man with abdominal pain for 4 days, which was aggravated for 3 h. The pain was in the upper abdominal region and was initially considered to be due to gastrointestinal perforation. He had persistent insidious pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Physical examination indicated that the patient had pain all over the abdomen; also, rebound pain and muscle tension, and bowel sounds were reduced on auscultation. An abdominal CT scan showed free gas in the abdominal cavity. The patient was diagnosed with peritonitis due to hollow viscus perforation. A prompt exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative findings showed perforations in the ileum that are approximately 40 cm from the ileocecal region, which were 3–8 mm in size. A segmental distribution was observed, and the intestinal contents overflowed with purulent discharge around the perforation surface. Resection and ileostomy were performed, and the clinical histopathological examination confirmed T-cell lymphoma. The patient was advised to visit the Oncology Department for further chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Timely emergency surgery is the key to the treatment of ileal perforation caused by T-cell lymphoma. Resection and ileostomy were performed as intervention measures, and subsequent histopathological examination manifested T-cell lymphoma.

Development and External Validation of a Nomogram to Predict Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Primary Intestinal Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Purpose

Primary intestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PINHL) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease. Few individual prediction models are available to establish prognoses for PINHL patients. Herein, a novel nomogram was developed and verified to predict long-term cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates in PINHL patients, and a convenient online risk calculator was created using the nomogram.

Materials and Methods

Data on PINHL patients from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2015, obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (n = 2372; training cohort), were analyzed by Cox regression to identify independent prognostic parameters for CSS. The nomogram was internally and externally validated in a SEER cohort (n = 1014) and a First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (FAHGUCM) cohort (n = 37), respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate nomogram performance.

Results

Five independent predictors were identified, namely, age, marital status, Ann Arbor Stage, B symptoms, and histologic type. The nomogram showed good performance in discrimination and calibration, with C-indices of 0.772 (95% CI: 0.754–0.790), 0.763 (95% CI: 0.734–0.792), and 0.851 (95% CI: 0.755–0.947) in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts, respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the nomogram was accurate, and DCA showed that the nomogram had a high clinical application value. AUC values indicated that the prediction accuracy of the nomogram was higher than that of Ann Arbor Stage (training cohort: 0.804 vs 0.630; internal validation cohort: 0.800 vs 0.637; external validation cohort: 0.811 vs 0.598), and Kaplan–Meier curves indicated the same.

Conclusion

A nomogram was developed to assist clinicians in predicting the survival of PINHL patients and in making optimal treatment decisions. An online calculator based on the nomogram was made available at https://cuifenzhang.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.

A rare case of primary non-metastatic Non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the ileum in a 19-year-old male manifested as intestinal obstruction- A case report

Introduction and importance

The gastrointestinal system is the most common site for extra-nodal NHL. Adolescent population are among the rarest of compromised groups, especially males. The gastrointestinal system is more involved by secondary metastasis rather than by primary lymphomas. Cardinal B-Symptoms and obstipation constituted the presentation of our patient who was diagnosed postoperatively as a case primary non-metastatic NHL. NHL can have misleading presentations which result in the implementation of different treatment modalities. We ought to have high clinical suspicion when presented with a patient suffering from B-Symptoms and obstipation to make timely judgements which help in performing effective therapeutic interventions to limit the morbidity and mortality which result from this pathology.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 19-year-old male, who presented with obstipation and B-Symptoms. CT scan indicated loop dilation, a lobulated mass, and what radiologically seemed to be intussusception. Surgery was done and the resected specimens were DLBCL.

Clinical discussion

We treated him by surgical excision of the affected ileal segments. Histopathology indicated a primary Non-Hodgkin's DLBCL of the ileum. Afterwards, we referred him for adjuvant chemotherapy. Treatment modalities for this malignancy are mainly surgical in addition to Chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Intestinal extranodal NHL presents with an array of vague symptoms. As a result, this type of tumors can be clinically indistinguishable from other gastrointestinal malignancies. It is vital to keep this type of malignancy in mind as a differential diagnosis when presented with a surgical abdomen in a patient with B-Symptoms.

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The gastrointestinal system is the most common occurrence site for extra-nodal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

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Cardinal B-Symptoms can mislead the diagnosis as the incidence rate in such a patient demographic is undocumented.

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The most frequently compromised site in the small intestine is the ileum followed by the jejunum, and the duodenum.

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Primary non-metastatic NH-DLBCL is so rare in adolescent males that it warrants documentation and follow-up.

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It's vital to consider this pathology when presented with obstipation and B-Symptoms in an adolescent male.

Experience of serious intestinal hemorrhage and perforation in small bowel lymphoma: a case report

There have been several reports of complications of small bowel lymphoma, such as bleeding, obstruction, and perforation, often require emergency surgery. It is hardly showed complications of bleeding and wound dehiscence for diffuse large B cell lymphoma with distal ileum involvement, which needed urgent surgery and medical management. A 65-year-old man with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with distal ileum involvement experienced both intestinal bleeding and perforation during the course of treatment. As the patient was diagnosed with stage III disease, resection before chemotherapy was not considered due to the resulting delay in chemotherapy, which necessitated sufficient tissue healing. Chemotherapy is important when treating small bowel lymphoma, complications such as bleeding and perforation should always be considered for the treatment of small bowel lymphoma, and surgery is necessary in this situation. After surgery of the small bowel, subsequent chemotherapy could cause wound dehiscence and perforation; therefore, adequate recovery time should be given before chemotherapy.

The impact of surgery on long-term survival of patients with primary intestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas based on SEER database

Evidence regarding the need for surgery for primary intestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PINHL) patients with chemotherapy is limited and controversial. We aimed to investigate the specific impact of surgery on survival of PINHL patients. Data from PINHL patients (aged > 18 years) with chemotherapy between 1983 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We concerned about overall survival (OS) and improved cancer-specific survival (CSS). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was also used to explore the reliability of the results to further control for confounding factors. Finally, we screened 3537 patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that patients with surgery and chemotherapy had better OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.93; p = 0.0009) and CSS (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.77–0.99; p = 0.0404) compared with the non-operation group after adjusting for confounding factors. After PSM analysis, compared with non-surgery, surgery remained associated with improved OS (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.68–0.87; p < 0.0001) and improved CSS (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.95; p = 0.008) adjusted for baseline differences. In the large cohort of PINHL patients with chemotherapy older than 18 years, surgery was associated with significantly improved OS and CSS before and after PSM analysis.

Surgery shows survival benefit in patients with primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

The clinical characteristics and prognosis of primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PI-DLBCL) are rarely reported. We aimed to explore the role of surgery in patients with PI-DLBCL.

METHODS

Adult PI-DLBCL patients were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The effect of surgery was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional regression analyses. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reinforce our results. Lasso regression was utilized to determine independent risk factors of overall survival (OS) for a nomogram and a novel web-based calculator. The performance of the model was measured via concordance index, receiver operating characteristic curve, and calibration plots in both cohorts.

RESULTS

Overall, 1602 patients with PI-DLBCL were analyzed. Surgery significantly improved survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, respectively). Before PSM, local tumor destruction (LTD) displayed a survival advantage over resection in patients without chemotherapy (p = 0.034). After PSM, surgery was still identified as a beneficial factor for OS (p = 0.0015). However, there was no statistical difference between LTD and resection (p = 0.32). The nomogram for 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS predictions exhibited dependable consistency between internal and external validation.

CONCLUSION

This study approves the beneficial effect of surgery on clinical endpoints in PI-DLBCL patients. For those who are not suitable for resection, LTD may also be a practical option. The predictive nomogram and the web-based calculator could help clinicians individually evaluate the prognosis and optimize personalized treatment decisions for these patients.

Synchronous primary malignancy of colon cancer and mantle cell lymphoma: A case report

Multiple primary malignancies in a single patient are relatively rare; however, the frequency of this has increased significantly in recent decades. Here, we retrospectively reported an unusual case of a 70-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and colon cancer and aimed to explore measures to reduce missed diagnosis. Based on the data, the investigation of the related literatures, colonoscopy examination, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan were conducted for the detection of colon cancer. Following this, a precise diagnosis of MCL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and bone marrow biopsy, which were performed to analyze the clinical characteristics and essentials for the diagnosis and differential of the disease. The results of colonoscopy showed that the patient had colon cancer, while the abdominal CT scan demonstrated colon cancer accompanied by multiple lymphadenopathy throughout the entire body. Besides, the results of immunohistochemistry confirmed that the patient suffered from MCL. The bone marrow biopsy revealed the active hematopoietic tissue hyperplasia but no tumor issue involvement in the bone marrow. In conclusion, our study combined the analysis and summary of the diagnosis and treatment of the colon cancer with MCL to provide clinical guidance for the rare multiple primary malignancy.

Double percutaneous transesophageal gastrotubing precluded high risk surgery for intestinal malignant lymphoma

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is relatively rare and typically treated by chemotherapy. In some cases, surgery for obstruction in the proximal small intestine is challenging and has a high risk for anastomotic leakage. An 80-year-old woman presented to our hospital with vomiting and abdominal distension. Enteroscopy showed a type 2 circumferential tumor in the proximal jejunum 6 cm on the anal side from Treitz ligament. Biopsy showed solid and diffuse proliferation of large atypical cells with round and irregular nuclei. On immunohistochemistry, these cells were positive for CD20, CD79a, and CD138. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was diagnosed and classified as Ann Arbor stage IIE and Lugano classification stage II 2 and scored 1 point on the International Prognostic Index (i.e., low risk). Given the risk of anastomotic leakage due to lesions and residual obstructive enteritis, surgery was not performed. The patient received double percutaneous transesophageal gastrotubing (dPTEG) to facilitate decompression and enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition and chemotherapy were initiated immediately after dPTEG insertion. After one course of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, and prednisone (R–CHOP), the tumor showed a partial response, and the obstruction was improved. Oral ingestion was started, and the dPTEG tube was removed. After six courses of R–CHOP, enhanced CT, positron emission tomography-CT, and serum interleukin-2 levels indicated complete treatment response. During treatment, gastrointestinal perforation did not occur, oral intake was good, and careful follow-up will be continued. dPTEG for obstructive small intestinal DLBCL could help avoid high-risk surgery, and a complete response to chemotherapy was achieved.

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・Surgery for obstruction in the proximal small intestine is challenging and has a high risk for anastomotic leakage.

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・Double percutaneous transesophageal gastrotubing is a novel treatment that can achieve both intestinal decompression and enteral nutrition.

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・Performing dPTEG for obstructive small intestinal DLBCL precluded the use of high-risk surgery and facilitated a complete response to chemotherapy.

Common Presentation of an Uncommon Small Intestinal Lymphoma: A Rare Case Entity

Primary gastrointestinal NHL accounts for 30-40% of all extranodal NHL. Primary gastrointestinal lymphomas constitute 5% of total gut neoplasms. Bowel perforation is a severe life-threatening complication and sometimes initial presentation of gastrointestinal lymphoma. A 60-year-old man presented with complaints of abdominal pain, distension, nausea and vomiting. There was clinical suspicion of acute intestinal perforation, which was confirmed by radiology. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy. The resected bowel on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry was diagnosed as the high-grade transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL). The patient received 6 cycles of chemotherapy and is doing well at 3 years of follow-up. Herein, we report this rare malignancy of the small intestine. FL mostly presents as a nodal disease but also involves the extranodal sites. The most common site of primary gastrointestinal-follicular lymphoma (GI-FL) is the small intestine. The cellular and molecular characteristic of GI-FL is different from that of the nodal FL. Extranodal FL is usually localized, but the prognosis of transformed FL is low, and these are managed by surgery followed by chemotherapy. High clinical suspicion and extensive sampling of perforated bowel are essential to diagnose the high-grade transformation of FL.

Influence of Severe Gastrointestinal Complications in Primary Gastrointestinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Background

This study assessed the clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), obstruction (GIO), and perforation (GIP) in patients with primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) and the influence on long-term survival.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of 148 patients with PGI-DLBCL admitted to Peking University First Hospital from August 1994 to May 2018. The clinical characteristics of GIB, GIO, and GIP before and after chemotherapy were recorded. The associated overall survival and progression-free survival were analyzed.

Results

Among 148 patients, 56.8% had gastrointestinal complications (GICs), including GIB, GIO, GIP, and multiple complications, and 22.6% of them occurred after chemotherapy, mostly during the first 4 cycles. The most common clinical manifestations of patients with GICs were abdominal pain or discomfort (79.8%), hematemesis or melena (22.6%), and abnormal bowel habits (17.9%). Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≥2, tumor mass ≥10 cm, or intestinal involvement had significantly higher risk of severe GICs as initial manifestations. Among 130 patients who received chemotherapy, B symptoms, tumor mass ≥10 cm, and Lugano stage (IIE, IV) strongly correlated with GICs after chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Rituximab did not increase the risk of GICs. GICs which occurred before or after chemotherapy reduced the objective response rate at the end of chemotherapy. The prognosis of patients was significantly worsened by GIP, GIB, or multiple complications after chemotherapy (P < 0.05). GIB at presentation or GIO before or after chemotherapy had no prognostic value (both P > 0.05).

Conclusion

GICs adversely affect the quality of life, prolong the length of hospitalization, and shorten the long-term survival of patients with PGI-DLBCL.

Mantle cell lymphoma simulating inflammatory bowel disease

We report a case of colorectal involvement by a mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) that had been considered before as inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis of low-grade MCL can be difficult, and here we highlight the importance of thorough histopathological examination in case of supposed inflammatory bowel disease that does not react to therapy.

Primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A prospective study from South India

Background

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most common extranodal site for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and constitutes about 10%-15% of all NHL. This was a prospective study to evaluate the epidemiological, clinicopathological characteristics, and treatment outcome of primary GIT diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGIL).

Materials and Methods

Newly diagnosed patients of PGIL with DLBCL histology were eligible. Lugano staging system was used. All patients were treated with prephase treatment (1 mg vincristine and 100 mg prednisolone) followed by CHOP-based chemotherapy (with or without rituximab) as definitive treatment.

Results

A total of 21 patients of PGIL were diagnosed. The median age was 46 years (range: 27-69 years) with male:female ratio of 2:1. Dull aching abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint. Stomach was the most common site involved (52.4%, n = 11) followed by the colon (23.8%, n = 5). The estimated median survival in patients with Stage IV disease was significantly lower as compared to patients with localized disease (Stage I and II) (6.23 months vs. 23.4 months; P = 0.04). Patients, who did not achieve complete response (CR), had 15.5 times higher risk of death, as compared to those who achieved CR (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Stomach was the most common site for PGIL. Localized disease and CR after first-line chemotherapy were associated with better survival. A higher cost of rituximab was the prohibitive factor for cure in these patients.

Comparison of clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes in aggressive primary intestinal B- and T/NK-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Primary intestinal lymphomas (PILs) are rare, and this study compared the clinical outcomes of aggressive primary intestinal B-cell lymphomas (aB-PILs) and T/natural killer-cell lymphomas (T/NK-PILs).

METHODS

The clinical information of patients diagnosed with aggressive PILs at our institution between 1995 and 2015 were retrospectively investigated. Pathological subtypes were confirmed according to the 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification. The correlation between clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) was determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Cases of T/NK-PILs had higher initial bowel perforation incidence (67% vs. 7%, P < 0.001) and lower complete response rate to first-line chemotherapy regimens (22% vs. 69%, P = 0.009) than aB-PILs. Patients with aB-PILs had a better 5-year event-free survival rate (55.8% vs. 13.9%, P = 0.026) and a 5-year OS rate (74.3% vs. 29.6%, P = 0.036) than those with T/NK-cell lymphomas. Multivariate analysis identified that female gender and stage III/IV were unfavorable prognostic factors. Among the 54 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), those with International Prognostic Index (IPI) scores of 0-2 had a better 5-year OS rate than those with scores of 3-5 (84.2% vs. 46.8%, P = 0.002). IPI scores of 3-5 (P = 0.026) and tumors located in the large intestine (P = 0.015) were poor prognostic factors based on the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of T/NK-PILs was less favorable than that of aB-PILs. Female gender, stage III/IV disease, DLBCL with IPI scores of 3-5, or tumors in the large intestine were poor prognostic factors.

Assessment of biomarkers influencing treatment success on small intestinal lymphoma in dogs

This study aimed to determine a reliable therapeutic biomarker for localized small intestinal lymphoma (SIL) in dogs based on clinical and histopathological features. We retrospectively investigated 84 dogs with localized SIL, including 36 dogs receiving surgery and 48 dogs receiving chemotherapy. The dogs receiving surgery were divided into two subgroups: 18 dogs (group 1) with overall survival (OS) <120 days (median OS) and 18 dogs (group 2) with OS ≥120 days. Correspondingly, the dogs receiving chemotherapy were divided into 24 dogs (group 3) with OS <98 days (median OS) and 24 dogs (group 4) with OS ≥98 days. Clinical, haematological, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were comparatively evaluated among the four subgroups. There was no significant difference in OS between the surgery and chemotherapy groups. In dogs receiving surgery, the rate of Ki67-positive cells was significantly increased in group 1 compared to group 2 and showed no significant difference between groups 3 and 4. In dogs receiving chemotherapy, the rate of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 4 and showed no significant difference between groups 1 and 2. Additionally, our data showed that OS in dogs with higher Ki67 expression might be significantly increased by chemotherapy than by surgery, that of those with higher MGMT expression might be significantly increased by surgery than by chemotherapy, and Ki67 and MGMT were independent of each other. Indices of Ki67 and MGMT are suggested therapeutic biomarkers to determine the optimal first-line treatment for localized SIL in dogs.

Efficacy and toxicity for CD22/CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma involving the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common site of extranodal involvement in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Life-threatening complications of GI may occur because of tumor or chemotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been successfully used to treat refractory/relapse B-cell lymphoma, however, little is known about the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy for GI lymphoma. Here, we reported the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy in 14 patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma involving the GI tract. After a sequential anti-CD22/anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy, 10 patients achieved an objective response, and seven patients achieved a complete response. CAR transgene and B-cell aplasia persisted in the majority of patients irrespective of response status. Six patients with partial response or stable disease developed progressive disease; two patients lost target antigens. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and GI adverse events were generally mild and manageable. The most common GI adverse events were diarrhea (4/14), vomiting (3/14) and hemorrhage (2/14). No perforation occurred during follow-up. Infection is a severe complication in GI lymphoma. Two patients were infected with bacteria that are able to colonize at GI; one died of sepsis early after CAR-T cells infusion. In conclusion, our study showed promising efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy in refractory/relapsed B-cell lymphoma involving the GI tract. However, the characteristics of CAR-T-related infection in GI lymphoma should be further clarified to prevent and control infection.

Evaluation of the histopathological extent of neoplastic infiltration in intestinal tumours in cats

With the exception of intestinal lymphoma, surgery is the most commonly recommended treatment for solitary feline intestinal tumours. However, there is a lack of evidence to substantiate resection margin recommendations for these tumours. The aim of this study was to add knowledge concerning resection margins for discrete intestinal masses in cats. Thirty confirmed feline intestinal tumours removed at veterinary centres across the UK from March 2017 to March 2018 underwent histological assessment at the palpable edge of the intestinal tumour and then at every 1 cm increment to the surgeon‐cut tissue border in oral, aboral and mesenteric directions. Histological margin recommendations were developed for carcinoma and lymphoma tumour types and non‐lymphoma intestinal tumours collectively. Seventeen intestinal lymphomas, nine carcinomas, two sarcomas and two mast cell tumours were evaluated in this study. Seven of the nine intestinal carcinomas would have been completely removed with histological margins of 4 cm in oral and aboral directions. Both sarcomas and one mast cell tumour would have been removed in their entirety with 4 cm histological margins in oral and aboral directions. There was extensive and varied microscopic invasion of intestinal tissue away from discrete intestinal lymphomas in the majority of the cases in this study. There is increasing evidence in veterinary as well as human literature supporting the role of surgical resection in the treatment of discrete intestinal lymphoma. If surgery is to be considered this study supports the removal of the gross tumour only. A histological margin of 4 cm should be considered, where possible, for intestinal masses other than lymphomas.

Evaluation of the extent of neoplastic infiltration in small intestinal tumours in dogs

There is currently a lack of evidence‐based guidance when determining surgical margins for small intestinal tumours in dogs. The purpose of this study is to help the surgeon make informed clinical decisions about margins when confronted with a small intestinal mass. Twenty‐seven canine small intestinal tumours were histologically diagnosed and then had further histological assessment at every centimeter from the edge of the palpable tumour to the surgical margin in oral, aboral and mesenteric directions. In all 10 carcinomas a 3 cm tissue margin in oral, aboral and mesenteric directions would have resulted in complete tumour resection. In all 11 sarcomas a 2 cm tissue margin in oral, aboral and mesenteric directions would have resulted in complete tumour resection. Five of the six intestinal lymphomas would have required tissue margins of 4 cm or more for complete resection. Of the 21 non‐lymphoma tumours assessed in this study, complete resection was achieved in all 21 (100%) with tissue margins at 3 cm from the palpable edge of the mass, 20 (95%) with tissue margins at 2 cm from the palpable edge of the mass, and 16 (76%) with tissue margins at 1 cm from the palpable edge of the mass in oral and aboral directions. All non‐lymphoma canine small intestinal masses will be completely resected when tissue margins are 3 cm from the palpable edge of the mass in oral and aboral directions after fixation in formalin.

Clinicopathological analysis of primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Prognostic evaluation of CD5, PD-L1, and Epstein-Barr virus on tumor cells

BACKGROUND

Primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (iDLBCL) is rare. In this study, we investigated the clinicopathological features of this disease to further understand the prognostic value of CD5, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) on tumor cells.

METHODS

Tumor specimens from 62 patients consecutively diagnosed with primary iDLBCL at a single institution were analyzed.

RESULTS

Our series consisted of EBV-positive (EBV⁺ ) iDLBCL (n = 10), de novo CD5⁺ iDLBCL (n = 4), and DLBCL, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS; n = 48). Notably, seven of 10 EBV⁺ cases had treated lymphoma-associated (n = 4) or iatrogenic immunodeficiency (n = 3). Two of 10 EBV⁺ cases expressed PD-L1 on tumor cells, whereas the remaining eight were positive for PD-L1 on microenvironment immune cells. Only one DLBCL-NOS case had neoplastic PD-L1 expression with a giant cell-rich appearance. Both EBV-harboring and PD-L1 expression on tumor cells, but not CD5, were associated with worse overall survival (OS) in iDLBCL patients receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy (P = 0.0354, P = 0.0092, and P = 0.1097, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified PD-L1 positivity on tumor cells (P = 0.0106), PD-L1 negativity on microenvironment immune cells (P = 0.0193), and EBV positivity (P = 0.0324) as poor independent prognostic factors for OS. Among iDLBCL cases without any EBV association, CD5 positivity, or neoplastic PD-L1 expression, high PD-L1 expression (≥40%) on microenvironment immune cells predicted an extremely favorable outcome.

CONCLUSION

EBV⁺ iDLBCL mainly comprised immunodeficiency-associated patients, which may highlight the specificity of the intestine. PD-L1 expression on tumor cells or microenvironment immune cells was found to have an opposite prognostic impact in iDLBCL.

Surgery in perforated pediatric intestinal lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Perforation is the most common surgical complication in pediatric intestinal lymphoma. During operation, many surgical decisions are debatable.

AIM

To assess the outcome of surgical management of perforated pediatric intestinal lymphoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients (<18 years old) with intestinal lymphoma treated in our hospital between July 2007 and June 2017. Risk factors for perforation, type of management and outcome in cases of intestinal perforation were analyzed.

RESULTS

The study included 240 patients with intestinal lymphoma. Perforation developed in 16 patients (6.7%) with a median age of 5.3 (range: 2.8-15.7) years. Most of the patients (92.5%) had Burkitt lymphoma. The ileum was the most common site of perforation (n = 10). Perforation occurred at presentation (n = 2), during induction (n = 10), during maintenance chemotherapy (n = 2), or at relapse (n = 2). Primary resection anastomosis was done in 12 patients. The resected specimen showed a viable tumor in ten patients. Wound infection (25%) and dehiscence (12.5%) were the most common postoperative complications. The 5-year overall and event-free survivals of patients with perforation were 78.6% and 71.4%, respectively, compared with 85.5% and 81.2% in non-perforated patients; the difference was not significant (p = 0.374 and p = 0.270, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Perforation is not an adverse prognostic factor for survival in pediatric intestinal lymphoma patients. Primary resection anastomosis seems to be a safe option if complete tumor resection is feasible.

Primary extra-nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A prognostic analysis of 141 patients

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of lymphoma. Approximately 40% of DBLCL originates from extra-nodal sites, but the diversity of clinical presentations and the genetic and molecular alterations indicate that extra-nodal DLBCLs may be distinct disease entities. The aim of the present study was to highlight the various aspects of primary extra-nodal DLBCL (PE-DLBCL) based on a single center cohort. The data from 141 patients with PE-DLBCL treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. The primary extra-nodal sites involved were the gastrointestinal tract (n=42), central nervous system (CNS; n=38), breast (n=19), adrenal gland (n=15), female genital system (FGS; n=12), thyroid (n=8) and bone (n=7). The median overall survival rate was 28 months (range, 1–116). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an International Prognostic Index (IPI) ≤2 (P=0.049), complete remission (CR) achieved following first-line therapy (P=0.001) and chemotherapy combined with rituximab (P<0.001) were positive prognostic factors. Patients with DLBCL with primary adrenal gland or female genital system (FGS) involvement exhibited a significantly higher risk of CNS recurrence (P<0.05). Rituximab treatment may have reduced the likelihood of CNS recurrence (P=0.005), whereas prophylaxis with intrathecal injection alone was not sufficient for prevention (P>0.05). In conclusion, IPI >2 and the lack of a CR following first-line therapy were independent prognostic risk factors for PE-DLBCL. Patients with primary adrenal gland or FGS involvement exhibited a higher risk of CNS relapse. Rituximab had a positive impact on the survival of patients with PE-DLBCL, also reducing the likelihood of CNS relapse.

The role of surgical management in primary small bowel lymphoma: A single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Information on primary small intestinal lymphoma is more limited than for gastric lymphoma because most of the previous studies did not focus on the former. Few prognostic indicators in primary intestinal lymphoma have been reliably established because of limited patient numbers and variations in criteria for patient selection. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathological characteristics of small intestinal lymphoma cases from our hospital, to determine prognostic factors and to clarify the effect of surgical resection on prognosis.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between January 1997 and December 2012. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they underwent surgical management. Gross resection was defined as complete removal of the primary lesion(s), as confirmed by the naked eye. Combined therapy refers to concurrent surgery and chemotherapy. The clinicopathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Most of the patients had abdominal pain (75.6%), and some had loss of body weight (29.3%) and bowel perforation (22.0%). Sixty-two patients (75.6%) underwent surgical management. Patients in the surgery group presented with fewer B symptoms (fever, night sweats, and weight loss; P = 0.035) but more bulky disease (P = 0.009). The ileocecal region was the most common site of solitary involvement (34.1%). The most common reason for surgery was for tumor-related complications (61.3%). Seven patients (11.3%) developed major complications of surgery, but these were not related to the indication, timing, or type of surgery. Only major surgical complications were statistically significant in relation to early mortality (P = 0.004). The estimated 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 35.1% and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 43.2%. Univariate analysis revealed that patients in the surgery group had improved 5-year PFS (P = 0.028). T-cell lymphoma, involvement of multiple gastrointestinal regions and extranodal involvement, higher scores for International Prognostic Index (IPI), more advanced Ann Arbor stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels above 215 U/L, and management without combined therapy were prognostic for shorter PFS and OS in univariate analyses. Individuals who received R0 resection or gross resection had improved 5-year PFS and OS. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that primary T-cell lymphoma was an independent negative prognostic factor for both OS and PFS.

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy is an independent prognostic factor for long-term survival in small intestinal lymphoma. Gross resection is recommended in patients with small intestinal lymphoma and leads to improved PFS without significantly increasing the risk of complications. Emergency surgery does not lead to poor prognosis. However, caution is warranted in the management of all patients, because of the high risk of post-operative complications and potential for early mortality.

A Rare Case of Mycosis Fungoides in the Oral Cavity and Small Intestine Complicated by Perforation

Extracutaneous involvement in mycosis fungoides (MF) carries a poor prognosis. Oral and gastrointestinal (GI) tract lesions are both rare locations of disease. We describe the clinical findings of one case with oral and GI MF complicated by perforation after systemic antineoplastic treatment, and review the relevant literature. The patient had a 1-year history of MF before development of tongue and palate tumors. He was treated with local electron beam radiation, but re-presented to the hospital after what was found to be small intestine perforation following systemic antineoplastic therapy. The case reveals key insights into the progression and complications of lymphomas with GI tract involvement.

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

Purpose

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Primary Gastro Intestinal Lymphoma Presenting as Perforation Peritonitis

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is very rare compared to gastrointestinal tract lymphoma arising Secondary to Primary nodal disease. Extra nodal lymphoma can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly being the stomach followed by small intestine and ileocecal region. They are indistinguishable from other benign and malignant conditions and clinically non-specific. Here, we have an interesting case where a patient presented with peritonitis and was found to have a perforated swelling in jejunum. Subsequently resection and anastomosis was done. Biopsy showed lymphoma. Patient was evaluated further by doing CECT of abdomen and thorax, which didn't show any other site of lymphadenopathy. Patient improved with chemotherapy and is on regular follow up. Perforation in patient undergoing treatment for lymphoma are common but presentation of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma as perforation is rare and needs proper evaluation and management.

Primary Gastrointestinal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the Small and Large Intestines: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (PGINHL) of small and large intestines is a group of heterogeneous, rare malignancies. Optimal treatment practices remain undefined.

METHODS

A systematic review (2003-2015) was performed to assess tumor characteristics, treatment practices, and treatment outcomes of PGINHL of small and large intestines.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies (1658 patients) were included; five focused on follicular lymphoma subtype. Of the non-follicular patients, 59.3% presented with abdominal pain, 37.2% were located in ileocecum, and 53.6% were diffuse large B cell lymphoma subtype. The majority of patients (60.7%) were treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Forty-three percent of studies concluded an overall survival benefit with surgery; none reported increased postoperative morbidity or mortality. Survival outcomes were not typically stratified by emergent versus elective surgery. Multivariate analysis within individual studies associated B cell lymphoma and ileocecum location with higher survival, while advanced stage and B symptoms were associated with poorer survival. Patients with asymptomatic follicular lymphoma had no progression with a watchful waiting approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with non-follicular small and large intestinal PGINHLs are treated with both chemotherapy and surgery. Although surgery appears to be an important part of the treatment algorithm, definitive statements regarding its survival benefit remain limited due to lack of patient stratification based on timing and indication for surgery.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive T/NK-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders Manifested as Gastrointestinal Perforations and Skin Lesions: A Case Report

Systemic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) of childhood is a highly aggressive EBV-positive T/natural killer (NK)-cell LPD, which emerges in the background of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) or shortly after primary acute EBV infection. The clinical presentations of CAEBV are varied; patients with atypical manifestations are easily misdiagnosed. We described a 14-year-old boy suffering from digestive disorders and intermittent fever for 1 year and 9 months, whose conditions worsened and skin lesions occurred 2 months before hospitalization. He was diagnosed as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and treated accordingly. His other clinical features, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated inflammatory marks, were found in hospitalization. The boy suffered from repeatedly spontaneous intestinal perforations shortly after hospitalization and died of intestinal hemorrhea. The pathological results of intestine and skin both showed EBV-positive T/NK-cell LPD (lymphoma stage).There are rare studies reporting gastrointestinal perforations in EBV-positive T/NK-cell LPD, let alone repeatedly spontaneous perforations. Based on the clinical features and pathological results of this patient, the disease progressed from CAEBV (T-cell type) to systemic EBV-positive T-cell LPD of childhood (lymphoma). Not all the patients with CAEBV could have unusual patterns of anti-EBV antibodies. However, the presence of high EBV loads (EBV-encoded early small ribonucleic acid (RNA) (EBER) in affected tissues and/or EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in peripheral blood) is essential for diagnosing CAEBV. Maybe because of his less common clinical features for CAEBV and negative anti-EBV antibodies, the boy was not diagnosed correctly. We should have emphasized the test for EBER or EBV-DNA. Meanwhile, for the IBD patients whose manifestations were not typical, and whose conditions were not improved by suitable therapies against IBD, infectious and malignant diseases should be considered.

Primary Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A Retrospective Multicenter Clinical Study of 415 Cases in Chinese Province of Guangdong and a Systematic Review Containing 5075 Chinese Patients

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL) is a rare malignant tumor without standard diagnosis and treatment methods. This study is aimed to systematically analyze its clinical characteristics and draw out an appropriate flow chart of diagnosis and treatment process for PGIL in China.This study retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnostic approaches, prognostic factors, and therapeutic modalities in 415 cases of PGIL in Chinese province of Guangdong. A systematic review was conducted in 118 studies containing 5075 patients to further identify clinical manifestations and mortalities of therapeutic modalities.The most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain and bloody stools. Endoscopic biopsy was an important diagnostic means, and usually more than once to make a definite diagnosis. Retrospective multicenter clinical study showed that younger onset age (<60 years), female, one region involved, one lesion, early stage, International Prognostic Index (IPI ≤1), normal lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), normal albumin, and nonemergency operation were significant prognostic factors for B-cell lymphoma; non-B symptom, tumor restricted to gastric or ileocecal region, one lesion, performance status (PS ≤1), normal LDH, and nonsurgery alone were significant prognostic factors for T-cell lymphoma. Site of origin and IPI were independent prognostic factors for B-cell lymphoma; PS was the independent prognostic factor for T-cell lymphoma. And T-cell lymphoma had worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) than B-cell lymphoma. Among different therapeutic modalities, chemotherapy alone or combined with surgery showed better OS and PFS than surgery alone for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of stage I/II E and T-cell lymphoma. For DLBCL of stage III E/IV and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, OS and PFS did not differ among different therapeutic groups. In meta-analysis, surgery plus chemotherapy showed lowest mortality.Chemotherapy alone or combined with surgery may be the first-line treatment for DLBCL of stage I/II E and T-cell lymphoma. A flow chart of diagnosis and treatment process for PGIL was approximately drew out.

Recent advances in intestinal lymphomas

A large variety of lymphoma types may develop as primary intestinal neoplasms in the small intestines or, less often, in the colorectum. Among these are a few entities such as enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma or immunoproliferative small intestinal disease that, essentially, do not arise elsewhere than in the gastrointestinal tract. In most instances the primary intestinal lymphomas belong to entities that also occur in lymph nodes or other mucosal sites, and may show some peculiar features. In the case of follicular lymphoma, important differences exist between the classical nodal cases and the intestinal cases, considered as a variant of the disease. It is likely that the local intestinal mucosal microenvironment is a determinant in influencing the pathobiological features of the disease. In this review we will present an update on the clinical, pathological and molecular features of the lymphoid neoplasms that most commonly involve the intestines, incorporating recent developments with respect to their pathobiology and classification. We will emphasize and discuss the major differential diagnostic problems encountered in practice, including the benign reactive or atypical lymphoid hyperplasias, indolent lymphoproliferative disorders of T or natural killer (NK) cells, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related lymphoproliferations.

Localized primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B cell lymphoma received a surgical approach: an analysis of prognostic factors and comparison of staging systems in 101 patients from a single institution

Background

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common histological subtype of primary gastrointestinal lymphoma and is a heterogeneous group of disease. Prognostic characterization of individual patients is an essential prerequisite for a proper risk-based therapeutic choice.

Methods

Clinical and pathological prognostic factors were identified, and predictive value of four previously described prognostic systems were assessed in 101 primary gastrointestinal DLBCL (PG-DLBCL) patients with localized disease, including Ann Arbor staging with Musshoff modification, International Prognostic Index (IPI), Lugano classification, and Paris staging system.

Results

Univariate factors correlated with inferior survival time were clinical parameters [age >60 years old, multiple extranodal/gastrointestinal involvement, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and β2-microglobulin, and decreased serum albumin], as well as pathological parameters (invasion depth beyond serosa, involvement of regional lymph node or adjacent tissue, Ki-67 index, and Bcl-2 expression). Major independent variables of adverse outcome indicated by multivariate analysis were multiple gastrointestinal involvement. In patients unfit for Rituximab but received surgery, radical surgery significantly prolonged the survival time, comparing with alleviative surgery. Addition of Rituximab could overcome the negative prognostic effect of alleviative surgery. Among the four prognostic systems, IPI and Lugano classification clearly separated patients into different risk groups. IPI was able to further stratify the early-stage patients of Lugano classification into groups with distinct prognosis.

Conclusions

Radical surgery might be proposed for the patients unfit for Rituximab treatment, and a combination of clinical and pathological staging systems was more helpful to predict the disease outcome of PG-DLBCL patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12957-015-0668-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rare gastrointestinal lymphomas: The endoscopic investigation

Gastrointestinal lymphomas represent up to 10% of gastrointestinal malignancies and about one third of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The most prominent histologies are mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, the gastrointestinal tract can be the site of rarer lymphoma subtypes as a primary or secondary localization. Due to their rarity and the multifaceted histology, an endoscopic classification has not been validated yet. This review aims to analyze the endoscopic presentation of rare gastrointestinal lymphomas from disease diagnosis to follow-up, according to the involved site and lymphoma subtype. Existing, new and emerging endoscopic technologies have been examined. In particular, we investigated the diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up endoscopic features of T-cell and natural killer lymphomas, lymphomatous polyposis and mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, plasma cell related disease, gastrointestinal lymphomas in immunodeficiency and Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Contrarily to more frequent gastrointestinal lymphomas, data about rare lymphomas are mostly extracted from case series and case reports. Due to the data paucity, a synergism between gastroenterologists and hematologists is required in order to better manage the disease. Indeed, clinical and prognostic features are different from nodal and extranodal or the bone marrow (in case of plasma cell disease) counterpart. Therefore, the approach should be based on the knowledge of the peculiar behavior and natural history of disease.

Therapeutic comparison of Surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone for Primary Gastrointestinal Lymphoma: A single center study

Objectives There is still no consensus on the optimal treatment for primary gastrointestinal lymphoma (PGIL). The aim of this study was to compare surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in PGIL. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the treatment outcomes of 107 patients with primary gastrointestinal lymphoma diagnosed between March 1999 and December 2009 at Kosin University Gospel Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: 35 patients who underwent surgery combined with chemotherapy (group A) and 72 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone (group B). And we analyzed prognostic factors associated with short survival. Results The 5-year progression free survival rates (PFS) of group A and B were 86.7% and 66.1%, respectively (P = 0.037), while the 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 86.8% and 68.4%, respectively (P = 0.129). In multivariate analysis, Both PFS and OS were not changed by treatment strategies (surgery combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy only). The international prognostic index (IPI) was the only independent predictive factor for PFS. Conclusions In our study, surgery combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy only make no difference of survival rate. And further randomized prospective studies are needed to confirm a treatment strategies at improving survival outcomes in PGIL patients.

[Gastric perforation caused by primary gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma]

Spontaneous gastric perforation is a rare complication of gastric lymphoma that is potentially life threatening since it can progress to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Morbidity also increases due to prolonged hospitalization and delay in initiating chemotherapy. Therefore prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical to improve prognosis. A 64-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Chest X-ray showed free air below the right diaphragm. Abdominal CT scan also demonstrated free air in the peritoneal cavity with large wall defect in the lesser curvature of gastric lower body. Therefore, the patient underwent emergency operation and primary closure was done. Pathologic specimen obtained during surgery was compatible to diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Fifteen days after primary closure, the patient received subtotal gastrectomy and chemotherapy was initiated after recovery. Patient is currently being followed-up at outpatient department without any particular complications. Herein, we report a rare case of gastric lymphoma that initially presented as peritonitis because of spontaneous gastric perforation.

Endoscopic and clinical analysis of primary T-cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract according to pathological subtype

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Little is known about the clinicopathological characteristics of primary gastrointestinal T-cell lymphomas (PGITL). This study evaluated the clinical and endoscopic features of the pathological subtypes of PGITL.

METHODS

Forty-two lesions in 36 patients with PGITL were assessed, including 15 enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphomas (EATL), 13 peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), 10 NK/T-cell lymphomas (NK/TL), and four anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL).

RESULTS

PTCL occurred more frequently in the stomach and duodenum and NK/TL more frequently in the small and large intestines (P = 0.009). The endoscopic features of the four subtypes were similar (P = 0.124). Fifteen of 41 lesions (36.6%) were Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive, with NK/TL more likely to be EBV positive than the other types (P < 0.001). First endoscopy and first computed tomography (CT) scan indicated that 65.4% and 51.4% of the lesions, respectively, were malignant, and that 43.2% and 42.3%, respectively, were GI lymphomas. The two modalities together correctly diagnosed about half of the lesions before biopsy. Intestinal perforation was associated with small bowel location (P < 0.001) and infiltrative type (P = 0.009), and was more common in NK/TL than in the other subtypes (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed that higher international prognosis index (P = 0.008) and the presence of complications (P = 0.006) were associated with poor prognosis. Survival was poorer in patients with small bowel lesions than with lesions at other locations (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

The four main pathological types of PGITL differed in clinical characteristics. As PGITL was often not diagnosed by initial endoscopic or radiological examination, a high index of suspicion is necessary to ensure its early diagnosis.

The recognition and classification of lymphoproliferative disorders of the gut

Gastrointestinal lymphomas can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in small samples, when early in development, or when of unusual types. In this review, we describe lymphoid proliferations in the gastrointestinal tract in a location-based manner, including, mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large bowel. For the purpose of differential diagnosis, benign mimics of lymphoma are also described. Lymphoma types that are specifically addressed include plasmablastic, extranodal natural killer/T-cell-nasal type, extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (eg, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma), diffuse large B cell, primary follicular of small intestine, enteropathy-associated T cell, and Burkitt and mantle cell. Immunohistochemical markers useful in the diagnostic approach are elaborated in detail.