Marginal Zone Lymphomas

The National Landscapes of Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: Stable Trends in Black Populations and Late-Stage Tumors

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) eradication has been the mainstream for preventing and treating gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Prior data showed disparities in eradication rates of H. Pylori between different populations. This can potentially impact the occurrence of gastric MALT lymphoma. There are limited data on the incidence and mortality rates and trends of gastric MALT lymphoma in the US. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to conduct a time-trend analysis of gastric MALT lymphoma incidence and mortality rates in different populations.

METHODS

The incidence rates of gastric MALT lymphoma were calculated from the United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database (which covers nearly 98% of the US population) between 2001-2020 and were age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population using SEER*Stat software (version 8.4.3, national cancer institute "NCI"). Incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates, also age-adjusted to the standard 2000 US population, were calculated from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Tumor location was specified using ICD-O-3 codes C 160-C 169 with malignant behavior. Histopathology was specified using the ICD-O-3 code 9699. The rates were categorized by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and tumor stage at diagnosis. Age groups were older adults (aged 55 years or older) and younger adults (aged younger than 55 years). Race/ethnic groups included Non-Hispanic White (White), Non-Hispanic Black (Black), Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), as reported in the database. Stage at diagnosis included early stage (in situ and localized tumors) and late stage (regional and distant site tumors). Joinpoint Regression Software (version 5.0.2, NCI) using the weighted Bayesian Information Criteria method was used to generate time trends. Trends were reported as annual percentage change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). Parametric estimations were used with a two-sided t-test to evaluate the trends with a p-value cutoff at 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 21,625 patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US between 2001 and 2020. Overall, incidence rates were significantly decreasing over the study period (AAPC = -1.93). This decrease was seen in males (AAPC = -1.67) and in females (AAPC = -1.66) (Figure). When categorized by age groups, older adults also experienced a significant decrease in gastric MALT lymphoma incidence rates (AAPC = -1.66). While this was also seen in younger adults, the rates were decreasing at a slower pace (AAPC = -1.38). When categorizing the trends by race/ethnicity, incidence rates were significantly decreasing in White (AAPC = -2.09), Hispanic (AAPC = -1.61), and API (AAPC = -3.92) populations. However, the rates were stable among Blacks. While early-stage tumors experienced a significant decrease (AAPC = -1.10), the rates were stable for late-stage tumors. When evaluating mortality, there were 11,036 patients whose death was attributed to gastric MALT lymphoma between 2000 and 2020. IBM rates were decreasing in males (AAPC = -1.47), older adults (AAPC = -1.55), Whites (AAPC = -1.23), Hispanics (AAPC = -1.73), APIs (AAPC = -2.30), and early-stage tumors (AAPC = -1.08). On the other hand, IBM rates were stable in females, younger adults, Blacks, and late-stage tumors.

DISCUSSION

An extensive nationwide data analysis encompassing nearly 98% of patients diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma in the US unveils a declining trend in the incidence of cancer overall over the past two decades. This decline is observed in both sexes and various age groups. When stratifying by race and ethnicity, this incidence has been decreasing in all populations except among Black individuals. While early-stage tumors have also demonstrated a significant decrease in incidence rates, late-stage tumors have shown no parallel decline. Mortality evaluation also revealed an improvement in most of the US population except among females, younger adults, Black individuals, and late-stage tumors. While the cause of our findings is unclear, it could be driven by disproportionate exposure to risk factors, including H. Pylori, and disparities in screening, management, and outcomes. Future studies are warranted to investigate factors contributing to worse outcomes of gastric MALT lymphoma, especially in the Black population.

Breast mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, also known as extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, is more commonly detected in the stomach and rarely in the breast. Our study presented a clinical and pathological examination of a patient diagnosed with breast MALT lymphoma, supplemented with pertinent research, to offer guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

PEOPLE CONCERNS

The occurrence of breast MALT lymphoma has risen in the past decade, but its etiology, progression and treatment response are less well-studied.

DIAGNOSIS

Breast MALT lymphoma was diagnosed by excisional biopsy and histopathology.

INTERVENTIONS

Following breast MALT lymphoma diagnosis, the patient was transferred to the hematology department for further treatment, and she made the decision to continue observing.

OUTCOMES

After 3 months of observation, the patient remained asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Breast MALT lymphoma is an indolent disease with an asymptomatic presentation, There are no standardized treatment guidelines for breast MALT lymphoma, treatment must be tailored to the patient willingness to treat and the severity of the disease. Hence, in order to give patients a better chance of cure, more research is needed to explore its pathogenesis and more clinical trials are needed investigate the treatment of this disease.

Different patterns of mast cell distribution in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Tumor growth, progression, and metastatic capability in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are influenced by different component of tumor microenvironment, including inflammatory cells. Among these latter, mast cells play a crucial role. The spatial distribution of mast cells inside the tumor stroma of different types of B-cell NHLs has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to analyze the pattern of distribution of mast cells in biopsy samples obtained from three different types of B-cell NHLs by utilizing an image analysis system and a mathematical model to allow a quantitative estimation to characterize their spatial distribution. As concerns the spatial distributions exhibited by mast cells in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), some clustering was detected in both activated B-like (ABC) and germinal center B-like (GBC) groups. In follicular lymphoma (FL), mast cell spatial distribution tends to uniformly fill the tissue space as far as the grade of the pathology increases. Finally, in marginal lymphoma tissue (MALT) lymphoma, mast cells maintain a significantly clustered spatial distribution, suggesting a lower tendency of the cells to fill the tissue space in this pathological condition. Overall, the data of this study confirm that the analysis of the spatial distribution of the tumor cells is of particular significance for the knowledge of the biological processes occurring in tumor stroma and for the development of parameters to characterize the morphologic organization of the cellular patterns in different types of tumors.

The occurrence of sarcoidosis after treatment of nodal marginal B-cell zone lymphoma in a 56-year-old male: A case report from Syria

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a chronic systematic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Marginal zone lymphoma is a well-varied family of lymphomas that makes up to 10% of the overall non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The relationship between sarcoidosis and multiple diseases was mentioned repeatedly in the literature, whereas the relationship between sarcoidosis and marginal zone lymphoma was found rare. This case presents a 56-years-old man who was diagnosed with sarcoidosis after treatment of marginal zone lymphoma.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male presented to Tishreen University Hospital (TUH) Gastrointestinal department with abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of apetite, fever, and unintentional weight loss. Computerized tomography scan of the chest and abdomen, in addition to the excisional biopsy of the cervical nodes, were both highly suggestive of marginal zone lymphoma. After completing a course of chemotherapy, the patient returned with generalized abdominal discomfort, anorexia, and fatigue. Computerized tomography illustrated enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes in the chest and the abdomen. Microscopic examination of an abdominal lymph node revealed granulomatous lymphadenitis with sarcoidosis. Thereafter, the patient was managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.

Conclusion

We describe the occurrence of sarcoidosis after the treatment of marginal zone lymphoma. In most cases, sarcoidosis precedes lymphomas. This case emphasizes the evidence on the possible relationship between lymphomas and sarcoidosis, and attention should be sought towards any new manifestations throughout the follow-up of patients diagnosed with lymphomas toward sarcoidosis as part of our differential diagnosis.

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The relationship between sarcoidosis and marginal zone lymphoma was found rare in the literature.

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MZL comes in second place as the most frequent subtype of indolent B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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In most cases Sarcoidosis procedes Lymphomas.

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We describe the occurance of Sarcoidosis after the treatment of Marginal Zone Lymphoma.

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sarcoidosis should be a part of our differential diagnosis when following-up patients with lymphomas.

The Effect of the Tumor Microenvironment on Lymphoid Neoplasms Derived from B Cells

Lymphomas are characteristic tumors surrounded by an inflammatory microenvironment. The cells of the microenvironment are essential for the growth and survival of neoplastic cells and are recruited through the effect of cytokines/chemokines. Lymphomas include heterogeneous groups of neoplasms infiltrating various lymphoid structures which may arise from B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells at various stages of their differentiation state. In this review article, we analyze the literature data concerning the involvement of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the progression of lymphomas and the recent advances in the analysis of microenvironment components in the most common forms: some mature B cell lymphoma neoplasms and classic Hodgkin lymphomas. The complex crosstalk between the TME and tumor cells led to the discovery of many mechanisms usable as molecular-targeted therapy through the control of diverse elements of the TME, varying from inhibitors of angiogenic cytokines and their receptors to the regulation of cells' activities and the novel immune checkpoint inhibitors.

A Case of Acquired Angioedema with Low C1 Inhibitor (C1-INH) Associated with Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Patient: Male, 68

Final Diagnosis: AAE

Symptoms: Angioedema

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Hematology

Immunohistochemical Reappraisal Regarding the Frequency of Primary Salivary Gland Follicular Lymphoma

Although it has been described that extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphomas) are the most common type among primary salivary gland lymphomas (SGLs), some studies revealed that the frequency of follicular lymphomas (FLs) was as high as that of MALT lymphomas. However, it has been reported that many of these FLs may have developed in lymph nodes attached to the capsule of the glands or intraglandular lymph nodes. Clinical, histological, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic features of 11 SGL cases, which were extracted from our surgical pathology file consisting of consecutive pathology cases, were reevaluated to further characterize whether they were actually primary SGLs. There were 3 (27%) cases of FLs, 5 (46%) cases of MALT lymphomas, and 3 (27%) cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Although all of our FL cases fulfilled the criteria of primary SGL, tumors of several FL cases were surrounded by podoplanin (by D2-40)-positive elongated vessels or linear structures indicative of nodal subcapsular sinuses (open or remnant). This finding would support the aforementioned possibility, and podoplanin staining is necessary before concluding that a FL is a primary SGL.

Primary spinal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an indolent B-cell lymphoma which occurs mainly in the organs having mucosal layer and owns a fairly good prognosis. To date, 7 cases of spinal primary MALT has been reported before. However, there is no consensus on the optimal adjuvant treatment modalities for primary spinal MALT. The aim of this study was to add a new case of MALT which responded well to systemic therapy to the literature and to review the current literature.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 68-year-old woman visited to our hospital due to back pain and progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness for 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed a diffusely contrast-enhancing epidural mass extending from vertebral body T6 to T8 with compression of the spinal cord. Due to the spinal cord compression, patient underwent surgical resection. Histological examination indicated monocytoid small B-cells. Immunochemical study demonstrates that most tumor cells were positive for CD20, CD21, CD45, CD79a, CD43, bcl-2 with Ki-67 labing index was 15%, but were negative for CD3, CD5 cyclin D1, BCL6, and CD23. The positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) revealed that right iliac wing and right liver were metastases for the standard uptake value (SUV) were 9.05 and 8.35, respectively.

DIAGNOSES

Based on these findings, final diagnosis of spinal MALT lymphoma was made.

INTERVENTIONS

After the diagnosis, the patient received 6 cycles of immuno-chemotherapy and repeated intrathecal methotrexate and intrathecal cytarabine.

OUTCOMES

At 1 year follow up, no recurrence or other dissemination was detected.

LESSONS

Chemotherapy and/or radiation have been employed in larger case series. While there is no defined treatment guideline for this rare disease entity, our reported case suggests a favorable prognosis when combining both surgical and adjuvant systemic approach.

Uncommon non-Hodgkin lymphomas of childhood: pathological diagnosis, clinical features and treatment approaches

We provide a review of the pathological and clinical features for uncommon B-cell and T-cell lymphomas of childhood with a specific focus on advances in treatment approaches and outcomes. There is clearly a need for prospective investigation of both the clinical and biological features of the uncommon non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes in childhood. These results should lead to more uniform and more effective treatment approaches.

Prognostic assessment and treatment of primary gastric lymphomas: how endoscopic ultrasonography can help in tailoring patient management

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has recently gained a pivotal role in the management of gastric lymphomas, especially in the diagnostic workup. Its accuracy and reliability have overcome those of other imaging techniques, such that it represents an invaluable tool for the management of gastric lymphomas. Although this technique is operator dependent, its application in large series has proved its reliability. Thus, it has generally been considered a useful tool for providing information crucial in deciding the treatment program, especially for mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas, for which EUS can provide an accurate evaluation of disease extension and treatment response probability. Limited-stage disease, confined to the submucosa, has a greater probability to respond to sole Helicobacter pylori eradication. In contrast, the value of EUS in response assessment and follow-up monitoring is still debated, with discordant opinions about its reliability and clinical advantages, because normalization of the EUS findings occurs with a considerable delay compared to the histologic evaluation. In the follow-up setting, preliminary data have indicated that persistently positive EUS findings in low-grade gastric lymphoma could represent a warning for a possible relapse. However, in high-grade gastric lymphoma, such findings do not have any clinical implications.

Immunoarchitectural patterns of germinal center antigens including LMO2 assist in the differential diagnosis of marginal zone lymphoma vs follicular lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

To examine the immunoarchitectural patterns of the germinal center (GC)-associated markers CD10, BCL6, and LMO2 and their utility in the differential diagnosis of marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) vs follicular lymphoma (FL).

METHODS

Forty-two cases of MZL involving lymph nodes and 88 cases of FL were examined.

RESULTS

Interfollicular staining for GC markers was uncommon in MZL but common in FL, including BCL2-positive and BCL2-negative cases. Two atypical patterns of intrafollicular GC staining were identified that were more common in MZL than in FL.

CONCLUSIONS

Staining for LMO2 in addition to CD10 and BCL6 facilitates the detection of a GC phenotype in FL. Lymph nodes involved by MZL frequently show characteristic alterations of GC immunoarchitecture. Recognizing these altered patterns assists in the distinction between MZL and FL.

Primary spinal marginal zone lymphoma: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) describes a heterogeneous group of indolent B-cell lymphomas. The World Health Organization recognizes 3 types of MZLs: splenic MZL, nodal MZL, and extranodal MZL of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. There is no consensus on the optimal adjuvant treatment modalities for intracranial primary MZLs. To date, no case of spinal primary MZL has been reported.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We present the first case of spinal MZL diagnosed in a 65-year-old man with progressive paraparesis. He underwent surgical removal of the main spinal tumor mass, which extended epidurally from vertebral body T3 to T7. Surgery was followed by 10 sessions of local irradiation for a total dose of 31 Gy. On long-term follow-up in 2010, the patient was in good health without any signs of residual or recurrent disease. Twenty-seven publications reporting on 61 cases of intracranial primary MZL were identified and reviewed. In the majority of cases of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, adjuvant radiotherapy was used, with some combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgical removal of the bulk of the main tumor. Long-term follow-up in most patients showed no evidence of disease and clinical well-being years after the initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy and/or radiation have been used in larger case series. Although there is no defined treatment guideline for this rare disease entity, our review of the literature suggests a favorable prognosis when combining surgical and adjuvant radiotherapy approaches.

Diagnostic Workup of Small B Cell Lymphomas: A Laboratory Perspective

Small B cell lymphoma is a morphological designation to a group of B cell lymphomas which are composed of a clonal population of small lymphoid cells. The subtypes of this category have diagnostically distinct characteristics and different clinical behaviors and treatment. Correct diagnosis and classification of these subsets depend on the integration of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features. In this paper, differential diagnosis of this category of tumors and a practical approach based on biomarker evaluation are discussed.

Primary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma - Epididymis

An elderly male presented with painful swelling in the right side of scrotum. He was treated with antibiotics for epididymoorchitis without any response. Ultrasound examination revealed a hypoechoic vascular mass in the tail of the epididymis. Fine needle aspirate cytology was inconclusive. Excision of the mass was done and biopsy revealed primary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma arising from mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of epididymis. Marginal zone lymphoma arising from the MALT of epididymis is very rare. Lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis of any epididymal swelling unresponsive to conservative treatment. We report a rare case of primary extranodal marginal lymphoma of MALT arising from epididymis.

Marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue with prominent plasma cell differentiation affecting the palatine tonsil: histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of the oral cavity and oropharynx constitute 13% of all primary extranodal NHLs. Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) in the palatine tonsil is rare, corresponding to 6% of the NHLs of the Waldeyer ring. Some cases of MALT lymphoma can present prominent plasma cell differentiation, and less commonly, monoclonal gammopathy. The differential diagnosis of these cases from other NHLs with plasmacytic differentiation or plasma cell neoplasms is very difficult. In this article, we describe a rare case of MALT lymphoma in a 34-year-old man presenting as a swelling of the palatine tonsil. The tumor mass was diagnosed as MALT lymphoma with prominent plasma cell differentiation. Systemic evaluation was noncontributory. This is the first report of MALT lymphoma showing extensive plasmacytic differentiation of the palatine tonsil, and reinforces a possible relationship between extramedullary plasmacytoma and MALT lymphoma.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in gastric lymphomas: appraisal on reliability in long-term follow-up

The reliability of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in follow-up management of gastric lymphomas has not been clearly validated. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 23 patients, 12 affected by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, eight by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and three by high-grade lymphoma with low-grade component, all treated with a stomach-conservative approach. One hundred and twenty matched evaluations with both EUS and endoscopy with biopsy (E-Bx) were performed, according to validated guidelines and clinical judgment. At a median follow-up of 87 months ranged between 9.5 and 166 months, the analysis of progression-free survival and disease-free survival showed a strict relationship between the persistence of EUS abnormalities and the clinical outcome in patients with MALT lymphoma (p = 0.0079; p = 0.02) but not in patients with high-grade lymphoma. In conclusion, EUS evaluation does not seem reliable in follow-up management of high-grade lymphomas, although it could have a great clinical impact in the management of MALT lymphoma.

Protease activity of the API2-MALT1 fusion oncoprotein in MALT lymphoma development and treatment

Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a prototypical cancer that occurs in the setting of chronic inflammation and an important model for understanding how deregulated NF-κB transcriptional activity contributes to malignancy. Most gastric MALT lymphomas require ongoing antigenic stimulation for continued tumor growth, and Stage I disease is usually cured by eradicating the causative microorganism, Helicobacter pylori, with antibiotics. However, in a subset of MALT lymphomas, chromosomal translocations are acquired that render the lymphoma antigen-independent. The recurrent translocation t(11;18)(q21;q21) is associated with failure to respond to antibiotic therapy and increased rate of dissemination. This translocation creates the API2-MALT1 fusion oncoprotein, which comprises the amino terminus of inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (API2 or cIAP2) fused to the carboxy terminus of MALT1. A common characteristic of chromosomal translocations in MALT lymphoma, including t(11;18), is that genes involved in the regulation of the NF-κB transcription factor are targeted by the translocations, and these genetic perturbations thereby result in deregulated, constitutive NF-κB stimulation. In the last decade, great insights into the roles of API2 and MALT1 in NF-κB signaling have been made. For example, recent pivotal studies have uncovered the long sought-after proteolytic activity of MALT1 and have demonstrated its critical involvement in the survival of certain lymphomas. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of MALT1 in normal lymphocyte function and lymphomagenesis. We then highlight our recent work that has revealed an intriguing link between the proteolytic activity of the API2-MALT1 fusion and its ability to influence lymphomagenesis by cleaving a key NF-κB regulatory protein, NF-κB-inducing kinase.

Torque teno virus 10 isolated by genome amplification techniques from a patient with concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia and polycythemia vera

An infectious etiology has been proposed for many human cancers, but rarely have specific agents been identified. One difficulty has been the need to propagate cancer cells in vitro to produce the infectious agent in detectable quantity. We hypothesized that genome amplification from small numbers of cells could be adapted to circumvent this difficulty. A patient with concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and polycythemia vera (PV) requiring therapeutic phlebotomy donated a large amount of phlebotomized blood to test this possibility. Using genome amplification methods, we identified a new isolate (BIS8-17) of torque teno virus (TTV) 10. The presence of blood isolate sequence 8-17 (BIS8-17) in the original plasma was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), validating the approach, since TTV is a known plasma virus. Subsequent PCR testing of plasmas from additional patients showed that BIS8-17 had a similar incidence (~20%) in CLL (n = 48) or PV (n = 10) compared with healthy controls (n = 52). CLL cells do not harbor BIS8-17; PCR did not detect it in CLL peripheral blood genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (n = 20). CLL patient clinical outcome or prognostic markers (immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region [IGHV ] mutation, CD38 or zeta-chain associated protein kinase 70 kDa [ZAP-70]) did not correlate with BIS8-17 infection. Although not causative to our knowledge, this is the first reported isolation and detection of TTV in either CLL or PV. TTV could serve as a covirus with another infectious agent or TTV variant with rearranged genetic components that contribute to disease pathogenesis. These results prove that this method identifies infectious agents and provides an experimental methodology to test correlation with disease.

Marginal zone lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation and related disorders

Marginal zone lymphomas of all types (nodal, splenic, and extranodal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT]) may show plasmacytic differentiation. Distinguishing marginal zone lymphomas from other small B-cell lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation, especially lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, or from plasma cell neoplasms may be challenging. Marginal zone lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation were discussed in 2 sessions of the 2009 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop. Session 4 focused on nodal marginal zone lymphomas, including cases exhibiting classic features and cases displaying atypical phenotypes. The difficulties of classification of cases with increased numbers of large cells were also discussed. Session 5 examined nonnodal marginal zone lymphomas and related entities, including splenic marginal zone lymphoma, MALT lymphoma, γ heavy chain disease, and cryoglobulin-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. These cases illustrate the importance of clinical data and, in some cases, phenotypic and cytogenetic findings in appropriately applying the 2008 World Health Organization criteria.

Autoimmune phenomena in untreated and treated marginal zone lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

Current literature suggests an association between various autoimmune conditions and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). However, these autoimmune conditions have not been comprehensively systematized to date. As a result, their clinical implications remain largely unknown.

AREAS COVERED

The authors provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on various autoimmune abnormalities documented in the course of MZL, as well as on autoimmune alterations induced by certain MZL therapies.

EXPERT OPINION

The course of MZL is accompanied by a variety of hematologic and non-hematologic autoimmune disorders. Whereas some of them could be secondary and related to the course of the MZL, others may be primary and might even favor the development of MZL itself. In addition, authentic autoimmune conditions have been documented with the use of rituximab as a single agent and the nucleoside analogs. Therefore, we believe caution should be exerted with the use of these agents in MZL patients with evidence of autoimmune disorders, as exacerbation of autoimmune phenomena can be anticipated. While the heterogeneity of the MZL subtypes represents an inherent limitation, integration of emerging information from immunology research laboratories and clinical practice could translate into improved outcomes of this disease spectrum.

Incidence of gastric involvement in patients with nongastrointestinal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to determine the incidence of gastric involvement in patients presenting with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) outside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and to identify clinical or laboratory parameters that predict gastric involvement in such cases.

METHODS

The records of 121 consecutive patients who presented with non-GI extranodal MZL and had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) as part of their initial workup were retrospectively reviewed. The authors assessed the presence of occult gastric MZL in these patients and possible associations with demographic characteristics; anatomic site of initial presentation; Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection; Zubrod score; International Prognostic Index (IPI); B symptoms; and serum lactate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin, albumin, and β2-microglobulin levels.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis of non-GI MZL was 59 years. The most common primary tumor sites were the salivary/parotid gland (32 patients), ocular adnexa (26 patients), skin (19 patients), and lung (17 patients). Twenty-two patients (18%) were found to have gastric involvement on EGD. Using logistic regression analysis, factors found to be associated with gastric involvement included: high IPI score (odds ratio [OR], 3.70; P = .03), female sex (OR, 6.50; P = .02), serum β2-microglobulin level of ≥ 2.5 mg/L (OR, 3.69; P = .02), and involvement of the aerodigestive mucosal/glandular tissue (OR, 4.50; P = .004). On multivariate logistic analysis, aerodigestive mucosal/glandular sites, H. pylori infection, and an elevated β2-microglobulin level were found to be associated with gastric involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine EGD is recommended for patients with non-GI MZL, particularly those with primary aerodigestive mucosal/glandular tissue involvement or those with a high IPI, female sex, elevated serum β2-microglobulin level, or H. pylori infection regardless of the primary tumor site.

t(11;18)(q21;q21) translocation as predictive marker for non-responsiveness to salvage thalidomide therapy in patients with marginal zone B-cell lymphoma with gastric involvement

PURPOSE

Activation of TNF-α/NF-κB-related signaling pathway is crucial in sustain the growth of Helicobacter pylori-independent gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type (MALT) lymphoma. Thalidomide is an anti-angiogenic agent with anti-TNF-α and anti-NF-κB activity. This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of thalidomide in standard therapy-failure gastric MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

Between October 2003 and September 2007, 10 patients with antibiotics-resistant, chemotherapy-refractory gastric MALT lymphoma who received salvage thalidomide therapy at daily doses of 100-200 mg were identified from medical records and included. Status of t(11;18)(q21;q21) was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for API2-MALT1 transcript, while expression of NF-κB was detected by immunohistochemistry. Tumor response was evaluated by RECIST criteria.

RESULTS

Tumors were of stage IV in seven and IE/IIE-1 in three. The best tumor response after thalidomide was complete response in two and partial in three, with an overall response rate of 50% (95% confidence interval, 12.3-87.7%). At median follow-up of 39.3 months, the 3-year event-free and overall survival rates were 36.0% and 85.7%, respectively. API2-MALT1 transcript was detected in four (40%) tumors. Objective response rates of tumors with and without t(11;18)(q21;q21) were 0% (0/4) and 83% (5/6), respectively, P = 0.048 (Fisher's exact test). Thalidomide treatment was associated with significant down-regulation of nuclear NF-κB expression levels in residual neoplastic cells and microenvironments of responsive tumors, but not in t(11;18)(q21;q21)-positive, thalidomide-refractory tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Thalidomide is an effective salvage treatment for standard therapy-failure, t(11;18)(q21;q21) translocation-negative gastric MALT lymphoma and deserves further exploration.

Non-gastric marginal zone B-cell lymphoma in Korea: clinical features, treatment, and prognostic factors

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) is the second most common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Korea (17.3%). Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) can develop in almost any organ as a result of exposure to a persistent stimulus, such as chronic infection or certain autoimmune processes. Under conditions of prolonged lymphoid proliferation, a malignant clone may emerge, which is followed by the development of a MALT lymphoma. Whereas MALT lymphoma of the stomach is the most common and the most extensively studied, we focus on non-gastric MZL studies conducted in Korea that highlight the most recent advances with respect to MZL definition, etiology, clinical characteristics, natural history, treatment approaches, outcomes, and prognostic factors. Moreover, we discuss current organ-specific considerations and controversies, and identify areas for future research.

Malignant lymphoma of the head and neck

Malignant lymphomas represent approximately 5% of all malignant neoplasms of the head and neck area. They are classically divided into two subgroups, Hodgkin's lymphomas (HLs) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). We describe the clinical characteristics of head and neck lymphomas and the methods to establish the diagnosis. The World Health Organization classification of lymphoid tissues describes more than 50 different histological types, and we analyse the most common staging system for lymphomas, the Ann Arbor staging system. Finally, the different therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Relapsed or refractory nongastric marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: multicenter retrospective analysis of 92 cases

Over its long survival duration, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) routinely involves frequent relapses. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to identify the clinical features and outcomes of relapsed or refractory MZL. From 1995 to 2008, a total of 92 patients with relapsed MZL were retrospectively analyzed. The median age of our subjects was 53.5 years (range: 23-82 years). The most common primary sites of involvement were the orbit and ocular adnexa (28.3%) followed by the lymph node and lymphatic organs (23.9%), and multiple mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) sites (13.0%). The median time to relapse from initial diagnosis was 25.5 months. Of the 53 patients with Stage I or II at diagnosis, 42 patients (79.2%) evidenced locoregional recurrence. Among these locoregional relapsed patients, 27 patients achieved CR (54.1%) or PR (18.9%). In addition to the 39 patients initially in advanced Stage III or IV, a total of 50 patients were in advanced stage at relapse. Among those patients with advanced stage at relapse, 44 patients were treated. The overall response rate was 54.5% (24 patients), with 18 CRs and 6 PRs. The median time to progression (TTP) was 34.1 months (95% CI: 11.3-56.9 months) and the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 84.3%. The majority of them was controlled well with salvage treatment, and could achieve prolonged survival. However, patients' refractory to initial therapy and advanced relapse evidenced shorter TTP and OS. Thus, we need to consider more aggressive treatment in cases of refractory MZL or advanced relapsed MZL.

Bone marrow involvement by hodgkin and non-hodgkin lymphomas

Bone marrow evaluation plays a critical role in staging and predicting prognosis in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bone marrow can be the initial site of detection of lymphoma in patients with unexplained symptoms or cytopenias. A comprehensive evaluation of bone marrow includes complete blood counts, blood morphology, bone marrow aspirate, and generous core biopsy sections. Specialized testing should be used in a logical fashion on a case by case basis.

Splenectomy with chemotherapy vs surgery alone as initial treatment for splenic marginal zone lymphoma

AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of splenic marginal-zone lymphoma (SMZL) following antigen expression and the influence of therapeutic approaches on clinical outcome and overall survival (OS).

METHODS: A total of 30 patients with typical histological and immunohistochemical SMZL patterns were examined. Splenectomy plus chemotherapy was applied in 20 patients, while splenectomy as a single treatment-option was performed in 10 patients. Prognostic factor and overall survival rate were analyzed.

RESULTS: Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 20 (66.7%), partial remission (PR) in seven (23.3%), and lethal outcome due to disease progression occurred in three (10.0%) patients. Median survival of patients with a splenectomy was 93.0 mo and for patients with splenectomy plus chemotherapy it was 107.5 mo (Log rank = 0.056, P > 0.05). Time from onset of first symptoms to the beginning of the treatment (mean 9.4 mo) was influenced by spleen dimensions, as measured by computerized tomography and ultra-sound (t = 2.558, P = 0.018). Strong positivity (+++) of CD20 antigen expression in splenic tissue had a positive influence on OS (Log rank = 5.244, P < 0.05). The analysis of factors interfering with survival (by the Kaplan-Meier method) revealed that gender, general symptoms, clinical stage, and spleen infiltration type (nodular vs diffuse) had no significant (P > 0.05) effects on the OS. The expression of other antigens (immunohistochemistry) also had no effect on survival-rate, as measured by a χ² test (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Initial splenectomy combined with chemotherapy has been shown to be beneficial due to its advanced remission rate/duration; however, a larger controlled clinical study is required to confirm our findings.