Two cases of CD30+, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma with oral manifestations

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Molecular Pathogenesis and Treatment

Simple Summary

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of disease that occurs throughout the world and has four subtypes. A summary and comparison of these subtypes can assist with advancing our knowledge of the mechanism and treatment of ALCL, which is helpful in making progress in this field.

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), as well as one of the subtypes of T cell lymphoma, accounting for 1 to 3% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and around 15% of T cell lymphomas. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified anaplastic large cell lymphoma into four categories: ALK-positive ALCL (ALK+ALCL), ALK-negative ALCL (ALK−ALCL), primary cutaneous ALCL (pcALCL), and breast-implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL), respectively. Clinical symptoms, gene changes, prognoses, and therapy differ among the four types. Large lymphoid cells with copious cytoplasm and pleomorphic characteristics with horseshoe-shaped or reniform nuclei, for example, are found in both ALK+ and ALK−ALCL. However, their epidemiology and pathogenetic origins are distinct. BIA-ALCL is currently recognized as a new provisional entity, which is a noninvasive disease with favorable results. In this review, we focus on molecular pathogenesis and management of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Current Concepts and Molecular Pathogenesis of a Heterogeneous Group of Large T-Cell Lymphomas

Simple Summary

ALK- anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK- ALCL) is a rare subtype of CD30+ large T-cell lymphoma that typically affects older adults and has a poor prognosis. Recognition of its histopathologic spectrum, subtypes, and of other tumors that can resemble ALK- ALCL is crucial to avoid making a wrong diagnosis that could result in inappropriate treatment for a patient. In recent years, several important studies have identified recurrent molecular alterations that have shed light on the pathogenesis of this lymphoma. However, on the other hand, putting all this vast information together into a concise form has become challenging. In this review, we present not only a more detailed view of the histopathologic findings of ALK- ALCL but also, we attempt to provide a more simplified perspective of the relevant genetic and molecular alterations of this type of lymphoma, that in our opinion, is not available to date.

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a subtype of CD30+ large T-cell lymphoma (TCL) that comprises ~2% of all adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Based on the presence/absence of the rearrangement and expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ALCL is divided into ALK+ and ALK-, and both differ clinically and prognostically. This review focuses on the historical points, clinical features, histopathology, differential diagnosis, and relevant cytogenetic and molecular alterations of ALK- ALCL and its subtypes: systemic, primary cutaneous (pc-ALCL), and breast implant-associated (BIA-ALCL). Recent studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in this TCL. In systemic ALK- ALCL, rearrangements in DUSP22 and TP63 are detected in 30% and 8% of cases, respectively, while the remaining cases are negative for these rearrangements. A similar distribution of these rearrangements is seen in pc-ALCL, whereas none have been detected in BIA-ALCL. Additionally, systemic ALK- ALCL—apart from DUSP22-rearranged cases—harbors JAK1 and/or STAT3 mutations that result in the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The JAK1/3 and STAT3 mutations have also been identified in BIA-ALCL but not in pc-ALCL. Although the pathogenesis of these alterations is not fully understood, most of them have prognostic value and open the door to the use of potential targeted therapies for this subtype of TCL.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Oral Manifestation: A Series of Four Cases and Literature Review

The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of four cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) diagnosed through oral manifestations. Clinical data were collected from charts of a single oral pathology laboratory over a 5-year period (2014-2019) and all cases were evaluated by conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining and an extended immunohistochemical panel comprising CD45, CD20, CD3, CD4, CD7, CD30, CD99, CD138, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, EMA, ALK, MUM-1 and Ki-67. The study included 3 male (75%) and 1 female (25%) patients, with a median age of 44 years. The most common intraoral affected site was the alveolar ridge (50%). Clinically, all cases were characterized as an ulcerated bleeding mass. Microscopically, proliferation of anaplastic large lymphoid cells with medium to large-sized, abundant amphophilic to eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei were observed. All cases were positive for CD30, while two cases strongly express ALK. Two patients died of the disease. Careful correlation of clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical data are necessary to establish the diagnosis of oral manifestation of ALCL since its microscopical features may mimic other malignant tumors. Clinicians and pathologists should consider ALCL in the differential diagnosis when evaluating oral ulcerated swellings exhibiting large lymphoid cells in patients with lymphadenopathy.

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Manifesting as a Scalp Hematoma After an Acute Head Injury-a Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma, typically associated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression. In some cases, lack of ALK translocation correlated with a more unfavorable prognosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a case of ALK(-) ALCL that manifested as a progressive, enlarged, swollen mass on the scalp after an acute head injury in an 84-year-old man. Neither palpable lymph nodes nor any B symptoms were noted on admission. Brain computed tomography showed a hematoma in the right posterior occipital region of the scalp as the only remarkable finding. Débridement and biopsy were performed. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of the specimen revealed an ALK(-) ALCL of the scalp. The lymphoma was resistant to bendamustine-containing chemotherapies, ultimately leading to the patient's death within 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the possibility of an ALCL manifesting as a focal inflammatory swelling mass on the scalp.

The spectrum of primary mucosal CD30-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively investigate the clinicopathologic spectrum of primary mucosal CD30-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (PTCLDs) of the head and neck.

STUDY DESIGN

Archives of PTCLDs primarily arising in head and neck mucosa were reviewed. Immunostaining of CD20, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD30, CD56, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytotoxic molecules (TIA-1, granzyme B, or perforin), and Ki67; in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus; and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Fourteen cases of primary mucosal anaplastic large cell lymphoma (M-ALCL) were identified, and no lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) cases were found. All cases demonstrated atypical mononuclear neoplastic cells with diverse histology and cytomorphology. The typical immunophenotype of neoplastic cells was CD3-positive, CD4-positive, CD8-negative, CD30-positive, ALK-negative, and cytotoxic molecules-positive. Infiltration of inflammatory cells was common. All cases presented an indolent course, regardless of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

PTCLDs of the head and neck provisionally included M-ALCL alone.

Gingival Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma Mimicking Hyperplastic Benignancy as the First Clinical Manifestation of AIDS: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

This paper presents an unusual case of gingival ALCL, which mimicked a benign hyperplastic lesion that occurred in a 57-year-old white man representing the first clinical manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient was referred to the Dental Clinic of PUCPR complaining of a lobulated nodule on the gingiva of his upper central incisors. The presence of advanced chronic periodontitis and dental plaque raised suspicion for a benignancy. An excisional biopsy was performed, and large pleomorphic cells with an abundant cytoplasm, sometimes containing prominent nucleoli and “Hallmark” cells, were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. The tumor cells showed strong CD30 expression, EMA, Ki-67, and LCA, and negative stain for p80^NPM/ALK, CKAE1/AE3, CD20, CD3, CD56, and CD15. The final diagnosis was ALCL (ALK-negative). Further laboratory tests revealed positivity for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The patient was submitted to chemotherapy, but four months after diagnosis, the patient died due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Oral anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare disorder. Only 5 cases involving the gingiva have been reported, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported of the ALCL, which mimicked a hyperplastic benignancy as the first clinical manifestation of AIDS.