Sinonasal NK/T-cell lymphomas in the United States

Cellular Origins and Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal NK- and T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders

The intestinal immune system, which must ensure appropriate immune responses to both pathogens and commensal microflora, comprises innate lymphoid cells and various T-cell subsets, including intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IELs). An example of innate lymphoid cells is natural killer cells, which may be classified into tissue-resident, CD56bright NK-cells that serve a regulatory function and more mature, circulating CD56dim NK-cells with effector cytolytic properties. CD56bright NK-cells in the gastrointestinal tract give rise to indolent NK-cell enteropathy and lymphomatoid gastropathy, as well as the aggressive extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, the latter following activation by EBV infection and neoplastic transformation. Conventional CD4+ TCRαβ+ and CD8αβ+ TCRαβ+ T-cells are located in the lamina propria and the intraepithelial compartment of intestinal mucosa as type 'a' IELs. They are the putative cells of origin for CD4+ and CD8+ indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and intestinal T-cell lymphoma, NOS. In addition to such conventional T-cells, there are non-conventional T-cells in the intra-epithelial compartment that express CD8αα and innate lymphoid cells that lack TCRs. The central feature of type 'b' IELs is the expression of CD8αα homodimers, seen in monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), which primarily arises from both CD8αα+ TCRαβ+ and CD8αα+ TCRγδ+ IELs. EATL is the other epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma in the GI tract, a subset of which arises from the expansion and reprograming of intracytoplasmic CD3+ innate lymphoid cells, driven by IL15 and mutations of the JAK-STAT pathway.

Skin diseases in Asian individuals that you do not want to miss: A selection of unique or relatively more common conditions in Asian populations

The Asian population currently constitutes a simple majority of the global population, comprising nearly 60%. The percentage of the US population that identifies as Asian is expected to grow to 41 million by the year 2050, making up an eventual 9% of the US population. As the world and US populations of Asian individuals increase, the demand for dermatologic care from this population will increase, requiring dermatologists to become more familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of Asian-specific skin characteristics and diseases. In this contribution, we review skin conditions specific to or relatively more common in Asian patients to help recognition and management of diseases in an increasing Asian patient population. We discuss prurigo pigmentosa, primary cutaneous plasmacytosis, lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantilis, Epstein-Barr viru-positive T- and natural killer-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules, and Behҫet disease.

Towards Next Generation Biomarkers in Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma linked to an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. Despite an improvement in survival outcomes with the incorporation of novel agents including immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of NKTCL, a significant proportion of patients still relapse or remain refractory to treatment. Several clinical prognostic models have been developed for NKTCL patients treated in the modern era, though the optimal approach to risk stratification remains to be determined. Novel molecular biomarkers derived from multi-omic profiling have recently been developed, with the potential to improve diagnosis, prognostication and treatment of this disease. Notably, a number of potential biomarkers have emerged from a better understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment and inflammatory responses. This includes a recently described 3'UTR structural variant in the PD-L1 gene, which confers susceptibility to checkpoint immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the biomarker landscape of NKTCL and highlight emerging biomarkers with the potential for clinical implementation.

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: Genetic, Biologic, and Clinical Aspects with a Central Focus on Epstein-Barr Virus Relation

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL-NT) has some salient aspects. The lymphoma is commonly seen in Eastern Asia, has progressive necrotic lesions in the nasal cavity, makes midfacial destructive lesions, and shows poor prognosis. The lymphoma cell is originated from either NK- or γδ T-cells, which express CD56. Since the authors first demonstrated the existence of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA and EBV oncogenic proteins in lymphoma cells, ENKTL-NT has been recognized as an EBV-associated malignancy. Because the angiocentric and polymorphous lymphoma cells are mixed with inflammatory cells on a necrotic background, the diagnosis of ENKTL-NT requires CD56 immunostaining and EBER in situ hybridization. In addition, serum the EBV DNA level is useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of ENKTL-NT. Although ENKTL-NT is refractory lymphoma, the prognosis is improved by the development of therapies such as concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The basic research reveals that a wide variety of intracellular/cell surface molecules, cytokines, chemokines, and micro RNAs are involved in lymphomagenesis, and some of them are related to EBV. Understanding lymphoma behavior introduces new therapeutic strategies, such as the usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors, peptide vaccines, and molecular targeting therapy. This review addresses recent advances in basic and clinical aspects of ENKTL-NT, especially its relation to EBV features.

Current progress in cancer immunotherapy based on natural killer cells

One of the most common diseases in the present era is cancer. The common treatment methods used to control cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite progress in the treatment of cancers, there still is no definite therapeutic approach. Among the currently proposed strategies, immunotherapy is a new approach that can provide better outcomes compared with existing therapies. Employing natural killer (NK) cells is one of the means of immunotherapy. As innate lymphocytes, NK cells are capable of rapidly responding to cancer cells without being sensitized or restricted to the cognate antigen in advance, as compared to T cells that are tumor antigen-specific. Latest insights into the biology of NK cells have clarified the underlying molecular mechanisms of NK cell maturation and differentiation, as well as controlling their effector functions through the investigation of the ligands and receptors engaged in recognizing cancer cells by NK cells. Elucidating the fact that NK cells recognize cancer cells could similarly show the mechanism through which cancer cells possibly avoid NK cell-dependent immune surveillance. Additionally, the expectations for novel immunotherapies by targeting NK cells have increased through the latest clinical outcomes of T-cell-targeted cancer immunotherapy. For this emerging method, researchers are still attempting to develop protocols for conferring the best proliferation and expansion medium, activation pathways, utilization dosage, transferring methods, as well as reducing possible side effects in cancer therapy. This study reviews the NK cells, their proliferation and expansion methods, and their recent applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: Basic Science and Clinical Progress

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NNKTL) has very unique epidemiological, etiologic, histologic, and clinical characteristics. It is commonly observed in Eastern Asia, but quite rare in the United States and Europe. The progressive necrotic lesions mainly in the nasal cavity, poor prognosis caused by rapid local progression with distant metastases, and angiocentric and polymorphous lymphoreticular infiltrates are the main clinical and histologic features. Phenotypic and genotypic studies revealed that the lymphoma is originated from either NK- or γδ T-cell, both of which express CD56. In 1990, the authors first reported the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA and EBV-oncogenic proteins, and EBV has now been recognized to play an etiological role in NNKTL. in vitro studies revealed that a wide variety of cytokines, chemokines, and micro RNAs, which may be produced by EBV-oncogenic proteins in the lymphoma cells, play important roles for tumor progression in NNKTL, and could be therapeutic targets. In addition, it was revealed that the interaction between NNKTL cells and immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages in NNKTL tissues contribute to lymphoma progression. For diagnosis, monitoring the clinical course and predicting prognosis, the measurements of EBV-DNAs and EBV-micro RNAs in sera are very useful. For treatment with early stage, novel concomitant chemoradiotherapy such as DeVIC regimen with local radiotherapy and MPVIC-P regimen using intra-arterial infusion developed with concomitant radiotherapy and the prognosis became noticeably better. However, the prognosis of patients with advanced stage was still poor. Establishment of novel treatments such as the usage of immune checkpoint inhibitor or peptide vaccine with molecular targeting therapy will be necessary. This review addresses recent advances in the molecular understanding of NNKTL to establish novel treatments, in addition to the epidemiologic, clinical, pathological, and EBV features.

CD30-positive cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: clinicopathological features and survival outcomes

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of CD30 expression in cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is controversial.

METHODS

Clinicopathological features, survival outcomes, and prognostic implications of CD30 were retrospectively analyzed in 55 patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. We classified patients into (i) primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma and (ii) cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease depending on the primary tumor site.

RESULTS

CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma was more common in patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease than in those with primary cutaneous disease. CD30+ cases were more likely to present nodular lesions or cellulitis-like swelling than CD30- cases. Histologically, CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma predominantly comprised large tumor cells compared with CD30- cases. However, the clinical morphology and tumor cell size were not associated with survival outcomes. CD30 expression was associated with better survival outcomes in patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease.

CONCLUSION

CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma presented peculiar clinicopathological features and had more favorable disease course in patients with cutaneous dissemination from nasal disease.

Nasopharyngeal/Nasal Type T/NK Lymphomas: Analysis of 14 Cases and Review of the Literature

Aims and Background

Lymphoid malignancies expressing CD56 are rare and most occur in the nasal or nasopharyngeal region. They derive from natural killer ceils or from a small subset of T cells that have granular cytoplasm containing molecules that mediate cytotoxic activity: TIA-1, granzyme B and perforin. Both types are closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus.

Methods

We report the pathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular findings in 14 cases of nasopharyngeal/nasal type T/NK lymphomas.

Results

Clinically, all patients had localized disease and also had symptoms limited to the nose. The neoplastic cells were frequently pleomorphic, and angiocentric growth was common. Combined immunophenotypic and gene rearrangement analyses demonstrated that most of the cases were true NK cell tumors and were either CD56+ and CD3- or CD56+ and CD3+. Immunohistochemical study showed TIA-1 and granzyme B expression in all cases. By in situ hybridization, most of the cases were associated to Epstein-Barr virus, harboring type 1 virus, and polymerase chain reaction amplification across the 30 bp deletion showed high frequency of latent membrane protein-1-deleted variants.

Conclusions

The nasal type T/NK cell lymphoma shows distinctive clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular features. These results confirm the important role of Epstein-Barr virus as a local factor in their pathogenesis.

Primary sinonasal lymphoma in immunocompetent patients: A 10 years retrospective clinicopathological study

Introduction:

Sinonasal tumors occur in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses (PNS). These tumors are rare and lymphomas are even rarer. Lymphoma of the nose and PNS may mimic benign processes and may manifest either in an isolated fashion or in conjunction with systemic diseases. B-cell lymphomas, a more favorable diagnosis, account for the majority of cases, whereas T-cell and extranodal natural killer lymphoma are associated with rapid disease progression and death.

Materials and Methods:

All patients with sinonasal lymphomas who were nonreactive for HIV and were operated and treated in our hospital from 2006 to 2016 were included in the study. Histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemistry using a panel of antibodies (CK, CD99, CD 15, CD30, CD45, Bcl 2, anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1, CD 16, CD 57 and ki-67) were reviewed and recorded.

Results:

Out of 153 malignant sinonasal tumors, 18 were diagnosed with lymphoma. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma constituted 88.8% of cases with the most common subtype being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 12, 66.6%). Maxillary sinus was the most frequently involved site (62%). The average age of presentation was 52 years with a slight male predominance. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were done in virtually all cases to assess the extent of the tumor as well as bony destruction. Average 5-year survival was 50%. Local recurrence was the most frequent cause of treatment failure.

Conclusion:

Malignant lymphomas constituted 11.7% of all malignancies of PNS. The association of diffuse large B-cell tumors with obstructive nasal mass and T-cell tumors with septal perforation, orbital extension and ophthalmological symptoms were more commonly seen.

CD56-Negative Aggressive NK Cell Leukemia Relapsing as Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies: Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Aggressive natural killer cell leukemia (ANKL) is extremely rare and habitually manifests as a systemic disease with multiorgan failure that rapidly evolves to death. The neoplastic natural killer (NK) cells usually harbor the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with a latent viral infection pattern type II; they often have a cytoplasmic CD3ε⁺ and surface CD3⁻, CD2⁺, and CD56⁺ immunophenotype, and they show complex genetic abnormalities affecting multiple tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. We present a rare case of CD56-negative ANKL and review the clinical and laboratorial criteria for the diagnosis, as well as the available therapies.

Case Presentation

A European 36-year-old male presented with acute onset fever, pallor, weakness, and jaundice. He had hepatosplenomegaly, severe pancytopenia, hepatic cytolysis, and very high serum lactic dehydrogenase levels. The bone marrow studies resulted in the diagnosis of an EBV-positive, CD56-negative ANKL. The patient failed to respond to gemcitabine and cisplatin-based polychemotherapy, dying three months later with leukemic meningitis and multiple cranial nerves palsies.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of ANKL is difficult and requires both clinical suspicion and an extensive laboratorial approach. Absence of CD56 expression on the neoplastic NK cells may impose difficulties in the diagnosis, which requires morphological, immunophenotypic, histopathological, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic, and molecular studies.

Association between extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma and hepatitis B viral infection: a case-control study

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is a rare subtype of lymphoma that is often associated with poor clinical prognosis. Several studies have shown that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be associated with increased risk of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma; however, because of the rarity of ENKTL, little is known about its association with HBV. Our study aimed to assess whether HBV infection was associated with increased odds of ENKTL. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study including 417 ENKTL cases and 488 age- and sex-matched subjects with nonmalignant diseases unrelated to HBV infection. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios [AOR] and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The results of the multivariable analysis showed that after adjustment for a set of known risk factors, patients previously infected with HBV (HBsAg-seronegative/anti-HBc-seropositive) and naturally immune to HBV (anti-HBs-seropositive/anti-HBc-seropositive) were at significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with ENKTL (AOR, 1.497; 95% CI 1.098-2.042, P=0.033 and AOR, 1.871; 95% CI 1.302-2.689, P=0.001, respectively). After adjusting for other factors, significantly greater odds of being diagnosed with ENKTL were observed among cases who reported ever drinking alcohol (AOR, 1.675; 95% CI 1.054-2.660, P=0.029). The odds of ENKTL diagnosis were not significantly associated with ABO blood type, cigarette smoking status or family history of cancer. The results of our study suggest that patients previously infected with HBV and naturally immune to HBV were at greater odds of being diagnosed with ENKTL.

Prognostic significance of CD30 expression in nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

The present study aimed to investigate the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 8 (CD30) in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) using immunohistochemistry, and to evaluate the association between CD30 and clinicopathological and prognostic significance. CD30 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections obtained from 122 patients with ENKTL prior to treatment. In total, 70 of these patients with complete clinical data were collected for prognostic analysis. The level of CD30 expression, of the 122 patients with ENKTL, was grouped on the basis of a 5-tiered scale as follows: 0%, no staining; 1+, <25% positive cells; 2+, 25-50% positive cells; 3+, 50-75% positive cells; and 4+, >75% positive cells). In total, 36 (29.5%) were classified as 0; 46 (37.7%) as 1+; 22 (18.0%) as 2+; 12 (9.8%) as 3+; and 6 (4.9%) as 4+. Among the 86 patients with scores between 1+ and 4+, the membranous staining patterns of CD30 expression were sporadic (33.7%), focal (43.2%), diffuse (15.1%) and angiocentric (8.1%). When considering a score of ≥3+ as CD30 positivity (CD30⁺), the CD30⁺ group had significantly shorter overall survival rates (P=0.0023) and progression-free survival rate (P=0.0008) compared with CD30 negative group. However, no statistically significant association was found between CD30 expression and clinicopathological features (P<0.05). The present study found that the expression of CD30 (≥3+) was significantly associated with poor prognosis but was not associated with clinical and histopathological parameters in ENKTL. Therefore, CD30 may be a useful prognostic marker in ENKTL.

Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents: A Report of 17 Cases in China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinicopathologic features of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) not preceded by another Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related disorder in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A series of 17 cases of ENKTL not preceded by another EBV-related disorder in children and adolescents in one institution from China was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The patients had a median age of 13 years (range, 2-17 years), and the male to female ratio was 3.25:1. All the patients were of Chinese origin and without a history of another EBV-related disorder. The upper aerodigestive tract was involved in 14 (82.4%) cases, of which the sinonasal region was involved in 10 (58.8%) cases. Twelve (70.6%) patients had stage I/II disease. Morphologically, coagulative necrosis and angiocentric/angiodestructive growth pattern were observed in 94.1% (16/17) and 88.2% (15/17) of all cases, respectively. Thirteen (76.5%) cases were mainly composed of medium-sized cells. All cases expressed cytoplasmic CD3 and at least one marker for cytotoxic granules. CD56 expression was seen in 16 (94.1%) of 17 cases. Each case harbored EBV.

CONCLUSIONS

ENKTL not preceded by another EBV-related disorder in children and adolescents is occasionally observed in China. It tends to have a male predominance. The upper aerodigestive tract, especially the sinonasal region, is the most commonly involved site. The morphologic features and immunophenotype in children and adolescents are similar to that occurring in adults.

Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses

The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses occupy the top of the upper respiratory tract and form pneumatic spaces connected with the atmosphere. They are located immediately beneath the base of the cranium, where crucial vital structures are harbored. From this region, very much exposed to airborne agents, arise some of the more complex and rare benign and malignant lesions seen in humans, whose difficulties in interpretation make this remarkable territory one of the most challenging in the practice of surgical pathology.

Contents of this chapter cover inflammations and infections, polyps and pseudotumors, fungal and midfacial destructive granulomatous lesions, as well as benign, borderline, and malignant neoplasms. Among the neoplasms, emphasis is made on those entities characteristic or even unique for the sinonasal region, such as Schneiderian papillomas, glomangiopericytoma, intestinal- and non-intestinal-type adenocarcinomas, olfactory neuroblastoma, nasal-type NK-/T-cell lymphoma, and teratocarcinosarcoma. Moreover, recently recognized entities involving this territory, i.e., HPV-related non-keratinizing carcinoma, NUT carcinoma, and SMARCB1-deficient basaloid carcinoma, are also discussed in the light of their specific molecular findings. Furthermore, the text is accompanied by numerous classical and recent references, several tables, and 100 illustrations.

CD30 as a therapeutic target for lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and ALK(+) anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) have become highly curable due to the success of modern regimens of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, up to one-third of the patients experience relapse or do not respond to first-line therapy, and half of them relapse again after secondary therapy with limited options for further treatment. In the last 15 years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to surface receptors became a new and valuable therapeutic option in many hematologic malignancies. Due to its restricted expression on normal activated lymphocytes and its high expression on malignant cells, CD30 represents an attractive target molecule for HL and ALCL therapy. However, unconjugated CD30 mAbs have demonstrated a lack of objective clinical responses in patients with recurrent HL. CD30 exhibits complex signaling pathways, and binding of its natural ligand or anti-CD30 mAbs can induce apoptosis but may also promote proliferation and activation depending on the cellular context. Moreover, CD30 rapidly internalizes after crosslinking, which counteracts efficient recruitment of immunologic effectors but also provides the opportunity to transfer cytotoxic payloads coupled to CD30-specific mAbs into the tumor cells. Several tumor targeting approaches have been studied, including radio-immunoconjugates, immunotoxins, immunoRNases, immunokinases, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). In 2011, the ADC brentuximab-vedotin, consisting of the CD30-specific chimeric mAb cAC10 and the potent tubulin toxin monomethyl auristatin E, gained regulatory approval as a well tolerated and highly active drug in patients with refractory and relapsed HL and ALCL. SGN-35 is on the way to being incorporated in the standard management of CD30(+) lymphoma with significant therapeutic impact. This review gives a critical overview about anti-CD30 therapies with unconjugated, engineered, and conjugated mAbs and the therapeutic challenges of treatment of CD30(+) lymphoma.

Genotypic analysis and latent membrane protein 1 expression of Epstein-Barr virus in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma from Northern Chinese patients

As the most common NK/T-cell lymphoma in Asian countries, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), has unique clinical features and a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In order to gain a preliminary understanding of the relationship between ENKTL and EBV, we performed genotypic analysis of EBV and investigated LMP1 expression in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. Our study shows that ENKTL is an EBV-associated malignancy and that A, C and F are the predominant EBV genotypes in northern China. LMP1 expression is stronger in extranasal sites than nasal sites, and the expression level is strongly correlated to ENKTL and may play an important role in the development of ENKTL.

CD30 expression is a novel prognostic indicator in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Background

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL), is an aggressive type of lymphoma whose standard treatment and validated prognostic model have not yet been defined.

Methods

CD30 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in 96 ENKTL patients, and the data were used to evaluate its relationship with clinical features, treatment response and prognosis.

Results

Expression of CD30 was detected in 31.2% of ENKTL patients, which was significantly correlated with B symptoms and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase. The complete remission rate was not significantly different between CD30-positive and negative groups. After a median follow-up time of 31 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in the CD30-positive group were both significantly lower than those in the CD30-negative group (34.1% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.002, for 5 year-OS; 26.0% vs. 66.7%, P < 0.001, for 5 year-PFS). In patients with an International Prognostic Index (IPI) or Korean Prognostic Index (KPI) score of 0–1, CD30 positivity was associated with shorter 5-year OS and PFS (IPI: P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively; KPI: P = 0.018 and 0.023, respectively). In a multivariate Cox regression model, CD30 expression and stage were independent prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012, respectively) and PFS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results showed that expression of CD30 was not related to response to treatment but was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and PFS in ENKTL, nasal type, which suggests a role for CD30 in the pathogenesis of this disease and may support the incorporation of anti-CD30-targeted therapy into the treatment paradigm for ENKTL.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type in Taiwan: a relatively higher frequency of T-cell lineage and poor survival for extranasal tumors

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a predominantly extranodal lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus occurring most frequently in the upper aerodigestive tract. There are limited reports on cellular origin and prognostic factors. We retrospectively investigated 73 cases with a median age of 54 years and a male-female ratio of 2.0:1. The upper aerodigestive tract (nasal group) was the most common site of involvement (51 cases; 70%). The other organs (n = 22; extranasal group) included the skin (12 cases; 16%) and gastrointestinal tract (5; 7%). Of the 70 cases with complete staging, 71% had stage I/II disease. All cases were positive for Epstein-Barr virus by in situ hybridization. Using immunohistochemistry and clonality assay for T-cell receptor gene rearrangement, these tumors were classified into NK (n = 39; 53%), T (n = 13; 18%), and indeterminate lineage (n = 21; 29%). The only clinicopathological difference among these 3 groups was rare CD5 expression in the NK-cell group. Nasal tumors were more frequently of NK-cell origin, and extranasal tumors were equally of either T- or NK-cell origin. The 5-year overall survival rate was 35.6%. The overall survival time was shorter in the extranasal group, although there was no statistical difference in age, sex, and histologic or immunophenotypic features between the 2 groups. Excluding the cases with indeterminate lineage, 75% of cases were of NK lineage; and 25%, T lineage. Extranasal tumors were more aggressive than their nasal counterparts. A prospective national study is warranted for a better understanding of the clinicopathological and genetic features of this uncommon tumor and the prognostic factors.

Identification of immunophenotypic subtypes with different prognoses in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

To analyze the differentiation characteristics of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, one nude mouse model, cell lines SNK6 and SNT8, and 16 fresh human samples were analyzed by flow cytometry immunophenotyping and immunohistochemistry staining; and 115 archived cases were used for phenotypic detection and prognostic analysis. We found that CD25 was expressed by most tumor cells in all samples, and CD56(+)CD25(+) cells were the predominant population in the mouse model, the 2 cell lines, and 10 of the 16 fresh tumor samples; in the other 6 fresh tumor samples, the predominant cell population was of the CD16(+)CD25(+) phenotype, and only a minor population showed the CD56(+)CD25(+) phenotype. The phenotype detected by immunohistochemistry staining generally was consistent with the phenotype found by flow cytometry immunophenotyping. According to the expression of CD56 and CD16, 115 cases could be classified into 3 phenotypic subtypes: CD56(-)CD16(-), CD56(+)CD16(-), and CD56(dim/-)CD16(+). Patients with tumors of the CD56(dim/-)CD16(+) phenotype had a poorer prognosis than patients with tumors of the other phenotypes. Differentiation of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type apparently resembles the normal natural killer cell developmental pattern, and these tumors can be classified into 3 phenotypic subtypes of different aggressiveness. Expression of CD56(dim/-)CD16(+) implies a poorer prognosis.

Aggressive mature natural killer cell neoplasms: report on a series of 12 European patients with emphasis on flow cytometry based immunophenotype and DNA content of neoplastic natural killer cells

We report 12 cases of aggressive natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms diagnosed in Portugal, with emphasis on flow cytometry. Ten patients had extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type and two had aggressive NK cell leukemia, and seven were men and five were women, with a median age of 50 years. NK cells brightly expressed the CD56 adhesion molecule and CD94 lectin type killer receptor and had an activation-related HLA-DR+ CD45RA+ CD45RO+ immunophenotype, in most cases. In contrast, dim CD16 expression was found in a minor proportion of cases, whereas CD57 and the CD158a and CD158e1 killer immunoglobulin-like receptors were negative. One-third of cases showed a hyperploid DNA content and nearly all had a very high S-phase proliferative rate. The phenotypic features of the neoplastic NK cells would suggest that they represent the transformed counterpart of the CD56 + bright NK cells that circulate in normal blood.

An A91V SNP in the perforin gene is frequently found in NK/T-cell lymphomas

NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is the most frequent EBV-related NK/T-cell disease. Its clinical manifestations overlap with those of familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHLH). Since PERFORIN (PRF1) mutations are present in FHLH, we analysed its role in a series of 12 nasal and 12 extranasal-NKTCLs. 12.5% of the tumours and 25% of the nasal-origin cases had the well-known g.272C>T(p.Ala91Val) pathogenic SNP, which confers a poor prognosis. Two of these cases had a double-CD4/CD8-positive immunophenotype, although no correlation was found with perforin protein expression. p53 was overexpressed in 20% of the tumoral samples, 80% of which were of extranasal origin, while none showed PRF1 SNVs. These results suggest that nasal and extranasal NKTCLs have different biological backgrounds, although this requires validation.

Aggressive mature natural killer cell neoplasms: from epidemiology to diagnosis

Mature natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms are classified by the World Health Organization into NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTCL), aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKCL) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK-cells, the latter being considered provisionally. NKTCL and ANKCL are rare diseases, with higher prevalence in Asia, Central and South America. Most NKTCL present extranodal, as a destructive tumor affecting the nose and upper aerodigestive tract (nasal NKTCL) or any organ or tissue (extranasal NKTCL) whereas ANKCL manifests as a systemic disease with multiorgan involvement and naturally evolutes to death in a few weeks. The histopathological hallmark of these aggressive NK-cell tumors is a polymorphic neoplastic infiltrate with angiocentricity, angiodestruction and tissue necrosis. The tumor cells have cytoplasmatic azurophilic granules and usually show a CD45(+bright), CD2(+), sCD3(-), cytCD3epsilon(+), CD56(+bright), CD16(−/+), cytotoxic granules molecules(+) phenotype. T-cell receptor genes are in germ-line configuration. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) -encoded membrane proteins and early region EBV RNA are usually detected on lymphoma cells, with a pattern suggestive of a latent viral infection type II. Complex chromosomal abnormalities are frequent and loss of chromosomes 6q, 11q, 13q, and 17p are recurrent aberrations. The rarity of the NK-cell tumors limits our ability to standardize the procedures for the diagnosis and clinical management and efforts should be made to encourage multi-institutional registries.

Characteristics and prognostic factors for head and neck non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The head and neck region is the second most frequent anatomical site of extranodal lymphomas. These tumours affect many individuals worldwide, justifying epidemiological studies in different countries. This study evaluated the characteristics, treatments and prognostic factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck in Chinese patients.

METHOD

The clinical manifestations, clinicopathological characteristics, multidisciplinary treatment and prognostic factors for 102 patients with extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck were analysed retrospectively.

RESULT

The tonsil was the most commonly involved primary site, followed by the nasal cavity. The most common histological subtype was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, followed by natural killer T-cell lymphoma. Patients receiving a combination of rituximab and chemotherapy did better than those receiving chemotherapy alone. Prognosis was significantly associated with both International Prognostic Index and histological subtype; the former was especially strongly associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

In this group of Chinese patients, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most common pathological subtype, but the incidence of T-cell lymphomas was higher than that reported in the USA. Combined rituximab and chemotherapy led to better outcomes than chemotherapy alone. Prognosis depended on both International Prognostic Index and histological subtype.

The small round blue cell tumors of the sinonasal area: histological and immunohistochemical findings

Background

Primary Small round blue cell tumors (SRBCT) in sinonasal comprise histogenetically diverse entities with overlapping morphologic features. Because of the limited initial biopsy tissue materials, differential diagnostic difficulties may arise, and as they have different management, exact diagnosis and classification are very important.

Objectives

In this study, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of a panel of markers in the classification and diagnosis of sinonasal SRBCTs.

Material and Methods

This cross sectional study was performed on 36 paraffin embedded tissue samples. Histologic and immunohistochemical slides from 36 patients with SRBCT were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were admitted in Khalili hospital, Shiraz from 1383 to 1388.

Results

There were 13 women and 23 men with the mean age of 53 ±12.1. There were 9 malignant melanoma, seven poorly differentiated SCC; six lymphoma (DLBL); 4 SCNEC; three SNUC; two ON; two Ewing/PNET; two embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and one plasmacytoma. Pan-cytokeratin was strongly expressed poorly differentiated SCC and all cases of SNUC. Coexpression of desmin and nuclear myoD1 was only detected in rhabdomyosarcoma. HMB45 was only expressed in sinonasal melanoma. CD99 expression was identified only in Ewing/PNET. FLI-1 was detected in 50% of PNET. P63 was expressed in poorly differentiated SCC (2/7) and SNUC (1/3).

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that the integration of histopathologic findings with application of limited but highly specific markers led to the separation of carcinomas, lymphoma and melanomas from other small cell tumors. Using a panel of keratin, LCA, desmin, and HMB45 is the most practical and economic approach to accurately classify these tumors.

Immunomorphologic profile and Epstein-Barr virus status of a cohort of 35 cases of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type of upper aerodigestive tract from a tertiary care center in South India

Extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (EN-NK/T-NT) is a lymphoma of NK-cell or cytotoxic T-cell origin, which occurs most commonly in the upper aerodigestive tract. We have studied the immunomorphologic profile and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status of a cohort of 35 cases of EN-NK/T-NT of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) diagnosed in our institution during the period May 2002 to April 2012. At our institution these lymphomas constitute 0.7% of total non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and 5.1% of total peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs). The median age at diagnosis was 40 years with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1, and the most common site of involvement was the nasal cavity. Morphologically, the neoplastic cells were predominantly medium sized in most cases. Necrosis and angiocentricity were common histologic features. Thirty cases (85.7%) showed NK-cell immunophenotype, CD3+ (29/30, 96.7%), CD56+ (30/30, 100%) and TIA1/Granzyme B+ (30/30, 100%). Five cases (14.3%) showed cytotoxic T-cell immunophenotype, CD3+ (5/5, 100%), CD56- (5/5, 100%) and TIA1/Granzyme B+ (5/5, 100%). EBV-encoded RNA-in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) was positive in all 35 cases, whereas EBV latent membrane protein-1 (EBVLMP1) was positive in only 19/35 (54.3%) of cases. In conclusion, this is the first large study from India to report the immunomorphologic profile and EBV association of EN-NK/T-NT, which is known to have geographic variation. The frequency of these lymphomas in our study is comparable to that of Western and European countries and much less than that of Far Eastern countries.

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, includes cases of natural killer cell and αβ, γδ, and αβ/γδ T-cell origin: a comprehensive clinicopathologic and phenotypic study

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type, may be of NK or T-cell origin; however, the proportion of T-ENKTLs and whether they are of αβ or γδ type remains uncertain. To elucidate the cell of origin and detailed phenotype of ENKTL and assess any clinicopathologic associations, 67 cases of ENKTL from Thailand were investigated, together with 5 γδ enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphomas (EATLs) for comparison. In all, 70% of the ENKTL were T-cell receptor (TCR) β,γ and, in cases tested, δ negative (presumptive NK origin); 5% were TCR γδ, 3% were TCR αβ, 1% were TCR αβ/γδ, and 21% were indeterminate. Out of 17 presumptive NK-ENKTLs tested, 3 had clonal TCR rearrangements. All cases were EBV and TIA-1; >85% were positive for CD3, CD2, granzyme B, pSTAT3, and Lsk/MATK; and all were CD16. Presumptive NK-ENKTLs had significantly more frequent CD56 (83% vs. 33%) and CXCL13 (59% vs. 0%) but less frequent PD-1 (0% vs. 40%) compared with T-ENKTLs. Of the NK-ENKTLs, 38% were Oct-2 compared with 0% of T-ENKTLs, and 54% were IRF4/MUM1 compared with 20% of T-ENKTLs. Only αβ T-ENKTLs were CD5. Intestinal ENKTLs were EBV and had significantly more frequent CD30, pSTAT3, and IRF4/MUM1 expression but less frequent CD16 compared with γδ EATL. Significant adverse prognostic indicators included a primary non-upper aerodigestive tract site, high stage, bone marrow involvement, International Prognostic Index ≥2, lack of radiotherapy, Ki67 >40%, and CD25 expression. The upper aerodigestive tract ENKTLs of T-cell origin compared with those of presumptive NK origin showed a trend for better survival. Thus, at least 11% of evaluable ENKTLs are of T-cell origin. Although T-ENKTLs have phenotypic and some possible clinical differences, they share many similarities with ENKTLs that lack TCR expression and are distinct from intestinal γδ EATL.

Aberrant antigenic expression in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a multi-parameter study from Thailand

Background

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is not common worldwide, but it is the most common T- and NK-cell lymphomas in many Asian countries. Immunophenotypic profiles were studied based on limited series. The authors, therefore, studied on ENKTL according to characterize immunophenotypic profiles as well as the distribution of EBV subtype and LMP-1 gene deletion.

Methods

By using tissue microarray (TMA), immunohistochemical study and EBV encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization were performed. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, EBV subtyping, and LMP-1 gene deletion were studied on the available cases.

Results

There were 22 cases eligible for TMA. ENKTL were positive for CD3 (91%), CD5 (9%), CD7 (32%), CD4 (14%), CD56 (82%), TIA-1 (100%), granzyme B (95%), perforin (86%), CD45 (83%), CD30 (75%), Oct2 (25%), and IRF4/MUM1 (33%). None of them was positive for βF1, CD8, or CD57. TCR gene rearrangement was negative in all 18 tested cases. EBV was subtype A in all 15 tested cases, with 87% deleted LMP-1 gene. Cases lacking perforin expression demonstrated a significantly poorer survival outcome (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated TIA-1 and EBER as the two most sensitive markers. There were a few CD3 and/or CD56 negative cases noted. Interestingly, losses of CD45 and/or CD7 were not uncommon while Oct2 and IRF4/MUM1 could be positive in a subset of cases. Based on the present study in conjunction with the literature review, determination of PCR-based TCR gene rearrangement analysis might not be a useful technique for making diagnosis of ENKTL.

Current diagnostic strategies for undifferentiated tumours of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses

Several malignant tumours occurring in the sinonasal tract may present with an undifferentiated morphology. Overall, these lesions pose significant diagnostic difficulties for the surgical pathologist, especially in limited biopsy material, but their correct classification is becoming increasingly important for an appropriate treatment strategy. This review deals with the criteria for differential diagnosis of these neoplasms, with emphasis on recent advances in immunohistochemistry and molecular biology, as well as with previous progress in electron microscopy. Through careful microscopic examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, in the light of clinical information and imaging data, a list of differential diagnoses can be made and an appropriate panel of antibodies can be chosen to further categorize the tumour. An initial panel including cytokeratins, synaptophysin, S100 protein, desmin and CD45 may allow the classification of most lesions or may help to narrow the list of differential diagnoses. Further refinement can be obtained through second-line markers, including in-situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus, other neuroendocrine markers, melanocytic markers, myogenin, CD99, other lymphocyte markers, and CD138 and light chains. Finally, molecular analysis can further assist in the recognition of specific entities such as nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma, Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumour, alveolar rhadbomyosarcoma, and poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma.

Diagnosis of systemic metastatic retinal lymphoma

PURPOSE

Systemic metastatic retinal lymphoma (SMRL) is exceptionally rare, as systemic lymphomas most often metastasize to the uvea. We have evaluated a series of SMRL cases to elucidate the clinical and pathological features of SMRL.

METHODS

The pathological specimens of intraocular lymphomas (IOLs) at the National Eye Institute from 1991 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. These cases were diagnosed by cytology, cytokine measurement (ELISA for interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 levels) and Immunoglobulin-Heavy (IgH) and T-cell-receptor (TCR) gene analyses.

RESULTS

There were nine B-cell SMRLs (B-SMRL) among 96 B-cell retinal lymphomas (9.4%) and three T-cell SMRLs (T-SMRL) among five T-cell retinal lymphomas (60%) from a total of 116 IOLs, in which 101 were retinal lymphoma. The original sites were nasopharynx (3), testis (2), skin (2), breast (1), blood (1), retroperitoneum (1), ileo-caecum (1) and stomach (1). Cytology of vitreous samples illustrated atypical lymphoma cells with either B- or T-monoclonality. More B-SMRLs had a high ratio of vitreal IL-10 to IL-6 than T-SMRLs. Molecular pathology demonstrated lymphoma cells with gene rearrangements of IgH in all B-SMRLs and TCR in all T-SMRLs.

CONCLUSIONS

SMRL and primary retinal lymphoma present with similar clinical manifestations. Systemic T-cell lymphoma invades the retina and vitreous more aggressively than systemic B-cell lymphoma. A diagnosis of SMRL is made when there is a clinical history of systemic lymphoma (particularly from nasopharynx, testis and skin), and lymphoma cells are identified in the vitreous or retina. Molecular analysis is more useful than vitreal cytokine measurement for SMRL diagnosis.

Extranodal NK / T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: new staging system and treatment strategies

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NTCL) is characterized by clinical heterogeneity based on clinical prognostic factors and survival outcome. NTCL subsets are classified as upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) NTCL or non-UAT NTCL; non-UAT has pathologic similarity to UAT-NTCL but is a clinically distinct subtype. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of NTCL, optimal treatment modalities and prognostic factors have been difficult to determine. Ann Arbor staging for lymphomas and the International Prognostic Index (IPI) have been used to predict prognosis for UAT-NTCL; however, local tumor invasiveness (bony invasion or perforation or invasion of the overlying skin) is the most significant factor for poor outcomes in localized UAT-NTCL. Thus, a new staging system is proposed: limited disease (stage I/II UAT-NTCL without local tumor invasiveness) and extensive disease (stage I/II with local invasiveness or stage III/IV disease of UAT NTCL, and non-UAT NTCL) based on treatment outcomes. NTCL is resistant to anthracycline-based chemotherapy, whereas non-anthracycline combination chemotherapy (such as ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide, and prednisolone) has an activity against NTCL as either a front-line or as a second-line treatment. The effectiveness of radiotherapy is evident in limited disease, but questionable in extensive disease.

Rare natural killer cell lymphoma found during surveillance endoscopy

INTRODUCTION

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the USA and comprises 2-3% of primary neoplasms. Natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphomas are subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and are aggressive neoplastic disorders with frequent extranodal presentations. Clinically, most cases of aggressive NK cell lymphomas present in young males with massive hepatosplenic infiltration. The upper aerodigestive tract is the most common site of presentation.

CASE REPORT

NK/T cell lymphomas are subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and are aggressive.

CASE DISCUSSION

Here we describe an unusual case of non-Hodgkin's NK/ T cell lymphoma of colon and stomach found during surveillance upper endoscopy followed by a subsequent colonoscopy.

Treatment outcome of radiotherapy alone versus radiochemotherapy in early stage nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

This study aims to investigate the prognostic factors and long-term treatment outcome in patients with early stage nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma. Sixty-four patients were recruited in this study, whose clinical and laboratory data were collected from hospital records. Early stage (stage IE: 51, stage IIE: 13) nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NNTCL) was established according to Ann Arbor staging classification. Among these patients, 23 received radiotherapy (RT) alone, the remaining 41 cases were treated with radiochemotherapy (RCT) comprised of 1-6 cycles of anthracycline-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Results show that the median overall survival (OS) time was 41 months. The 5-year OS and progression-free survival rates were 59.2 and 52.3%, respectively. The 5-year OS rate for patients who received RT alone was 57.9%, whereas that for patients who received RCT was 61.5% (P = 0.47). There is no significant difference between two treatment modalities. Multivariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) score > or = 2, local tumor invasion out of nasal cavity, and lower complete remission (CR) rates in the initial treatment were significant unfavorable independent prognostic factors. Taken together, our study suggests that RCT did not improve the survival rate of patients with early stage NNTCL. PS score before treatment, local tumor invasion out of nasal cavity, and CR rate of the primary treatment may be independent prognostic factors among the subtype lymphoma entity.

Frequent concomitant epigenetic silencing of the stress-responsive tumor suppressor gene CADM1, and its interacting partner DAL-1 in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NL) is a rare but clinically important entity of lymphoma. Its preferential incidence in Orientals but not Caucasians suggests possible genetic predisposition. 11q deletion is common in NL, indicating certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) at this locus involved in its pathogenesis. We investigated the expression and methylation of an 11q23.2 TSG, CADM1 (or TSLC1), and its partner DAL-1 (or EPB41L3) in NL. Methylation and silencing of CADM1 were detected in 2 NL and 4 of 8 (50%) of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines, but not in normal NK cells and normal PBMC. Absence of CADM1 protein was also detected in NL cell lines. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza) demethylation or genetic knockout of both DNMT1 and 3B genes restored CADM1 and DAL-1 expression. CADM1 methylation was further detected in 36 of 45 (80%) of NL tumors. Concomitantly, DAL-1 was epigenetically inactivated in NL cell lines and virtually all the tumors with methylated CADM1. A significant correlation between the methylation of both genes was found (p < 0.0001). Homozygous deletion of CADM1 was detected in only 3 of 18 (17%) of tumors. The stress-response of CADM1 was abolished when its promoter becomes methylated. Our results demonstrate a frequent, predominant epigenetic silencing of CADM1 and DAL-1 in NL, which likely play a synergic role in NL pathogenesis.

Molecular and phenotypic analysis of poorly differentiated sinonasal neoplasms: an integrated approach for early diagnosis and classification

Primary poorly differentiated (small round and non-small) sinonasal neoplasms comprise histogenetically and biologically diverse entities with overlapping morphologic features. Because of the limited initial biopsy tissue materials, differential diagnostic difficulties may arise and complicate timely management of some cases. We used immunohistochemical and molecular marker analyses in a large cohort of these tumors to optimize their early diagnosis and classification. Fifty-two tumors of the skull base and sinonasal regions and, for comparison, 19 poorly differentiated neoplasms of other head and neck sites were analyzed by a panel of immunohistochemical markers including those of epithelial, mesenchymal, melanocytic, and neuroectodermal origin using tissue microarray. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of messenger RNA for EWS-FLI1 and PAX-FKHR fusion transcripts and the human achaete-scute homolog-1 gene was performed on 24 of the 52 sinonasal tumors and the 19 tumors of other sites for comparison. The immunohistochemical results substantiated the phenotypic assessment and the initial diagnosis in 49 of the 52 tumors. In 4 instances the integrated markers and phenotypic analyses led to reclassification of 3 tumors and confirmed the histogenesis of a mesenchymal tumor with aberrant cytokeratin expression. Molecular analysis of the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene transcript revealed 4 (9.3%) of the 43 tumors to be positive; all were Ewing sarcomas. The human achaete-scute homolog-1 gene transcript was identified in 10 (23.8%) of 42 tumors: 3 of 6 neuroblastomas, all 4 neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 1 each in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and melanoma. The PAX-FKHR fusion transcript was not detected in any tumors. We conclude that (1) an integrated morphologic and biomarker algorithm may better optimize the early diagnosis of poorly differentiated sinonasal and skull-base tumors; (2) molecular analysis may assist in future biological stratification of certain classes of these tumors; and (3) the human achaete-scute homolog-1 gene transcript is a nonspecific marker for the diagnosis of neuroblastoma.

A case of CD30+ nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

Extranodal nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a very rare lymphoma characterized by strong association with Epstein-Barr virus infection, very aggressive clinical behavior, and poor prognosis. The typical phenotype of neoplastic natural killer cells in this entity is as follows: CD2+, CD56+, surface CD3-, cytoplasmic CD3epsilon+, and cytotoxic granule-associated protein positive. CD30 expression, a phenotype characteristic of anaplastic large-cell lymphomas, is not a typical feature of nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas. We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with chronic nasal congestion and septal deviation who presented with progressive generalized tender erythematous plaques. A skin biopsy revealed an atypical angiocentric mononuclear cell infiltrate. Strong CD30 and CD3e immunoreactivities were noted in large atypical mononuclear cells within the infiltrate initially suggestive of a CD30+ T-cell lymphoma. However, flow cytometry of the skin lesion indicated that the cells were CD2+, CD4-, CD8-, and lacked surface CD3 more typical of a neoplasm of natural killer cells. Further studies revealed that the cells were CD56+, T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen-1+, and contained Epstein-Barr virus sequences consistent with a nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma. High titers of Epstein-Barr virus in the blood, evidence of sinonasal disease, and absence of a T-cell receptor gene rearrangement were additional features consistent with the diagnosis. The patient had a very aggressive clinical course and, despite combination chemotherapy, died 8 months after the onset of skin lesions. This case represents an example of nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma with expression of CD30. When presenting in the skin, the phenotypic and morphologic features of this lymphoma may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of a CD30+ large-T-cell lymphoma.

Nasenhöhle und Nasennebenhöhlen

Die Gesichtsmitte (der Bezirk zwischen Oberlippe und Stirn) entwickelt sich zwischen der 4. und 8. Schwangerschaftswoche. [ 220] Der Stirnfortsatz bildet sich währen der 4. postovulatorischen Woche, aus ihm gehen die oberen und mittleren Anteile des Gesichts hervor. Die Oberkiefer- und Nasenwülste entwickeln sich unterhalb des Stirnfortsatzes. Am Ende der 4. Woche bilden zwei oberflächliche Verdickungen der Nasenwülste die Riechplakoden, die ektodermaler Herkunft sind und aus denen der Epithelbelag der Nasenhöhle und Nasennebenhöhlen hervorgeht. Die Plakoden stülpen sich ein und bilden die Riechgruben, aus denen die vorderen Choanen (Nasenlöcher) und weniger oberflächlich die primitiven hinteren Choanen entstehen. Die medialen Nasen- und Stirnfortsätze bilden das Nasenseptum, die Stirnknochen, Nasenknochen, die Siebbeinzellen- Komplexe und die oberen Schneidezähne. Die lateralen Nasen- und Oberkieferfortsätze vereinigen sich zur Bildung des Philtrum und der Columella. Das knorpelige Nasenskelet bildet sich während der 7. und 8. postovulatorischen Woche tief unterhalb der Nasen- und Stirnbeinknochen aus dem Chondrocranium. Die Nasennebenhöhlen entwickeln sich in der 6. Fetalwoche aus den lateralen Nasenwänden, und ihr Wachstum setzt sich nach der Geburt während des gesamten Kindes- und Jugendalters fort.

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck region in older adults: genetic characterization and a review of the literature

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is remarkably rare in adults older than 45 years. Initial immunoprofiling of a small cell neoplasm of the head and neck region in an older adult may not include myogenic markers. A valuable diagnostic aid and important prognostic parameter in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is the identification of PAX3-FOXO1 [t(2;13)(q35;q14)] or PAX7-FOXO1 [t(1;13)(p36;q14)] rearrangements. The purpose of this study was to document the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of head/neck alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in older adults. Prior isolated descriptions of 3 patients were included. Five patients were female and 2 male (median age, 61 years). Each neoplasm was composed of undifferentiated, small round cells in a predominantly solid pattern. Initially, ordered immunostains corresponded with early diagnostic impressions of a hematologic malignancy or neuroendocrine carcinoma. CD56 was positive in 5 of 5 tumors and synaptophysin in 1 of 6. Given the virtual absence of other lymphoid or epithelial markers, muscle immunostains were performed and these were positive. Definitive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma diagnoses were confirmed genetically. This study illustrates the diagnosis of head/neck alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in older adults is complicated by its rarity, lack of an alveolar pattern, and a potentially misleading immunoprofile (CD56 and synaptophysin immunoreactivity) if myogenic markers are not used. Both PAX3- and PAX7-FOXO1 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas were identified in these patients. In children, PAX7-FOXO1 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is associated with a significantly longer event-free survival. In contrast, adult alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma behaves more aggressively with a worse overall survival than pediatric alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Further follow-up and additional cases are required to assess the prognostic relevance of these fusion transcripts in the context of advanced age.

Expression of the metalloproteases MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-11, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in angiocentric midfacial lymphomas

Background

Extranodal T/NK cell lymphomas possess distinctive clinico-pathological characteristics: they are angiocentric, exhibit extensive necrosis. Prognosis is poor in the short term. The objective is to explore the expression of different MMPs in the cells and stroma which are around of the blood vessels damaged and their correlation with clinico-pathological parameters.

Patients and methods

Twenty cases of this type of lymphomas were studied and collected patient clinical data. The expressions of MMP-1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 13 and TIMP-1, 2 were studied by immunohistochemistry. Ultrastructural studies were performed in two cases. Statistical analysis was done with Fisher's exact test, Chi² test.

Results

Of the 20 patients, 13 were men with median age of 43 years. In 13 patients the primary tumor was localized in the nasal cavity. Treatment was combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 60%. The 55% advanced clinical stages, 70% died from the disease. There were neoplastic cell and peritumoral fibroblasts positivity to MMP-1 and MMP-11 in most of the cases. The MMPs-2, 3 and 9 were expressed in neoplastic cell between 30 to 65%of the cases. TIMP-1 was presented mainly in the epithelium and TIMP-2 was poor expressed of the all cases.

Conclusion

There were no statistical significance between the different enzymes used and the clinical parameters, besides status and survival of the patients. It is necessary to study more enzymes and focus them to quantify and determine their activity, in order to have a better correlation with histological features in this type of neoplasm.

Angiogenic Non-Hodgkin T/Natural Killer (NK)-cell Lymphoma: Report of Three Cases

Angiogenic T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoma is anon-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by necrosis and vascular destruction that is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus and AIDS. Early diagnosis is essential to improve the chances of patient survival, but severe local inflammatory infiltrate impairs histologic diagnosis by obscuring neoplastic cells. The most common markers are CD2, CD56, cytoplasmic CD3, and CD43 EBV. We describe 3 cases of angiogenic T/NK-cell lymphoma that show the diverse presentation of the same disease. Patient 1 was HIV positive and had nasal obstruction, facial edema, and ulceration of the nasal mucosa. Patient 2 had fever, a sore throat, and weight loss. Patient 3 had facial edema, fever, proptosis, and rapid development of neurologic alterations. Several biopsies were needed for histologic confirmation in these patients, despite positivity for the CD3 and CD56 markers.

Angiocentric lesions of the head and neck

Angiocentric lesions of the head and neck encompass a variety of benign and malignant lesions. Not unexpectedly the sequelae of an angiocentric process independent of its benign or malignant nature is one of tissue ischemia with a potential for either breakdown or reparative fibrosis. Therefore, the clinical presentations can be very similar despite a varied pathogenesis. Among the benign reactive infiltrates that will be considered are angiocentric eosinophilic fibrosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis and cocaine associated mid line facial destruction. We will discuss other conditions which enter into the differential diagnosis either clinically or histologically including Erdheim Chester disease and mid line facial undermining unrelated to an angiocentric event specifically in the context of trigeminal trophic ulcer and relapsing polychondritis. The two main neoplastic conditions exhibiting angiocentricity are in the context of lymphomatoid granulomatosis and NK/T cell lymphoma; hence these two particular hematologic dyscrasias will be discussed in some detail in this review.

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma: epidemiology and pathogenesis

Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an uncommon disease, but usually shows a highly aggressive clinical course. The disease is much more frequent in Asian and Latin American countries than in Western countries, and is universally associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Analyses of gene mutations, especially p53 and c-KIT, revealed the different frequencies by district. Epidemiological studies revealed the changes of the disease frequency in Korea during the period from 1977–1989 to 1990–1996. Case-control study showed that the exposure to pesticides and chemical solvents could be causative of NKTCL. Further studies including HLA antigen typing of patients is necessary to further clarify the disease mechanism.

T/NK cell lymphoma presenting as a "blocked nose"

We present the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male who complained of persistent rhinitis and sinusitis accompanied by a total left-sided nasal blockage. The diagnosis nasal T/NK cell lymphoma was established by histopathological investigation. This case was diagnosed as stage IE lymphoma as no other sites were involved. The patient was treated with CHOP (cyclophosfamide, doxorubicin, vincristin and prednisone) chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy. The nasal T/NK cell lymphoma is a rare malignancy, which is known to have an extremely aggressive and destructive course. The mainstay of treatment is locoregional radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, depending on disease stage. A high index of clinical suspicion is imperative to ensure early diagnosis and ultimately improve disease outcome.

A unique case of adolescent CD56-negative extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type

Mature T-cell neoplasms are unusual in the pediatric population. The majority of these neoplasms in the United States are anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) characterized by CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 expression. Extranodal natural killer/T (NK/T)-cell lymphomas, nasal type, are extremely rare. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas often express CD56, are associated with Epstein-Barr virus, and are negative for CD30. Clinically, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas are much more aggressive than ALCL, and require different treatment strategies. The authors present an adolescent male with a CD56 negative extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. The lymphoma was partially positive for CD30, diffusely positive for EBV by in situ hybridization, and clonal for T-cell receptor gene rearrangement and cytogenetic abnormalities. The patient was aggressively treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. More than 2 years from completion of the therapy, the patient remains disease free. This case highlights the importance and difficulty of accurate identification of this type of rare tumor. We further present the literature review and discuss the diagnostic criteria for extranodal NK/T lymphoma using morphologic, immunologic, molecular, and cytogenetic information.