Kato S, Yamashita D, Nakamura S. Nodal EBV+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma: A literature review based on the 2017 WHO classification.
J Clin Exp Hematop 2021;
60:30-36. [PMID:
32565530 PMCID:
PMC7337268 DOI:
10.3960/jslrt.20001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (CTL) is a primary
nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) characterized by a cytotoxic phenotype and EBV on
the tumor cells. This disease reportedly accounts for 21% of PTCL not otherwise specified
(NOS). However, few nodal EBV+ lymphomas have been documented in detail. Nodal EBV+ CTL
and nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) both exhibit cytotoxic molecule expression and
EBV positivity on the tumor cells; however, nodal EBV+ CTL is characterized as a systemic
disease without nasopharyngeal involvement, and exhibits a CD8+/CD56− phenotype distinct
from NKTL. The clinicopathological uniqueness of nodal EBV+ CTL is further supported by
its T-cell origin in most reported cases. In the 2008 WHO classification, it was unclear
whether nodal EBV+ CTL should be classified as PTCL or NKTL. However, based on additional
data, the 2017 revision classifies nodal EBV+ CTL as PTCL. In the present review, we focus
on the clinicopathological characteristics of nodal EBV+ CTL, discuss the relationship
between chronic active EBV infection and nodal EBV+ lymphoma, and highlight future
perspectives regarding the treatment of this disease.
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