Current progress and future perspectives of research on intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

Insulin-like Growth Factor II mRNA-binding Protein 3 is a Highly Sensitive Marker for Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma: Immunohistochemical Analysis of 152 Pathology Specimens From 88 Patients

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare type of aggressive extranodal large B-cell lymphoma characterized by the selective growth of lymphoma cells within the lumina of blood vessels, particularly capillaries. IVLBCL lacks mass formation, and its diagnosis can be challenging. We analyzed the utility of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) immunohistochemistry for IVLBCL diagnosis in various organs. Double staining with paired box 5 (PAX5) was performed for validation. Overall, 152 pathological specimens (111 positive and 41 negative for IVLBCL) obtained from 88 patients with a diagnosis of IVLBCL were stained for IMP3 and IMP3/PAX5. As negative controls, 40 pathology specimens from 38 patients with no history of IVLBCL or other B-cell lymphomas were stained for IMP3, which comprised 31 benign pathological specimens from 29 patients in whom malignancy was suspected, 7 cases of appendicitis with intravascular and/or intralymphatic lymphoid proliferations, and 2 cases of intravascular natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. All mononuclear cells with cytoplasmic staining were considered positive for IMP3 expression, but expression restricted to germinal center B cells was excluded from evaluation. All 111 IVLBCL pathological specimens were positive for IMP3 and IMP3/PAX5. In addition, 11 of the 41 specimens originally diagnosed as IVLBCL-negative showed IMP3/PAX5 double-positive cells, raising the suspicion of IVLBCL. However, of the 40 negative control samples, IMP3-positive non-germinal center B cells were detected in only 2 samples ( P = 0.0131) and no intravascular IMP3-positive B cells suspicious for IVLBCL were identified. Altogether, IMP3 immunohistochemistry is a highly sensitive marker of IVLBCL and can be a helpful adjunct for IVLBCL diagnosis.

Optimizing random skin biopsies: a review of techniques and indications for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL), a rare subtype of malignant lymphoma, is diagnosed by observation of intravascular proliferation of tumor cells in samples taken from affected organs. However, diagnosis of IVLBCL is usually difficult due to the lack of mass formation. IVLBCL may be fatal when the diagnosis is delayed, so an accurate early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment. Random skin biopsy (RSB), in which specimens are sampled from normal-appearing skin, has been reported as useful. However, the specific method of RSB remains controversial, with individual institutions using either the punch method or the incisional method. Research has shown that the incisional method has higher sensitivity than the punch method. We discuss whether this difference might owe to the collection of punch specimens from an insufficient depth and whether the punch method might result in false negatives. For RSB, we recommend taking specimens not only from normal-appearing skin, but also from any lesional skin, because lesions may reflect micro IVLBCL lesions. To ensure accurate diagnosis, both dermatologists and hematologists should know the proper method of RSB. This review summarizes the appropriate biopsy method and sites for RSB.

Predictive factors and scoring system for intravascular large B-cell lymphoma among suspected cases: a single-center retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Although the utility of random skin biopsies in the diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) has been confirmed, the patients who should undergo random skin biopsies remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess predictive factors for IVLBCL and establish a scoring system for the applicability of random skin biopsies.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of IVLBCL-suspected patients who underwent random skin biopsies between April 2010 and March 2022. We compared the general symptoms, imaging findings, and laboratory findings between IVLBCL and non-IVLBCL cases.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were enrolled in this study. Eight patients were diagnosed with IVLBCL, and 35 patients were diagnosed with other diseases. The final diagnosis was unclear in 10 patients. There were no significant differences in the frequency of general symptoms and imaging findings between IVLBCL and non-IVLBCL cases. Among laboratory findings, IVLBCL cases showed significantly higher serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels and lower platelet counts than non-IVLBCL cases. We established a scoring system to predict IVLBCL by using these three parameters. The cut-off values were as follows: serum LDH level, 256 IU/l; serum sIL-2R level, 2011 U/ml; and platelet count, 107 × 109 /l. IVLBCL was not included in patients with scores of <2. The probabilities of IVLBCL in patients with scores 2 and 3 were 18% and 86%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our simple scoring system can help clinicians determine the applicability of random skin biopsies in IVLBCL-suspected cases.

Biological heterogeneity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is heterogeneous both in clinical outcomes and the underlying disease biology. Over the last 2 decades, several different approaches for dissecting biological heterogeneity have emerged. Gene expression profiling (GEP) stratifies DLBCL into 3 broad groups (ABC, GCB, and DZsig/MHG), each with parallels to different normal mature B cell developmental states and prognostic implications. More recently, several different genomic approaches have been developed to categorize DLBCL based on the co-occurrence of tumor somatic mutations, identifying more granular biologically unified subgroups that complement GEP-based approaches. We review the molecular approaches and clinical evidence supporting the stratification of DLBCL patients based on tumor biology. By offering a platform for subtype-guided therapy, these divisions remain a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes, especially in subgroups with inferior outcomes with current standard-of-care therapy.

Intravascular Lymphoma as a Cause of Recurrent Strokes - Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background

Intravascular lymphoma is an uncommon cause of ischemic strokes. Because of its rarity and atypical pattern, most diagnoses are made post-mortem.

Case study

We present a case of a 68-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented with recurrent strokes. Because of his stroke risk factors, he was initially managed with a sequentially escalating antithrombotic regimen. A malignant process was low on the differential at this point given his lack of systemic symptoms. When he continued to have new strokes despite these measures, including a spinal cord infarct, a broad workup was sent including for hypercoagulable states, vasculitis, and intravascular lymphoma. Eventually, a skin biopsy of a cherry angioma returned positive for lymphoma cells. He was treated with methotrexate followed by chemotherapy and rituximab. Unfortunately, he did not improve and was made comfort measures only by his family.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of considering intravascular lymphoma as a potential etiology of recurrent strokes, as early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing irreversible neurological damage.

Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma in Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, an extranodal large B-cell lymphoma, is a rare hematological malignancy with only a few reports of lung involvement. We report a case of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and interstitial lung disease diagnosed via random skin biopsies. A 54-year-old woman presented with fever, cough, and dyspnea. Computed tomography imaging revealed findings concerning interstitial lung disease. The patient's respiratory status worsened despite the treatment with antibiotics and steroids. Generalized edema and thrombocytopenia also developed. Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma was clinically suspected and ultimately diagnosed by skin biopsy, although she had no apparent skin lesions. The patient's condition considerably improved after chemotherapy. Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma should be considered in patients with acute respiratory failure and interstitial lung lesions.

Characteristics of Renal Intravascular Large B-cell Lymphoma

Introduction

Renal intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell lymphoma with neoplastic cells occupying the vascular lumina with only 53 patients reported to date. Here, we present the largest case series to characterize this rare disease.

Methods

We performed a multi-institutional, retrospective review of kidney biopsies and autopsies with a diagnosis of kidney IVLBCL and report our findings.

Results

We identified 20 patients with an average age of 65.7 ± 7.8 years (55% males) with IVLBCL on kidney biopsy. The most common clinical presentation was fever and anemia. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was noted in 70% to 90%, proteinuria in 70% to 84.1%, hematuria in 45%, and nephrotic-range proteinuria in 10% to 26.1% of cases. The median (interquartile range) of serum creatinine was 1.75 (1.14, 3.3) mg/dl. Neoplastic lymphoid cells were present in glomeruli, peritubular capillaries, and arteries or veins. Of the patients, 44.3% showed extrarenal infiltration into bone marrow, liver, spleen, central vervous system, lung and skin. Neoplastic cells express CD20, CD79a, PAX-5, and MUM1+, and were CD10-negative. Available follow-up data showed a median survival of 21 months after diagnosis. Extrarenal involvement is a significant and independent predictor of mortality with a hazard ratio of 4.975 (95% confidence interval:1.38, 17.88) after controlling for age and gender. Serum creatinine, age, sex, and infiltration of intrarenal arteries or veins did not affect survival.

Conclusion

Kidney IVLBCL is a rare disease that is unexpectedly diagnosed by kidney biopsy, presenting with fever, anemia, mild AKI, and proteinuria. Median survival is 21 months and extrarenal involvement is associated with worse outcome.

Fever of unknown origin characterized by acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome diagnosed as intravascular large B-cell lymphoma of kidney: case report and literature review

A 60-year-old Chinese female patient was admitted to the hospital with complaint of intermittent fever for more than seven months. The main clinical manifestations were acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome which developed into a hemophagocytic syndrome. The symptoms did not improve with antibiotics. Moreover, prednisone could only reduce the fever. Finally, a kidney biopsy showed many CD20-positive cells in the glomerulus and some in the peritubular capillaries. This led to a diagnosis of renal intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

Recommendations for an Approach to Random Skin Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Intravascular B-Cell Lymphoma

Intravascular B-Cell Lymphoma (IVBCL) is a rare type of extranodal large B-cell lymphoma where clonal B-cells selectively home to and replicate in the lumen of small vessels. Random skin biopsy (RSB) of uninvolved skin is a reputable tool to diagnose this protean entity and thus dermatologists are involved in its diagnosis. A literature review was completed to derive an approach to RSB in these patients to maximize diagnostic yield of IVBCL and minimize morbidity. Based on this review, data from 27 patients where clinical signs and symptoms and results of investigations were able to be linked to a positive diagnosis of IVBCL from RSB from 11 papers from 2003 to 2021 were analyzed. Following this analysis, RSB should be considered when there are no clinical skin findings and there is an elevated lactate dehydrogenase in the absence of lymphadenopathy and presence of fever of unknown origin, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and ferritinemia. Three to four RSBs from the thigh, abdomen and/or posterior upper arm should be performed via either incisional or telescoping punch biopsies and should include senile/cherry angioma(s) if present. If RSB results in a diagnosis of IVBCL, hematology should be consulted for further management. Consideration of a false negative biopsy or alternative diagnoses should be explored if RSB is negative for IVBCL. Following a standard approach for RSB in these patients will increase diagnostic yield of IVBCL while decreasing the risk of harm to the patient.

Intravascular Large B Cell Lymphoma with CNS Involvement Successfully Treated with High-Dose Methotrexate and High-Dose Ara-C Based CNS-Directed Chemoimmunotherapy Alternating with Anthracycline Based Chemoimmunotherapy

Intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma confined to small blood vessels with a predilection for CNS involvement. The prognosis of IVL with CNS involvement (CNS-IVL) is extremely poor. The optimal treatment for CNS-IVL is not well defined. Thus, we report three patients with CNS-IVL successfully treated with a CNS-centric approach consisting of high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) and high-dose Ara-C (HiDAC) based CNS-directed chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) alternating with anthracycline-based CIT. Our rationale for intensifying the CNS-directed therapy is the presence of intracerebral bleeding in two of our patients which would result in extravasation of lymphoma cells into the cerebral parenchyma with the development of CNS lymphoma. All three patients have achieved excellent therapeutic outcomes. Two patients with intracerebral bleeding have been in complete remission (CR) for about 11 years and 4 years. One patient was successfully induced into CR about 10 months ago and currently is in CR. This unique therapeutic approach should be further explored for CNS-IVL.