CD79B mutations in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: Diagnostic and prognostic potential

High Prevalence of MYD88 and CD79B Mutations in Primary Sinonasal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Identification of an MCD-like Subtype

Primary sinonasal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PSDLBCL) is a rare aggressive lymphoma. Recently, genetic classification using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) demonstrated that PSDLBCL largely consists of the MCD genotype, which has a poor prognosis mainly driven by MYD88 L265P and CD79B gene abnormalities. This study investigated the prevalence and clinicopathological significance of MYD88 L265P and CD79B Y196 mutations using droplet digital PCR in 55 patients with PSDLBCL, as well as the translocation of BCL2/BCL6/c-Myc with FISH. We found mutations in MYD88 L265P (29/55, 52.7%) and CD79B Y196 (20/55, 36.4%). The MCD-like subtype, defined by the mutation of MYD88 and/or CD79B, was found in 32 out of 55 cases (58.2%). This subtype largely consists of non-GCB type (31/32, 96.9%; P<0.01) and double-expressor cases (20/32, 62.5%; P=0.01) compared with the MYD88/CD79B co-wild type, with BCL6 translocation in a small subset (2/32, 6.3%) and no translocations of BCL2 (0/32) or c-Myc (0/32). The MCD-like subtype tended to relapse in specific sites such as the central nervous system, testis, and/or skin compared with the co-wild type (P=0.03), showing poorer outcomes in overall survival (P=0.02) and progression-free survival (P=0.01). In conclusion, our study highlights a high prevalence of MYD88 and CD79B mutations in PSDLBCL, identifying an aggressive MCD-like subtype with a distinct relapse pattern. This molecular subclassification can be helpful for both prognostic prediction and therapeutic strategy in patients with PSDLBCL.

INTEREST OF REGULAR ASSAYS OF AQUEOUS HUMOR INTERLEUKIN-10 LEVELS IN MONITORING OF VITREORETINAL LYMPHOMA

PURPOSE

To investigate the variation of interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) throughout therapy and follow-up and analyze the relation of these variations with VRL clinical course and relapse.

METHODS

This study retrospectively included consecutive patients diagnosed with VRL in a single center. AH IL-10 samples and patient clinical course were evaluated. The response to treatment was evaluated according to the criteria set by the International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group.

RESULTS

A total of 59 eyes of 34 patients were included. Interleukin-10 levels decreased significantly at first AH sample after therapy induction (median [IQR] 3.0 [2.8-3.6] months) among patients in complete clinical remission (P < 0.001). Among patients in complete clinical remission with residual detectable IL-10 in AH after therapy induction (85.3% systemic chemotherapy, 11.8% intravitreal methotrexate, 2.9% palliative care), 87.5% experienced ocular relapse within 5 years. The detection of IL-10 in AH at the first visit after induction for complete clinical remission obtained a sensitivity of 77.8% (95% CI 0.45-0.96) and a specificity of 96.4% (95% CI 0.82-0.99) to predict ocular relapse. For relapsing eyes (N = 26), IL-10 significantly increased between the last IL-10 measurement and the time of the first ocular relapse (P < 0.001). In 76.0% of cases, an increase in IL-10 was detected earlier than clinical relapse with a mean (SD) of 4.0 (2.4) months.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested the usefulness of IL-10 in the prognosis of VRL. This study showed a relation between IL-10 in AH and tumoral activity, and for the first time with disease relapse.

Comparison of various treatment modalities in patients with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated different treatment modalities' effect on the risk of central nervous system lymphoma progression, ocular disease relapse, systemic lymphoma development and overall survival in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma patients.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library of clinical trials were searched from inception to April 21, 2024. Cohort, cross-sectional and case series studies were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the NIH quality assessment tools. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Chi square test and I2 statistic. Outcomes were pooled as odds ratios (OR) using fixed-effects models. Risk of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot.

RESULTS

Included were 28 studies with 476 participants. Ocular treatments included intravitreal methotrexate and/or rituximab injections and ocular radiotherapy. Systemic treatments included intravenous and/or intrathecal chemotherapy, whole-brain radiotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Ocular treatment alone, as compared to systemic or combined treatment, resulted in significantly lower risk of central nervous system lymphoma development (OR = 0.54, p = 0.02) and in no significant difference in the risk for progression to systemic disease (OR = 0.38, p = 0.30) or in overall survival. Significantly lower risk of ocular relapse was found in patients receiving ocular or combined therapy as compared to systemic therapy alone (OR = 0.26, p = 0.001). A subgroup analysis, comparing ocular treatment alone and combined treatment, found no significant difference regarding the risk of central nervous system or systemic lymphoma progression, ocular disease relapse and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

No benefit was observed for the addition of systemic therapy to ocular treatment in patients with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma.

Vitreoretinal large B- cell lymphoma (VR- LBCL): Clinical and pathological features and treatment outcomes

CONTEXT

Vitreoretinal large B- cell lymphoma (VR- LBCL) is a type of non- Hodgkin lymphoma confined to the eye and central nervous system (CNS). The clinical manifestations of intraocular lymphoma can precede, occur simultaneously with, or follow disease at CNS sites. It differs from other forms of extra-nodal lymphoma; in that it does not involve systemic sites other than CNS.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the clinical and pathological features, and treatment outcomes of a cohort of patients diagnosed with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) in Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Ireland between 2010 and 2024.

METHOD

Retrospective review of medical records and pathology specimens of patients with ocular involvement in VR- LBCL over 14-year period and a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included. All of them underwent pars plana vitrectomy and were confirmed to have VR- LBCL. The median age at diagnosis was 71 years. Three were men and five were women. Six had bilateral disease and two unilateral. Four of four patients had MYD88 L265P mutation present. Four patients showed a high interleukin-10 (IL-10) to interleukins-6 (IL-6) ratio in keeping with the diagnosis of VRL. Three patients had primary CNS lymphoma with subsequent eye involvement, despite systemic chemotherapy treatment. Of the five patients who presented with ocular lymphoma, two patients had CNS involvement after primary vitreoretinal lymphoma was diagnosed. Of those, one was initially treated with local intravitreal chemotherapy. Three patients had no CNS recurrence. At the time of this study, seven patients of eight are alive, four are disease free and two are on a first- line local chemotherapy treatment. One underwent treatment for CNS relapse. One patient died of the disease before commencing targeted therapy.

CONCLUSION

This case series demonstrated excellent treatment outcomes for seven patients, alive at the time of the study. Both local radiotherapy and intravitreal chemotherapy achieved good ocular control with acceptable side effects and no significant difference in visual outcome. VRL is a difficult diagnosis and vitreous cytology should be prioritised in cases of vitritis unresponsive to treatment. Analysis of MYD88 L265P mutation and IL- 10: IL- 6 ratio >1 are useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of VR- LBCL, particularly in cases where limited vitreous material makes cytological evaluation challenging.

Development of Diagnostic Recommendations for Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To develop diagnostic recommendations for diffuse large B-cell vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Retrospective observational case series. Seventy-three eyes of 40 VRL patients and 8 control patients were analyzed. Eighteen patients from Beijing Tongren Hospital and 46 patients from literature were involved as validations.

RESULTS

Diagnostic methods included (1) typical clinical manifestations; (2) vitreous cytology; (3) immunohistochemical examination of vitreous or choroid/retina; (4) aqueous humor or vitreous cytokine; (5) vitreous cell gene rearrangement; (6) vitreous flow cytometry. If patients meet (1)+(2)+(3), or if they meet (1), and two of (4), (5), (6) are positive, they can be diagnosed as VRL. The sensitivity and specificity values for accurate diagnosis were 0.975 and 1.00. One hundred percent eyes from Beijing Tongren Hospital and 92.7% eyes from literature can be diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

We developed diagnostic recommendations for diffuse large B-cell VRL through vitreous cytology combined with multiple auxiliary examinations.

Diagnostic potential of vitreoretinal lymphoma by detection of gene mutations with NGS in 25 Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare malignant lymphoproliferative tumor. Our study aimed to investigate the mutational profile of VRL distinguishing from uveitis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis on small amounts of vitreous fluid.

METHODS

Vitreous samples from twenty-six eyes of twenty VRL patients and six eyes of five uveitis patients were enrolled. All vitreous samples underwent cytology, immunocytochemistry for B-cell markers, cytokines analysis of IL-10 and IL-6, and flow cytometry. NGS was performed in vitreous specimens from the 25 patients using 82 DLBCL-targeted mutation panels. Vitreous fluids from 8 cases were performed paired NGS-based mutation analysis on both cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and genomic DNA.

RESULTS

The sensitivity and accuracy rates for vitreous cytology were 70 % and 76 %, and for cytokine analysis (IL-10/IL-6 > 1) were 65 % and 72 %, respectively. Overall, the common mutations in VRL were PIM1 (88.5 %), IGLL5 (88.5 %), KMT2C (73 %), MYD88 (77 %), CD79B (50 %) and TBL1XR1 (46.2 %). In addition, the genetic mutation in cfDNA was consistent with that in genomic DNA in eight VRL cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The mutation analysis of 82 DLBCL-targeted spectrum mutation panels by NGS on the vitreous samples is a sensitive and specific tool for distinguishing VRL from uveitis. Utilizing cfDNA for NGS analysis may serve as a liquid biopsy to aid in the diagnosis of VRL, particularly when using small-volume aspirate.

A comprehensive overview of diagnosis, imaging and treatment of vitreoretinal lymphoma

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare B-cell intraocular neoplasia characterized by poor long-term prognosis and lack of effective therapies. It mainly involves the vitreous humor, the retina, and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), although anterior segment involvement can occur. VRL is classified as a lymphoma of immune privileged sites, along with testis lymphoma and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). VRL and PCNSL are strictly connected indeed: 80% of VRL develop PCNSL, while 20% of patients with PCNSL present VRL during natural history of lymphoma. Due to the lack of worldwide consensus about diagnosis, therapy, and follow-up timing, VRL represents one of the most challenging ocular affections.VRL commonly masquerades as a posterior uveitis, and misdiagnosis often occurs because of partial response to topical steroids. Gold standard for diagnosis is cytological analysis of vitreous humor. However, this technique lacks sensitivity and supplemental molecular analyses can improve the diagnostic process. Multimodal imaging allows ophthalmologists to empower their clinical suspicion and a comprehensive examination can highlight typical features of VRL and justify further invasive procedures.There is no consensus about VRL therapy, and none of the therapeutical scheme has demonstrated to prevent cerebral involvement and improve patient's overall survival. Intravitreal injections of chemotherapeutics drugs, ocular radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy can be considered in the treatment of VRL. Once cerebral involvement occurs, systemic chemotherapy must be included in the treatment as a life-saving therapy. Further multicentric studies are required to find out the best treatment of patients with VRL.

Diagnostic methods for primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: A systematic review

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma is a potentially aggressive intraocular malignancy with poor systemic prognosis and sometimes significant diagnostic delays as it may masquerade as chronic uveitis. Despite the variety of diagnostic techniques, it is unclear which modality is most accurate in the diagnosis of PVRL. A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for studies published between January, 2000, and June, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the following diagnostic tools used to diagnose patients with PVRL were included: cytology, flow cytometry, MYD88 L265P mutation, CD79B mutation, interleukin 10/interleukin-6 (IL-10/IL-6) ratio, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and immunoglobulin kappa light chain (IgK) rearrangements, and imaging findings. The aggregated sensitivity of each diagnostic modality was reported and compared using the chi-squared (χ2) test. A total of 662 eyes from 29 retrospective studies reporting on patients diagnosed with PVRL were included. An IL-10/IL-6 ratio greater than 1 had the highest sensitivity (89.39%, n = 278/311 eyes, n = 16 studies) for PVRL, where the sensitivity was not significantly different when only vitreous samples were drawn (88.89%, n = 232/261 eyes, n = 13 studies) compared to aqueous samples (83.33%, n = 20/24, n = 2) (p = 0.42). Flow cytometry of vitreous samples gave a positive result in 66/75 eyes (88.00%, n = 6 studies) with PVRL, and monoclonal IgH rearrangements on PCR gave a positive result in 354/416 eyes (85.10%, n = 20 studies) with PVRL. MYD88 L265P and CD79B mutation analysis performed poorly, yielding a positive result in 63/90 eyes (70.00%, n = 8 studies) with PVRL, and 20/57 eyes (35.09%, n = 4 studies) with PVRL, respectively. Overall, our systematic review found that an IL-10/IL-6 ratio greater or equal to one may provide the highest sensitivity in identifying patients with PVRL. Future studies are needed to employ multiple diagnostic tools to aid in the detection of PVRL and to further establish nuanced guidelines when determining the optimal diagnostic tool to use in diverse patient populations.

Sinonasal DLBCL: molecular profiling identifies subtypes with distinctive prognosis and targetable genetic features

ABSTRACT

Primary sinonasal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PSDLBCL) is a rare lymphoma with a variable prognosis and a unique relapse/dissemination pattern involving the central nervous system and skin. The underlying molecular mechanisms leading to this heterogeneity and progression pattern remain uncharted, hampering patient-tailored treatment. To investigate associated mechanisms, we analyzed clinical data and used immunohistochemistry, gene-expression profiling, cytogenetics, and next-generation sequencing in a cohort of 117 patients with PSDLBCL. The distribution in cell-of-origin (COO) was 68 (58%) activated B-cell (ABC), 44 (38%) germinal center B-cell (GCB), and 5 (4%) unclassifiable. COO was significantly associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and lymphoma-specific mortality (LSM) in both the overall cohort (5-year PFS: ABC, 43% vs GCB, 73%; LSM: ABC, 45% vs GCB, 14%) and in the subgroup of patients receiving immunochemotherapy (5-year PFS: ABC, 55% vs GCB, 85%; LSM: ABC, 28% vs GCB, 0%). ABC lymphomas were mainly MCD class, showing a high prevalence of MYD88 (74%) and CD79B (35%) mutations compared with GCB lymphomas (MYD88 23%; CD79B 10%) (P < .01). The ABC subtype frequently displayed cMYC/BCL2 coexpression (76% vs 18% GCB; P < .001) and HLA-II loss (48% vs 10% GCB; P < .001). PD-L1 expression and copy-number alterations were rare. All lymphomas were Epstein-Barr virus-negative. Our data suggest molecular profiling as a potent tool for detecting prognostic subgroups in PSDLBCL, exposing links to known relapse/dissemination sites. The ABC subgroup's MCD genetic features, shared with lymphomas at other nonprofessional lymphoid sites, make them potential candidates for targeted B-cell and toll-like receptor signaling therapy.

Clinical factors for central nervous system progression and survival in primary vitreoretinal lymphoma

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is a rare subtype of malignant lymphoma with a poor prognosis because of high frequency of central nervous system (CNS) progression. Identification of factors associated with CNS progression is essential to improve the prognosis of patients with PVRL. We conducted a retrospective study of 54 patients diagnosed with PVRL and treated at our hospital to identify factors associated with CNS progression and prognosis. All patients were treated with intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections in the affected eyes until lesion resolution. Twenty-four patients were treated with systemic administration of high-dose MTX (systemic HD-MTX) every other week for a total of five cycles following intravitreal MTX injection. Of 24 patients, 20 completed five cycles of systemic HD-MTX. The 5-year cumulative incidence of CNS progression and overall survival (OS) rate were 78.0% and 69.0% respectively. By univariate and multivariate analyses, bilateral disease and the detection of B-cell clonality confirmed by flow cytometric analysis were risk factors associated with CNS progression. Moreover, systemic HD-MTX completion reduced the risk of CNS progression and was identified as a factor affecting OS. In this study, factors for CNS progression identified may potentially contribute to the optimized therapeutic stratification to improve the survival of patients with PVRL.

Recent advances in liquid biopsy of central nervous system lymphomas: case presentations and review of the literature

Surgical biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas. However, reliable liquid biopsy methods for diagnosing CNS lymphomas have quickly developed and have been implicated in clinical decision-making. In the current report, we introduce two patients for whom liquid biopsy was essential for diagnosing CNS lymphomas and discuss the rapidly growing applications of this technology.

Diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma masquerading infectious retinitis by retinal biopsy

PURPOSE

To report a case of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma masquerading as infectious retinitis that was diagnosed via a retinal biopsy.

OBSERVATIONS

A 72-year-old female patient was referred to our ophthalmology clinic for evaluation of retinitis and vasculitis in the right eye (OD). On examination, best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were hand motions OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). Fundus examination revealed optic disc edema and diffuse retinal whitening superior to the superotemporal arcade OD. Given the high suspicion of infectious retinitis, the patient was treated with intravitreal foscarnet, systemic acyclovir, and oral prednisone and underwent a comprehensive uveitis workup, which was unremarkable for viral and autoimmune entities. Given the patient's history of diffuse large B cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement, vitreoretinal lymphoma was suspected, prompting pars plana vitrectomy with a retinal biopsy. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry results were consistent with B-cell lymphoma, and the patient was treated with high-dose methotrexate and rituximab. At 5-month follow-up, BCVAs were hand motions OD and 20/30 OS, and fundus examination demonstrated disc edema with resolution of retinal whitening OD. She responded well to the treatment with regression of vitreoretinal lymphoma on examination and is being monitored closely for lymphoma recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Although uncommon, patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma may masquerade as infectious retinitis, and vitreoretinal lymphoma should be suspected when refractory to antiviral therapy and in the setting of a negative workup for viral etiologies. Vitrectomy with retinal biopsy may be considered to aid the diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma although careful consideration of the risks and benefits is warranted.

[Isolated primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (case report)]

This case report presents the diagnostic features of isolated primary intraocular lymphoma, which was initially misdiagnosed as neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A comprehensive examination using ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and fundus autofluorescence revealed changes characteristic of vitreoretinal lymphoma. Molecular genetic analysis of the vitreous body showed the presence of a MYD88 gene mutation and B-cell clonality by immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangement tests, which confirmed the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and management of vitreoretinal lymphoma: present and future treatment perspectives

Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is a rare malignant intraocular lymphocytic tumor that mimics uveitis. IOL is anatomically classified into vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) and uveal lymphoma; most IOLs are VRLs, while uveal lymphoma is rare. VRL is highly malignant, with 60%-85% of patients developing central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma; primary VRL (PVRL) is an ocular disease with poor prognosis. We aimed to review the management and both current and future treatments for VRL. VRL diagnosis is based on the results of cytopathological examination using vitreous biopsy. However, the positive ratio of vitreous cytology remains 29%-70%. A combination of adjunctive tests may improve diagnostic accuracy, but as yet no gold-standard regimen has been established. Methotrexate intravitreal injections are effective in controlling ocular lesions; however, this treatment allows CNS dissemination. The efficacy of systemic chemotherapy in suppressing CNS dissemination has been recently debated. A multicenter prospective study with a unified treatment protocol is required to clarify this issue. In addition, establishing a treatment protocol for elderly patients and those with poor general health is necessary. Moreover, relapsed/refractory VRL and secondary VRL are more difficult to treat than PVRL because they are prone to recurrence. Ibrutinib, lenalidomide with or without rituximab, and temozolomide are promising treatments for relapsed/refractory VRL. In Japan, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have been approved for treating refractory CNS lymphoma. Furthermore, a randomized prospective study of tirabrutinib, a highly selective BTK inhibitor, is ongoing for evaluating the suppressing of CNS progression in patients with PVRL.

Aqueous Humor-Derived MYD88 L265P Mutation Analysis in Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: A Potential Less Invasive Method for Diagnosis and Treatment Response Assessment

PURPOSE

To investigate whether MYD88 L265P mutation, which is frequently present in vitreoretinal lymphoma, can be detected in aqueous humor, a specimen that can be obtained in a clinic setting, potentially mitigating the need for more invasive vitrectomy procedures, and whether this approach can be used to monitor treatment response.

DESIGN

Observational case series.

SUBJECTS

Patients who were diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed or clinically diagnosed vitreoretinal lymphoma or biopsy-confirmed vitritis.

METHODS

We evaluated aqueous humor-derived (AHD) MYD88 L265P mutation during vitreous biopsy or at the initial presentation in the clinic if vitreous biopsy was not feasible. Demographic or clinical features of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Aqueous humor-derived MYD88 L265P mutation was re-evaluated after patients completed a course of intravitreal methotrexate and rituximab injection therapy. The NM_002468.4: c.794T>C (p.L265P) mutation in the MYD88 gene was evaluated in AHD cellular and cell-free DNA using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Detection of AHD MYD88 L265P mutation at the initial diagnosis and to monitor the treatment response.

RESULTS

Aqueous humor from 18 eyes of 14 patients with biopsy-confirmed or clinically diagnosed vitreoretinal lymphoma and 3 eyes of 3 patients with biopsy-confirmed vitritis were evaluated. Aqueous humor-derived MYD88 L265P mutation was detected in cell-based and cell-free DNA from 15 (83%) of 18 eyes with biopsy-confirmed or clinically diagnosed vitreoretinal lymphoma but not identified in any of the 3 eyes with vitritis. The mutation was less readily detectable in cellular DNA (10 of 18) compared with cell-free DNA (15 of 18). Furthermore, aqueous sampling after intravitreal methotrexate and rituximab injection therapy revealed absence of this mutation after complete response in 7 eyes. The mutation was detected in 1 eye that developed recurrence in a posttreatment window of 6 months. After a mean of follow-up of 9 months, there was no clinical evidence of vitreoretinal lymphoma recurrence in the 7 eyes with no detectable AHD MYD88 L265P mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigational study suggests that AHD MYD88 L265P can be detected in eyes with lymphoma and may thus serve as a surrogate, less invasive biopsy in the diagnosis and follow-up of vitreoretinal lymphoma, particularly when cell-free DNA is evaluated.

Cell-Free DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid Complements the Monitoring Value of Interleukin-10 in Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Objectives

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) usually has a poor prognosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interleukin (IL)-10 has shown diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring value in our previous studies. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA can be detected in the CSF of refractory/relapse cases and has also shown monitoring value. However, information about its monitoring value in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients and comparisons of CSF IL-10 and CSF cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are scarce.

Methods

We performed next-generation sequencing on paraffin-embedded tissue and the serial CSF cfDNA of 10 newly diagnosed PCNSL patients and on the baseline CSF cfDNA of 11 other central nervous system lymphoma patients. We also monitored the CSF IL-10 levels of the 10 newly diagnosed PCNSL patients.

Results

In seven newly diagnosed PCNSL patients with sufficient baseline CSF cfDNA, six had ≥1 mutated genes in their CSF cfDNA. The most common were MYD88(4/7), PIM1(3/7), MLL2(3/7), and ETV6(2/7). We also identified multiple somatic mutations, most commonly in PIM1. MYD88L265P can be detected in both tumor tissue and CSF cfDNA. The genomic profiles of CFS cfDNA were similar in PCNSL and PIOL patients. Newly diagnosed PCNSL patients with persistently positive cfDNA and negative IL-10 progressed quickly, while those with negative cfDNA and negative IL-10 were in maintenance therapy for more than 18 months. Two patients without cfDNA had increased CSF IL-10 concentrations before disease relapse. These results indicate that negative CSF cfDNA predicts better results, and persistently positive CSF cfDNA predicts disease progression earlier than conventional magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CSF cfDNA is a potential predictor of relapse and progression, which complements the monitoring value of CSF IL-10 in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients.

Targeting Bruton’s tyrosine kinase in vitreoretinal lymphoma: an open-label, prospective, single-center, phase 2 study

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is strongly linked to central nervous system (CNS) progression with no standard treatment approaches. Commonly used strategies include repeated intraocular injections of low-dose methotrexate or local radiotherapy, with great inconvenience, long-term side effects, and high risk of CNS relapse. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) in the treatment of VRL. This prospective single-center study enrolled patients with relapsed or newly diagnosed VRL between October 2020 and April 2022. Patients received BTKi monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the disease control (DC) rate after one month of treatment; secondary endpoints include toxicity, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Ten consecutive patients with VRL were enrolled into this study. After 1-month treatment, 9 patients (90%) achieved a DC, with 7 patients (70%) achieving a complete response (CR). With a median follow-up of 8.3 (2.5–21.4) months, 4 patients were confirmed to have disease progression, with a PFS of 1.2, 7.5, 9.1, and 11.6 months, respectively. The remaining 6 patients have durable control of disease and were still on treatment at time of the analysis. BTKi were well-tolerated and no patients discontinued the drug because of adverse events. In conclusion, targeting BTK in VRL is viable, and our findings could pave the way for a paradigm change in VRL therapy choices. Further large-scale studies, however, are required to give stronger evidence about the efficacy and safety.

Survival and Recurrence in Vitreoretinal Lymphoma Simulating Uveitis at Presentation: The Possible Role of Combined Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of combined systemic and local chemotherapy in improving the survival of patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL).

METHODS

Patients with VRL consecutively seen from 2006 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed; data on the presence and time of central nervous system (CNS) involvement and treatment regimen (systemic, local or combined chemotherapy) were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated for each group.

RESULTS

Forty-three eyes of 22 subjects with histology-proven VRL were included. Mean time of survival was 64.8 months (SE±10.8). Twelve patients (57%) presented CNS involvement, which was significantly associated with progression (r = 0.48, P = .03) and death (r = 0.56, P = .009). The isolated primary VRL group had a 5-year OS of 80%. Combined systemic and local chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 82% (hazard ratio 0.18[0.04- 0.85]) in the entire cohort.

CONCLUSION

Combined systemic and local chemotherapy significantly improved OS but not PFS of patients affected by VRL.

Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Current Diagnostic Laboratory Tests and New Emerging Molecular Tools

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), a rare aggressive malignancy primarily involving the retina and/or the vitreous, is a major diagnostic challenge for clinicians (who commonly misdiagnose it as chronic uveitis) as well as for pathologists (for biological and technical reasons). Delays in diagnosis and treatment are responsible for visual impairments and life-threatening consequences, usually related to central nervous system involvement. The identification of lymphoma cells in vitreous fluid, obtained by vitrectomy, is required for diagnosis. Of note, the scarcity of neoplastic cells in small volumes of vitreous sample, and the fragility of lymphoma cells with degenerative changes caused by previous steroid use for presumed uveitis makes diagnosis based on cytology plus immunophenotyping difficult. Interleukin levels, immunoglobulin heavy chain or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements, and MYD88 mutation are applied in combination with cytology to support diagnosis. We aim to describe the current laboratory technologies for PVRL diagnosis, focusing on the main issues that these methods have. In addition, new emerging diagnostic strategies, such as next-generation sequencing analysis, are discussed. The genetic profile of PVRL remains largely unexplored. Better knowledge of genetic alterations is critical for precision medicine interventions with target-based treatments of this lymphoma for which no standardised treatment protocol currently exists.

Update in Molecular Testing for Intraocular Lymphoma

The diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and central nervous system lymphoma is challenging. In cases with intraocular involvement, vitreous biopsy plays a pivotal role. Several diagnostic tests are employed to confirm a diagnosis and include cytologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cytokine analysis. The limitations of these conventional diagnostic tests stem from the often paucicellular nature of vitreous biopsy specimens and the fragility of malignant cells ex vivo. Several emerging molecular techniques show promise in improving the diagnostic yield of intraocular biopsy, possibly enabling more accurate and timely diagnoses. This article will review existing diagnostic modalities for intraocular lymphoma, with an emphasis on currently available molecular tests.

A pilot study of the use of dynamic analysis of cell-free DNA from aqueous humor and vitreous fluid for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of vitreoretinal lymphomas

The diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL), a rare subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma, is challenging. We aimed to investigate the mutational landscape of VRL by sequencing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from aqueous humor (AH) and/or vitreous fluid (VF), as well as applying ctDNA sequencing to diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Baseline AH and/or VF specimens from 15 VRL patients underwent comprehensive genomic profiling using targeted next-generation sequencing. The molecular profiles of paired baseline AH and VF specimens were highly concordant, with comparable allele frequencies. However, the genetic alterations detected in cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA only partially overlapped with those from simultaneously collected AH/VF samples, with much lower allele frequencies. Serial post-treatment AH or VF samples were available for five patients and their changes in ctDNA allele frequency displayed a similar trend as the changes in interleukin-10 levels; an indicator of response to treatment. A cohort of 23 patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma was included as a comparison group for the genetic landscape and evaluations of the efficacy of ibrutinib. More MYD88 mutations, but fewer IRF4 mutations and CDKN2A/B copy number losses were observed in the baseline samples of primary central nervous system lymphoma than VRL patients. The objective response rate to ibrutinib treatment was much higher for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (64.7%, 11/17) than for those with VRL (14.3%, 1/7). In summary, we provide valuable clinical evidence that AH is a good source of tumor genomic information and can substitute VF. Moreover, molecular profiling of AH has clinical utility for the diagnosis of VRL and treatment monitoring.

Cell-Free DNA Sequencing of Intraocular Fluid as Liquid Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

Purpose

To seek novel diagnostic approaches, we improved the workflow of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing and evaluated its feasibility in vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) specimens; the profile of mutations was preliminarily analyzed for potential diagnostic value.

Methods

The study was a diagnostic trial. 23 eyes of 23 patients with VRL and 25 eyes of 25 patients with inflammatory eye diseases were enrolled. Approximate 500μl undiluted vitreous humor and 10ml diluted vitreous fluid was obtained through diagnostic vitrectomy and sent for cytopathological examinations. 500μl of the diluted vitreous fluid was spared for cfDNA sequencing. For cfDNA sequencing, DNA fragmentation procedure was added to the workflow to improve the extraction efficiency; mutations detected were analyzed for potential diagnostic model. The sensitivity and specificity of the cytopathology and cfDNA sequencing were compared. The clinical manifestations were preliminarily analyzed for potential correlations with the genotypes.

Results

CfDNA sequencing was accomplished in 23 eyes with VRL and 20 eyes with inflammatory eye diseases. VRL-related mutated genes included MYD88 (18 eyes, 78%), ETV6 (11 eyes, 48%), PIM1 (11 eyes,48%), BTG2 (7 eyes, 30%), IRF4 (7 eyes, 30%), CD79B (6 eyes, 26%), LRP1B (6 eyes, 26%), etc. Logistic regression based on the mutations of MYD88 and ETV6 was of the potential for the diagnosis of VRL (P<0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.789, sensitivity 0.913, specificity 0.950); by comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of the vitreous cytopathology were 0.826 and 1.000, respectively. Further analysis of the mutation profile showed that patients carrying CD79B mutation tended to have higher intraocular interleukin-10 level (P=0.030), that CARD11 mutation was correlated with younger age at ocular onset (P=0.039), and that patients with intracranial involvement carried more multiple-site mutations in the BTG2 gene (P=0.013).

Conclusions

The improved workflow of CfDNA sequencing is of sound feasibility in a limited amount of vitreous humor. The logistic model based on the mutations could help to provide reliable clues for the diagnosis of VRL.

[Lymphoma of the eye and its adnexa : Modern pathological diagnostics and systemic treatment]

BACKGROUND

Malignant lymphomas of the eye and its adnexal structures account for approximately 5-15% of extranodal lymphomas. According to anatomic and biological criteria, two large groups of lymphomas in and around the eye need to be distinguished: (1) primary lymphomas of intraocular structures and (2) primary lymphomas of ocular adnexa. Furthermore, there is a large spectrum of secondary manifestations of malignant lymphomas in ocular and periocular structures.

OBJECTIVE

This article gives a summary of the classification and molecular pathology of various intraocular and periocular lymphomas as well as oncological systemic treatment with a focus on primary vitreoretinal lymphomas.

METHODS

A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed on the topic of intraocular and periocular lymphomas and own experiences are presented.

RESULTS

The treatment of primary vitreoretinal lymphomas (PVRL) is an interdisciplinary challenge and despite the apparently localized disease, systemic treatment concepts are necessary to reduce the high risk of secondary involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, it is crucial that the substances used can penetrate the CNS, and protocols should be chosen in accordance with the treatment concepts for primary CNS lymphomas. The knowledge on the genetics and biology of ocular lymphomas generated by modern high throughput methods enable not only improved diagnostics using molecular methods but also provide rationales for targeted therapeutic approaches.

CONCLUSION

A deep understanding of the biological and molecular principles of intraocular and periocular lymphomas forms a basic prerequisite for precise diagnostics and the use of targeted systemic treatment.

Central Nervous System Progression in Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma with Bilateral and Unilateral Involvement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is either unilateral or bilateral at initial presentation. Progression to a central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is regularly observed and these patients seem to have an inferior survival. Knowledge of the predictive value of laterality for CNS progression may facilitate risk stratification and the development of more effective treatment strategies, and eventually, improve outcomes. The objective of this analysis is to estimate the risk of CNS progression for patients with bilateral versus unilateral involvement of PVRL.

METHODS

Systematic literature search for studies on CNS progression in PVRL with bilateral and unilateral involvement according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We assessed the risk of bias and the methodological quality of studies using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Risk ratios of CNS progression in PVRL with bilateral and unilateral involvement were calculated and combined via a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-five small-sized (total n = 371 cases) studies were included. The majority of the studies were at medium to high risk of bias. Results suggest no significant difference in CNS progression between bilateral and unilateral PVRL, with a pooled relative risk ratio of 1.12 (95% confidence interval 0.89-1.41).

CONCLUSIONS

CNS progression is common in PVRL. From the limited available evidence, there is no significant difference in CNS progression between bilateral and unilateral PVRL.

Optical Coherence Tomography Benefits the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma with Intraocular Involvement

Purpose

To describe the characteristic manifestations of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and monitor their outcomes after treatmEnt.

Patients and Methods

Patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and intraocular involvement were assigned to the VRL group. OCT manifestations were analyzed and changes in abnormalities were recorded after intravitreal methotrexate injections. OCT manifestations of PCNSL patients without intraocular involvement were analyzed as well (non-VRL group).

Results

There were 48 eyes with high-quality OCT records in the VRL group, of which 19 had abnormal manifestations. The most frequent abnormality was outer retina (OR) fuzzy borders (14 of 19, 73.7%). Other abnormalities included: focal subretinal deposits (8 of 19, 42.1%), hyperreflective subretinal dots (2 of 19, 10.5%), pigment epithelium detachment (PED) (5 of 19, 26.3%), preretinal deposits (5 of 19, 26.3%), epiretinal membrane (3 of 19, 15.8%), cystoid macular edema (3 of 19, 15.8%), subretinal fluid (3 of 19, 15.8%), outer retina atrophy (2 of 19, 10.5%), unilateral optic papilledema (2 of 19, 10.5%), retinal thickening (1 of 19, 5.3%), and subretinal fibrosis (1 of 19, 5.3%). Nine eyes with retinal abnormalities were receiving regular intravitreal methotrexate. The retinal structure of seven eyes (only outer retina involved) returned to almost normal on OCT images. The remaining two eyes (with severe retinal vasculitis) showed little improvement after treatment.

Conclusion

OCT is helpful for the diagnosis of PCNSL with intraocular involvement and long-term follow-up of the disease.

Summary Statement

The characteristic manifestations of vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) were described and their outcomes after treatment were monitored. These findings suggested that OCT is helpful for the diagnosis of PCNSL with intraocular involvement and long-term follow-up of the disease.

Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Management and Prognosis of Primary Intraocular Lymphoma

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical features, diagnostic techniques, various treatment strategies and prognosis of primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL).

Methods

The databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid were searched from inception to March 2021 to identify relevant studies. Statistical analyses were performed with R version 3.3.1.

Results

87 studies involving 1484 patients (aged from 14 to 90 years old) were finally included. The pooling results indicated PIOL patients were female, elderly, binocular and B cell type dominated. About 19% have central nervous system (CNS) involvement at the first visit. During follow-up, the incidence of CNS involvement, death rate, 2-year and 5-year survival rate, 1-year and 2-year progression-free survival, and recurrence rate were 58%, 33%, 82%, 70%, 88%, 70%, 44%, respectively. The most common recurrent site was CNS. The delayed diagnosis rate was 85%, the misdiagnosed rate was 64%. The diagnostic technique with the highest positive rate was IL10:IL6&gt;1 of aqueous (98%). The most common symptoms, signs, FFA and OCT features were blurring of vision (72%), vitreous inflammatory opacity (92%), FA/FAF reversal (91%) and hyper-reflective foci in posterior vitreous (53%), respectively. The prognosis of PIOL patients without CNS involvement was obviously better than those with CNS involvement. Overall, intravitreal injection of chemotherapy drug plus systemic chemotherapy (IV+CT) could achieve satisfactory prognosis, the combination of local radiotherapy (RT) could further decrease the recurrent and death rate.

Conclusion

PIOL patients with CNS involvement had significantly worse prognosis. The aqueous humor examination should be regarded as first-line and routine diagnostic technique. IV+CT could achieve satisfactory prognosis, the combination of RT was also beneficial.

Diagnosing Vitreoretinal Lymphomas-An Analysis of the Sensitivity of Existing Tools

Simple Summary

Diagnostics of vitreoretinal lymphoma is very challenging, as the possibility of receiving false negative results is common. We retrospectively analyzed the sensitivity of the most commonly used diagnostic methods including ancillary immunohistochemistry, Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (MyD88) L256P mutation analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for monoclonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and T-cell Receptor (TCR) genes, flow cytometry, and IL10 and IL6 analysis, to diagnose vitreoretinal lymphomas from published data in the literature. MyD88 mutation analysis caused by a hotspot mutation in MyD88 was the most sensitive and had the lowest coefficient of variation.

Abstract

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare ocular pathology that is notorious for mimicking chronic uveitis, which is a seemingly benign condition in comparison. The most common form of VRL is the diffuse large B-cell type, and there has been a high mortality rate. This dismal prognosis can be improved significantly if the disease is diagnosed early, but until now there is no consensus on an appropriate diagnostic algorithm. We conducted a retrospective search of PubMed Central^® and analyzed results from thirty-three studies that were published between 2011–2021. The chosen studies incorporated some popular testing tools for VRL, and our analyses focused on comparing the average sensitivity of five diagnostic methods. The methods included cytology including ancillary immunohistochemistry, Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 (MyD88) mutation analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for monoclonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and T-cell Receptor (TCR) genes, flow cytometry, and IL10 and IL6 analysis. Across the varied diagnostic methods employed in thirty-three studies explored in this analysis, MyD88 mutation assay emerged as a strong contender given its sensitivity and low coefficient of variation. There is an imminent need for the introduction of newer assays that can further improve the sensitivity of identifying MyD88 mutation in cancer cells seen in the vitreous.

Relationship between vitreoretinal lymphoma and the site of lymphoma development in the central nervous system

PURPOSE

To investigate diffuse large B-cell lymphoma lesions with central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) during long-term clinical courses.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective, and observational research.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients participated in this study, 45 were newly diagnosed VRL patients with CNS involvement initially or during follow-up of at least 12 months. We identified the CNS lesions in the patients that had VRL and investigated whether the onset sites of the CNS lesions were associated with the VRL lesions or optic pathways.

RESULTS

There were 42 patients with bilateral ocular lesions; 29 had unilateral lesions; 26 had incidental CNS lymphomas. Twenty patients developed recurrent CNS lymphoma 1-73 months after VRL diagnosis; 25 patients had no CNS lesions during the follow-up period. Most CNS lesions were in forebrain-originating tissues (95 lesions/total 124 CNS lesions total), followed by hindbrain-originating tissues, especially the cerebellum. Sixty-seven lesions were found in the non-optic pathway or non-visual cortex.

CONCLUSION

Over 60% of the VRL patients had CNS lesions. CNS involvement was not associated with the optic pathway or visual cortex, suggesting that clinicians should carefully examine CNS lesions occurring in both forebrain- and hindbrain-originating tissues during a patient's clinical course. Moreover, the CNS lymphomas that manifest as VRL show multifocal tumor development.

Integrated Analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptome profile to identify key features of age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common vision-threatening disease. The current study sought to integrate DNA methylation with transcriptome profile to explore key features in AMD. Gene expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO, accession ID: GSE135092) and DNA methylation data were obtained from the ArrayExpress repository (E-MTAB-7183). A total of 456 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 4827 intragenic differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs) were identified between AMD and controls. DEGs and DMCs were intersected and 19 epigenetically induced (EI) genes and 15 epigenetically suppressed (ES) genes were identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis was performed to estimate the abundance of different types of immune cell in each sample. Enrichment scores of inflammatory response and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) signaling via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κb) were positively correlated with abundance of activated memory CD4 T cells and M1 macrophages. Subsequently, two significant random forest classifiers were constructed based on DNA methylation and transcriptome data. SMAD2 and NGFR were selected as key genes through functional epigenetic modules (FEM) analysis. Expression level of SMAD2, NGFR and their integrating proteins was validated in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and TNFα co-treated retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in vitro. The findings of the current study showed that local inflammation and systemic inflammatory host response play key roles in pathogenesis of AMD. SMAD2 and NGFR provide new insight in understanding the molecular mechanism and are potential therapeutic targets for development of AMD therapy.

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: short review of the literature, results of a European survey and French guidelines of the LOC network for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) through a review of the literature and a European survey on real-life practices for PVRL.

RECENT FINDINGS

The care of PVRL patients is heterogeneous between specialists and countries. Upfront systemic treatment based on high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy, with or without local treatment, might reduce or delay the risk of brain relapse.Ibrutinib, lenalidomide with or without rituximab, and temozolomide are effective for patients with relapsed/refractory PVRL and should be tested as first-line treatments.

SUMMARY

The prognosis of PVRL remains dismal. No firm conclusion regarding optimal treatment can yet be drawn. The risk of brain relapse remains high. Diagnostic procedures and assessment of therapeutic responses need to be homogenized. Collaboration between specialists involved in PVRL and multicentric prospective therapeutic studies are strongly needed. The recommendations of the French group for primary oculocerebral lymphoma (LOC network) are provided, as a basis for further European collaborative work.

Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare variant of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), mostly of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which affects the retina and/or the vitreous with or without optic nerve involvement. The disease course is aggressive. Up to 90% of the patients develop central nervous system lymphoma within one year. The diagnosis of VRL is challenging due to nonspecific chronic and relapsing uveitis and is made by anterior chamber tab or vitreous aspirate biopsy. There is no established treatment protocol for VRL patients with bilateral involvement without CNS involvement. There are suggestions to use only intravitreal chemotherapy with methotrexate and/or rituximab. Alternatively, systemic high-dose MTX treatment or external beam radiotherapy is used. Further studies are needed to prove and confirm the prophylactic systemic therapy in preventing CNS involvement in limited VRL.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in Elderly Patients: Management and Perspectives

The management of elderly patients suffering from primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, who represent a rapidly growing population, is challenging. Despite the advances made in PCNSL treatment, the prognosis in older patients remains unsatisfactory. The high risk of systemic and CNS toxicity induced by a high-dose chemotherapy regimen and radiation therapy, respectively, limits the use of consolidation phase treatments in elderly patients and contributes to the poor outcome of these patients. Here, we review the current treatment strategies and ongoing trials proposed for elderly PCNSL patients.

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: A diagnostic and management challenge

Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) is a rare form of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) arising in the intraocular compartment without brain involvement. Despite its apparent indolent clinical course, PVRL can cause permanent vision loss and CNS relapse, the major cause of death in PVRL patients. The pathophysiology of PVRL is unknown. As in PCNSL, the transformation of the tumor cells likely originates outside the CNS, before the cells migrate to the eye and proliferate within an immune-permissive microenvironment. PVRL exhibits a biased immunoglobulin repertoire, suggesting underlying antigen selection. The diagnosis remains challenging, requiring close coordination between ophthalmologists and cytologists. Because of their rarity and fragility in the vitreous, lymphoma cells cannot always be identified. Interleukin levels, molecular biology and imaging are used in combination with clinical ophthalmological examination to support the diagnosis of PVRL. Multi-institutional prospective studies are urgently needed to validate the equivocal conclusions regarding treatments drawn from heterogeneous retrospective or small cohort studies. Intravitreal injections of methotrexate or rituximab or local radiotherapy are effective at clearing tumor cells within the eyes but do not prevent CNS relapse. Systemic treatment based on high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy, with or without local treatment, might reduce this risk. At relapse, intensive consolidation chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation can be considered. Single-agent ibrutinib, lenalidomide and temozolomide treatments are effective in patients with relapsed PVRL and should be tested as first-line treatments. Therapeutic response assessment based on a clinical examination is improved by measuring cytokine levels but still needs to be refined.

Efficacy and safety of intravitreal methotrexate for vitreo-retinal lymphoma - 20 years of experience

Vitreo-retinal lymphoma (VRL) is the most common intraocular lymphoma and is highly associated with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (CNSL), both posing a therapeutic challenge. We investigated patients' characteristics, efficacy and safety of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections and their outcomes over 20 years. The records of 129 patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphoma involved both the CNS and vitreo-retina (49%), solely the CNS (37%) or solely the vitreo-retina (14%). In all, 45·5% of the patients with CNSL either presented with VRL or developed it after a mean (±SE) of 85·7 (7·3) months. In all, 66·0% of the patients diagnosed with VRL either presented with CNSL or developed it after a mean (±SE) 42·6 (7·6) months. The 81 patients with VRL (134 eyes) received a mean (±SD) of 19 (7) injections; however, only 5 (4) injections were needed to reach complete remission. Local recurrence occurred in two of the 81 patients. Overall, 80·2% of eyes had an initial moderate-severe visual loss, and >50% of them improved. Reversible keratopathy was the most prevalent side-effect. A total of 18·5% developed intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation due to angle neovascularisation after 16 injections, which could be reversed with prompt intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Intravitreal MTX injections are a safe and effective treatment for VRL. Fewer injections (15) may offer similar results with fewer side-effects.

Cytologic and Molecular Diagnostics for Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Current Approaches and Emerging Single-Cell Analyses

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare ocular malignancy that manifests as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent mistreatment and to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with VRL. The disease can be diagnosed using various methods, including cytology, immunohistochemistry, cytokine analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis of bulk vitreous aspirates. Despite these options, VRL diagnosis remains challenging, as samples are often confounded by low cellularity, the presence of debris and non-target immunoreactive cells, and poor cytological preservation. As such, VRL diagnostic accuracy is limited by both false-positive and false-negative outcomes. Missed or inappropriate diagnosis may cause delays in treatment, which can have life-threatening consequences for patients with VRL. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and the diagnostic modalities used for VRL diagnosis. We also highlight several emerging molecular techniques, including high-resolution single cell-based analyses, which may enable more comprehensive and precise VRL diagnoses.

Oncogenic Mutations of MYD88 and CD79B in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Implications for Clinical Practice

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults. Despite the recognition of transcriptional subtypes with distinct functional characteristics, patient outcomes have not been substantially altered since the advent of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) twenty years ago. Recently, a few pivotal studies added to the disease heterogeneity by describing several activating mutations, which have been associated with disease presentation, B-cell function and behavior, and final outcome. DLBCL arises from antigen exposed B-cells, with the B-cell receptor (BCR) playing a central role. BCR-activity related mutations, such as CD79B and MYD88, are responsible for chronic activation of the BCR in a substantial subset of patients. These mutations, often coexisting in the same patient, have been found in a substantial subset of patients with immune-privileged (IP) sites DLBCLs, and are drivers of lymphoma development conferring tissue-specific homing properties. Both mutations have been associated with disease behavior, including tumor response either to CIT or to BCR-targeted therapy. The recognition of CD79B and MYD88 mutations will contribute to the heterogeneity of the disease, both in recognizing the BCR as a potential therapeutic target and in providing genetic tools for personalized treatment.

The importance of cytokines analysis in the diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of the different diagnostic tests for vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL).

METHODS

A cohort of 150 patients with a presumed diagnosis of VRL. Vitrectomy samples were analysed for cytology, monoclonality [polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] and cytokine levels, and anterior chamber taps were analysed for cytokine levels. Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) was diagnosed after confirming the clinical suspicion with vitreal or brain cytology.

RESULTS

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) was diagnosed in 78 patients. Vitreal cytology was positive for 53/132 patients (40.2%), 36/53 had positive cytology from both the eye and the brain. Additional 25 patients had positive brain cytology. Vitreal PCR for monoclonality was positive for 32/91 patients (35.2%). Vitreal cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-10/IL-6 were >1 for 47/110 patients (43.1%). For cytology, PCR and cytokine analysis, the respective sensitivity was 73.6%, 46.0% and 81.4%, and the accuracy of the tests was 85.6%, 60.4% and 80.9%, respectively. All three tests were available for 79 patients. In this subset, for cytology, PCR and cytokine analysis the respective sensitivity was 79.5%, 41.0% and 82.1%, respectively, and the accuracy of the tests was 89.9%, 60.8% and 81.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cytokines analysis has an important role in the diagnosis of VRL. We suggest analysing cytokines levels in all cases suspected of VRL along with cytology and PCR analysis.

Morphologic Patterns and the Correlation With MYD88 L265P, CD79B Mutations in Primary Adrenal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Primary adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PA-DLBCL) is a rare subtype of extranodal DLBCL. Because of the rarity of this disease, its morphologic and genetic features are not comprehensively studied. Here, we systematically reviewed the clinicopathologic features of 42 cases of PA-DLBCL from our institution and investigated the frequency of MYD88 L265P and CD79B (exon 5) mutation in 29 eligible cases using Sanger sequencing. Clinically, PA-DLBCL was predominant in elderly male patients with advanced clinical stage and poor outcomes. Morphologically, the tumors often showed a sinusoidal and/or cohesive pattern with condensed chromatin and inconspicuous nucleolus which mimicked neuroendocrine carcinoma. Moreover, increased Reed-Sternberg-like cells were observed frequently. These confounding morphologic manifestations may lead to misdiagnosis. Genetically, PA-DLBCL harbored a high prevalence of MYD88 L265P (24%) and CD79B mutations (52%) which may be involved in lymphomagenesis. The CD79B mutation was significantly associated with a worse prognosis. A novel Histo-Molecular Classification system (4 categories) was proposed based on correlation with genetic changes. Generally, the neuroendocrine carcinoma-like type was associated with CD79B mutation, whereas the RS-like cell type indicated MYD88 L265P. The biphasic type was correlated with coexisting mutations of MYD88 and CD79B, whereas the common type implied no mutation. Furthermore, the common type showed significantly better survival. In conclusion, the proposed new category system could indicate the genetic changes as well as facilitate risk stratification to guide treatment and predict prognosis. Although this study augmented our understanding of PA-DLBCL, further analysis is required to validate our results and extend them to extranodal DLBCL at other sites.

New Insights Into Immunological Therapy for Retinal Disorders

In the twentieth century, a conspicuous lack of effective treatment strategies existed for managing several retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy (DR); retinopathy of prematurity (ROP); retinitis pigmentosa (RP); uveitis, including Behçet's disease; and vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL). However, in the first decade of this century, advances in biomedicine have provided new treatment strategies in the field of ophthalmology, particularly biologics that target vascular endothelial growth factor or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Furthermore, clinical trials on gene therapy specifically for patients with autosomal recessive or X-linked RP have commenced. The overall survival rates of patients with VRL have improved, owing to earlier diagnoses and better treatment strategies. However, some unresolved problems remain such as primary or secondary non-response to biologics or chemotherapy, and the lack of adequate strategies for treating most RP patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the immunological mechanisms of the eye under normal conditions and in several retinal disorders, including uveitis, DR, ROP, RP, and VRL. In addition, we discuss recent studies that describe the inflammatory responses that occur during the course of these retinal disorders to provide new insights into their diagnosis and treatment.

High-Throughput MicroRNA Profiling of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: Vitreous and Serum MicroRNA Profiles Distinct from Uveitis

Purpose: Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the diffuse large B cell type (DLBCL), which is an aggressive cancer causing central nervous system related mortality. The pathogenesis of VRL is largely unknown. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) has recently acquired remarkable importance in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancers. Furthermore, miRNAs have shown promise as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cancers. In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and pathways in the vitreous and serum of patients with VRL and to investigate the pathogenesis of the disease. Materials and Methods: Vitreous and serum samples were obtained from 14 patients with VRL and from controls comprising 40 patients with uveitis, 12 with macular hole, 14 with epiretinal membrane, 12 healthy individuals. The expression levels of 2565 miRNAs in serum and vitreous samples were analyzed. Results: Expression of the miRNAs correlated significantly with the extracellular matrix (ECM) ‒receptor interaction pathway in VRL. Analyses showed that miR-326 was a key driver of B-cell proliferation, and miR-6513-3p could discriminate VRL from uveitis. MiR-1236-3p correlated with vitreous interleukin (IL)-10 concentrations. Machine learning analysis identified miR-361-3p expression as a discriminator between VRL and uveitis. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that aberrant microRNA expression in VRL may affect the expression of genes in a variety of cancer-related pathways. The altered serum miRNAs may discriminate VRL from uveitis, and serum miR-6513-3p has the potential to serve as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of VRL.

A Probabilistic Classification Tool for Genetic Subtypes of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma with Therapeutic Implications

The development of precision medicine approaches for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is confounded by its pronounced genetic, phenotypic, and clinical heterogeneity. Recent multiplatform genomic studies revealed the existence of genetic subtypes of DLBCL using clustering methodologies. Here, we describe an algorithm that determines the probability that a patient's lymphoma belongs to one of seven genetic subtypes based on its genetic features. This classification reveals genetic similarities between these DLBCL subtypes and various indolent and extranodal lymphoma types, suggesting a shared pathogenesis. These genetic subtypes also have distinct gene expression profiles, immune microenvironments, and outcomes following immunochemotherapy. Functional analysis of genetic subtype models highlights distinct vulnerabilities to targeted therapy, supporting the use of this classification in precision medicine trials.

Gene expression profiling of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma

The characteristics of tumor cells of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) have not been defined, although researches have shown that most cases are of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To determine the subtype and biological characteristics of tumor cells of PVRL, we performed a gene expression profiling analysis. RNA was extracted from the vitreous fluid of 7 PVRL patients and from nodal samples of 10 DLBCL patients: 6 of germinal center B-cell (GCB) type and 4 of activated B-cell (ABC) type determined by Hans' criteria. Six PVRL samples showed gene expression profiles that were similar to each other. The patterns were different from those of the ABC-type nodular DLBCL but relatively close to those of the GCB-type nodular DLBCL. Interestingly, all of the 6 examined PVRL samples had either MYD88^L265P or mutation in the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) region of CD79B. Five PVRL patients with similar gene expression profiles were treated with a standardized regimen: intravitreal administration of methotrexate (MTX) followed by six courses of systemic high doses of MTX. As a result, 2 patients had CD79B mutations and showed early central nervous system (CNS) progression. Patients without CNS progression did not have this mutation. In conclusion, PVRL had unique genetic features: an expression pattern different from ABC-type and relatively close to GCB-type DLBCL. CD79B mutations showed potential to serve as prognostic markers for CNS progression.

Eye involvement in primary central nervous system lymphoma

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may manifest initially in the eye (termed vitreoretinal lymphoma or VRL) or in non-ocular CNS compartments, or in both. The nature of the onset of PCNSL implies two clinical specialists - ophthalmologists and neuro-oncologists - independently may assess the primary presentation of this rare malignancy. Clinically relevant perspectives on expectations of PCNSL manifestation in both ocular and non-ocular CNS compartments would help inform management practices in each specialty, which should impact clinical outcomes. A recent increase in the number of published PCNSL cohort studies provides new opportunity to review the current prevalence rates of ocular involvement, and the timing of this involvement over the course of disease. In PCNSL cohorts defined by non-ocular CNS compartment involvement, with or without ocular involvement (termed "PCNSL ± ocular involvement" cohorts), mean rates of concomitant VRL at diagnosis, or at any time during the course, are 10% and 16%, respectively. Only a few individuals within this cohort group present with exclusive eye disease (<5%), and the rate of secondary ocular involvement is only 5-9%. In PCNSL cohorts defined by the involvement of the ocular compartment, with or without non-ocular CNS involvement (termed "VRL ± non-ocular CNS involvement" cohorts), 58% of persons have a primary ocular diagnosis, which carries a 50% risk of secondary involvement in the CNS beyond the eye. Rates of non-ocular CNS involvement with VRL at diagnosis or over the course of disease are 41% and 69%, respectively.

MYD88 in the driver's seat of B-cell lymphomagenesis: from molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

More than 50 subtypes of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) are recognized in the most recent World Health Organization classification of 2016. The current treatment paradigm, however, is largely based on 'one-size-fits-all' immune-chemotherapy. Unfortunately, this therapeutic strategy is inadequate for a significant number of patients. As such, there is an indisputable need for novel, preferably targeted, therapies based on a biologically driven classification and risk stratification. Sequencing studies identified mutations in the MYD88 gene as an important oncogenic driver in B-cell lymphomas. MYD88 mutations constitutively activate NF-κB and its associated signaling pathways, thereby promoting B-cell proliferation and survival. High frequencies of the hotspot MYD88(L265P) mutation are observed in extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Waldenström macroglobulinemia, thereby demonstrating this mutation's potential as a disease marker. In addition, the presence of mutant MYD88 predicts survival outcome in B-NHL subtypes and it provides a therapeutic target. Early clinical trials targeting MYD88 have shown encouraging results in relapsed/refractory B-NHL. Patients with these disorders can benefit from analysis for the MYD88 hotspot mutation in liquid biopsies, as a minimally invasive method to demonstrate treatment response or resistance. Given these clear clinical implications and the crucial role of MYD88 in lymphomagenesis, we expect that analysis of this gene will increasingly be used in routine clinical practice, not only as a diagnostic classifier, but also as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker directing precision medicine. This review focuses on the pivotal mechanistic role of mutated MYD88 and its clinical implications in B-NHL.

Clinical Relevance of the High Prevalence of MYD88 L265P Mutated Vitreoretinal Lymphoma Identified by Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction

Purpose: To investigate the frequency and clinical relevance of missense mutation at position 265 changing leucine to proline in the myeloid differentiation factor 88 gene (MYD88 L265P) in the vitreous of Chinese patients with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR).Methods: Vitreous fluid (VF) from 29 eyes of 20 VRL patients at the North Huashan Hospital were included. MYD88 L265P analysis of VF was performed using ddPCR. Associations between clinicopathologic characteristics and MYD88 mutation were analyzed using t-test or Fisher's exact test.Results: MYD88 L265P mutations were detected in 22 of 29 samples from 14 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and one patient with lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma. However, no significant associations were found between MYD88 L265P mutation status and age, sex, lymphoma subtype or location of the primary lesion.Conclusion: The high prevalence of MYD88 L265P identified by ddPCR suggests that this method of evaluating the frequency of MYD88 L265P is a promising tool for accurate diagnosis of VRL.