Clinicopathological characteristics and rituximab addition to cytotoxic therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and methotrexate-associated large B lymphoproliferative disorders

Effect of Recent Antirheumatic Drug on Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examine how advancements in novel antirheumatic drugs affect the clinicopathologic features of lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

In this multicenter study across 53 hospitals in Japan, we characterized patients with RA who developed LPDs and visited the hospitals between January 1999 and March 2021. The statistical tools used included Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, the log-rank test, logistic regression analysis, and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Overall, 752 patients with RA-associated LPD (RA-LPD) and 770 with sporadic LPD were included in the study. We observed significant differences in the clinicopathologic features between patients with RA-LPD and those with sporadic LPD. Histopathological analysis revealed a high frequency of LPD-associated immunosuppressive conditions. Furthermore, patients with RA-LPD were evaluated based on the antirheumatic drugs administered. The methotrexate (MTX) plus tacrolimus and MTX plus tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) groups had different affected site frequencies and histologic subtypes than the MTX-only group. Moreover, MTX and TNFi may synergistically affect susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus infection. In case of antirheumatic drugs administered after LPD onset, tocilizumab (TCZ)-only therapy was associated with lower frequency of regrowth after spontaneous regression than other regimens.

CONCLUSION

Antirheumatic drugs administered before LPD onset may influence the clinicopathologic features of RA-LPD, with patterns changing over time. Furthermore, TCZ-only regimens are recommended after LPD onset.

Clinicopathological findings, prognosis, and Epstein-Barr virus infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients with other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

BACKGROUND

Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated (OIIA) T- and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (TNK-LPDs) are rare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, genetic findings, therapeutic response, and prognostic factors in 21 RA patients with OIIA TNK-LPDs and compared these with those of 39 with OIIA B-cell LPDs (B-LPDs) and 22 with non-OIIA B-LPDs.

RESULTS

Immunohistologically, 11 patients (52%) showed CD4+ T-LPDs, and 7 had a T follicular helper (TFH) phenotype. The other nine patients (43%) showed CD8+ T-LPDs, and the remaining one (5%) had features of CD3+ CD4- CD8- nasal type TNK-cell lymphoma. CD30+, p53+, and CMYC+ atypical lymphocytes were identified in seven (33%), eight (38%), and five (24%) patients, respectively. In situ hybridisation detected EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) + large atypical lymphocytes in five patients (24%). Nine of 17 patients (53%) showed clonal peaks of TCRγ by polymerase chain reaction. Withdrawal of MTX and biologic drugs was effective in 12 patients (57%), and 8 (38%) received chemotherapies. Two patients with TFH+ or EBV+ CD4+ CD30+ large cell peripheral T-cell lymphoma, one with CD8+ systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and two with systemic EBV+ CD8+ T-cell lymphoma of childhood showed a lethal progressive clinical course within 13 months. Moreover, > 500 U/L LDH, large atypical lymphocytes, expression of CD30, p53, and CMYC, and EBER+ atypical lymphocytes were significantly poor prognostic factors for overall survival (p < 0.05). Median interval from RA onset to OIIA TNK-LPDs was 72 months, which was shorter than 166 months in OIIA B-LPDs (p = 0.003). EBV+ atypical and reactive lymphocytes were frequently found in 15 patients with OIIA TNK-LPDs (71%), in 27 with OIIA B-LPDs (69%), and only in 3 with non-OIIA B-LPDs (14%).

CONCLUSIONS

OIIA TNK-LPDs occurred in early phase of RA, compared with OIIA B-LPDs, and occasionally showed a lethal progressive clinical course. Detection of OIIA TNK-LPD patients with poor prognostic factors is necessary. EBV infection in immunosuppressed patients due to persistent RA, MTX, and biologic drugs may play a role in forming the tumour microenvironment and lymphomagenesis of TNK-LPDs.

New Evidence of Significant Association between EBV Presence and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Susceptibility in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Development of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) is one of the well-known life-threatening complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, there is a lack of definitive conclusions regarding the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) activity in RA initiation and progression, especially in promoting LPDs. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported an EBV positive result in RA-LPD patients and controls were conducted. Studies published before 27 July 2021 were identified through PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. A total of 79 articles were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of EBV positive result among RA-LPD patients was 54% (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.45–1.64). There was a statistically significant association between EBV presence and LPD susceptibility in RA patients in comparison with all controls (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.29–2.73) and in comparison with LPD patients only (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.15–3.19). This association was not shown in comparison with patients with autoimmune diseases other than RA who developed LPD (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.30–2.09). This meta-analysis confirmed a high prevalence of EBV in the RA-LPD population. Furthermore, it provides evidence for the association between EBV presence and LPD susceptibility in RA patients, but not in those with other autoimmune diseases who developed LPD.

Retrospective analyses of other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with rheumatic diseases

Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA‐LPDs) occur in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune diseases; however, their clinicopathological and genetic features remain unknown. In the present study, we analysed 67 patients with OIIA‐LPDs, including 36 with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL)‐type and 19 with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)‐type. After discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs, regression without relapse was achieved in 22 of 58 patients. Spontaneous regression was associated with Epstein–Barr virus positivity in DLBCL‐type (P = 0·013). The 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival (PFS) at a median follow‐up of 32·4 months were 92·7% and 72·1% respectively. Furthermore, a significant difference in the 2‐year PFS was seen between patients with DLBCL‐type and HL‐type OIIA‐LPDs (81·0% vs. 40·9% respectively, P = 0·021). In targeted sequencing of 47 genes in tumour‐derived DNA from 20 DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD samples, histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D; eight, 40%) and tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFRSF14; six, 30%) were the most frequently mutated genes. TNF alpha‐induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) mutations were present in four patients (20%) with DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD. Cases with DLBCL‐type OIIA‐LPD harbouring TNFAIP3 mutations had shorter PFS and required early initiation of first chemotherapy. There were no significant factors for spontaneous regression or response rates according to the presence of mutations. Overall, OIIA‐LPDs, especially DLBCL‐types, showed favourable prognoses.

Rheumatoid arthritis relapse in patients with other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders and its treatment

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (IS) is sometimes involved with other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). We aimed to clarify the effects of LPD treatment on RA and the current status of RA treatment options after LPD onset and subsequent IS withdrawal.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who had RA with LPD and examined the relationship between LPD course and RA treatment as well as that between RA relapse and LPD treatment.

RESULTS

LPD patients were categorized into two groups: patients who regressed spontaneously (n = 19) and those who needed chemotherapy (n = 12). The chemotherapy group had significantly less RA relapse than the spontaneous regression group (p = .041). RA almost relapsed early in the spontaneous regression group and needed treatment for RA. Chemotherapy with rituximab prevented long-term RA relapse, and RA did not relapse for long even after rituximab monotherapy. The total dose of rituximab in monotherapy correlated with the time to RA relapse. Six patients with RA relapse received biologics and had no LPD relapse for more than 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab in chemotherapy for LPD may help prevent RA relapse with LPD. Large-scale studies are required in the future for verification.

Primary hepatic lymphoma as other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of 68-year-old man with stable polymyositis complicated with primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) as other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA-LPD). Multiple liver masses were diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by biopsy. The LPD was associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, because EBV-DNA was detected in peripheral blood, and EBV antigen was detected in the tumour. He presented with high fever, cytopenia and hyperferritinemia, suggesting hemophagocytosis. Only discontinuation of methotrexate and tacrolimus resulted in a dramatic regression of the liver masses and improvement of fever and cytopenia. We review six cases of OIIA-LPD localised in the liver. All cases were DLBCL; 4/6 cases (67%) were positive for EBV staining, and 2/6 cases (33%) were improved after the discontinuation of immunosuppressants. Screening for EBV in blood and liver tumour is important, when a patient in immunosuppressive status presented with liver masses.

Association of Epstein-Barr virus with regression after withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs and subsequent progression of iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with autoimmune diseases

Patients with autoimmune diseases (AIDs) may develop lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) during treatment with immunosuppressive agents (IS) such as methotrexate (MTX), biological agents, or tacrolimus. Some LPDs in patients with AIDs (AID-LPDs) regress after withdrawal of IS, and a high incidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity in such patients has been reported. To identify characteristics and factors predictive of the response to treatment and disease progression, we retrospectively analyzed clinical and histopathological data for 81 patients with AID-LPDs. Almost all of them (96%) had been treated with MTX. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma was the most common LPD type (61%) and seven patients (9%) had classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). EBV was detected by in situ hybridization with an EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) probe in 43% of the examined cases. In 59 patients, IS was discontinued as the initial treatment, resulting in regression of LPDs in 69% of them, and multivariate analysis showed that EBER positivity was an independent factor predictive of such regression (p = 0.022). Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival for the patients overall were 63% and 83%, respectively. Poor PFS was associated with advanced stage (p = 0.024), worse performance status (PS, p = 0.031), CHL histology (p = 0.013), and reactivation of EBV-related antibodies (p = 0.029). In conclusion, EBV positivity demonstrated using an EBER probe is useful for prediction of successful regression after withdrawal of IS in patients with AID-LPDs. Patients with advanced stage disease, worse PS, CHL histology, or reactivation of EBV-related antibodies should be closely monitored after initial treatment.

Clinical aspects in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with lymphoproliferative disorders without regression after methotrexate withdrawal and treatment for arthritis after regression of lymphoproliferative disorders

OBJECTIVES

To identify predictive factors for lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) that persist after methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal (Persistent-LPD) and the optimal treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after LPD regression.

METHODS

Among 3666 patients with RA treated with MTX in our department from 2006 to 2017, 26 cases of LPD that regressed after MTX withdrawal (Regressive-LPD) and 25 cases of Persistent-LPD were compared. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for Persistent-LPD. Retention rates of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier Method.

RESULTS

In Persistent-LPD, the incidence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was higher (76%). The overall 2-year survival rate was 83.9%: 95.8% for Regressive-LPD and 71.0% for Persistent-LPD. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) risk classification was useful for predicting Persistent-LPD. bDMARDs were introduced in 38 RA patients after LPD regression. Unadjusted retention rate of bDMARDs in the 51 LPD patients was significantly lower than that in the 1668 non-LPD RA patients in our bDMARD cohort (controls) (p = 0.029). The 1-year retention rates for bDMARDs were 69% and 64% for tocilizumab and abatacept, respectively vs. 46% for TNF-inhibitor (TNFi).

CONCLUSION

Risk assessment using IPI predicted Persistent-LPD. After LPD regression, non-TNFi tended to have higher retention rates.

Three different CT and FGD PET/CT findings of pulmonary involvement in methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disease

Lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) is one of the complications of methotrexate (MTX) therapy. In MTX-associated LPD (MTX-LPD), LPD lesions limited to the lungs are rare and show various types of opacity. A 75-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented with myalgia. She had been taking MTX for 11 years. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans showed a nodule in the left lower lobe that had grown significantly and a new nodule in the right lower lobe. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)/positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed significant FDG uptake in these nodules. Transbronchial biopsy specimen showed diffusely distributed CD20-positive lymphoid cells, and we made a diagnosis of MTX-LPD. All lung lesions disappeared within months after the immediate discontinuation of MTX. We also had two other patients with MTX-LPD lung lesions that had high FDG uptake. FDG PET/CT might be a useful diagnostic tool as it may reflect disease progression and help identify separate lesions.

Clinical management for other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders

Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA-LPD), a category of immunodeficiency-associated LPD according to the World Health Organization classification, is associated with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs). Several factors, including autoimmune disease (AID) activity, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, ISD usage, and aging, influence the development of OIIA-LPD, resulting in complicated clinical courses and outcomes. Most OIIA-LPD develops in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using methotrexate (MTX-LPD). The management of MTX-LPD is based on the clinical course, i.e., with/without regression, with/without relapse/regrowth event (RRE), LPD subtype, and ISDs for AIDs after LPD development. There are three clinical courses after ISD withdrawal: regressive LPD without relapse/regrowth (R-G), regressive LPD with RRE (R/R-G), and persistent LPD (P-G). The majority of EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are classified in R-G, whereas classic Hodgkin lymphoma is generally classified in R/R-G. Polymorphic LPD (P-LPD) in MTX-LPD develops with heterogeneous pathological features similar to monomorphic LPD. Chemotherapy for MTX-LPD is selected according to that for de novo LPD, although the strategy for aggressive P-LPD and non-specific LPD is not well established. The absolute lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood has been suggested as a candidate marker for MTX-LPD development and RRE. Several clinical issues, including correct diagnosis among overlapping clinicopathological features in MTX-LPD and clinical management of LPD by ISDs other than MTX, require further investigation.

Iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders of B-cell type that develop in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs other than in the post-transplant setting

In the current revised 4th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, ‘other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (Oii-LPDs)’ is listed in the last section in the chapter on immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Oii-LPDs cover a broad spectrum from benign lesions to lymphoma, and correspond to one of the subtypes in the WHO classification for immunocompetent patients.

The WHO classification does not clearly indicate the histological subtype of this disease category; however, the framework of subtype classification is similar to the classification of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and recent studies have attempted to subcategorize Oii-LPDs that fit this unique disease type. In this review, we provide an overview of B-cell-type Oii-LPDs regarding their histopathology and immunophenotype, genetics and clinical behaviors.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and lymphomas: a review

In this review, we focus on B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) and lymphomas associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In some of these diseases-such as EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified-virus detection is required for the diagnosis, while in others its detection is not necessary for diagnosis. EBV infection has three main latency patterns (types III, II, and I). Different latency patterns are found in different LPD types and are related to the host immune system status. For each of the LPDs/lymphomas, we discuss the clinical presentation, epidemiology, pathology, immunophenotype, and genetic or molecular basis. We provide data for a better understanding of the relationships among the discussed diseases and other information that can be useful in differential diagnosis. Not included in this review are classic Hodgkin lymphoma and some specific variants of DLBCL, as these entities are discussed in separate reviews in this issue.

Methotrexate-associated Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Shows Distinct Clinicopathological Features but Comparable Clinical Outcomes With Sporadic Cases

BACKGROUND/AIM

Methotrexate (MTX)-associated classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is a rare disease, and its prognosis remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study retrospectively compared clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of patients with MTX-CHL (n=6) and sporadic CHL (n=40).

RESULTS

MTX-CHL was more frequently the mixed cellularity subtype and positive for Epstein-Barr virus, but less frequently positive for CD20 than sporadic CHL. Clinically, MTX-CHL was more frequent in advanced stage than sporadic CHL and often associated with extranodal disease. After the cessation of MTX, transient spontaneous regression was observed in two MTX-CHL cases. Eventually, all patients with MTX-CHL required chemotherapy, which gave similar complete remission rates at 2 years compared to sporadic CHL. Patients with MTX-CHL tended to have a higher incidence of grade 3 or more neutropenia.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed differences in clinicopathological features but similarities in clinical outcomes of MTX-CHL and sporadic CHL.

EBV-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Update in Classification

Although about 90% of the world's population is infected by EBV only a small subset of the related infections result in neoplastic transformation. EBV is a versatile oncogenic agent involved in a multitude of hematopoietic, epithelial, and mesenchymal neoplasms, but the precise role of EBV in the pathogenesis of many of the associated lymphoid/histiocytic proliferations remains hypothetical or not completely understood. Additional studies and use of evolving technologies such as high-throughput next-generation sequencing may help address this knowledge gap and may lead to enhanced diagnostic assessment and the development of potential therapeutic interventions.

Other immunomodulatory agent-related lymphoproliferative diseases: a single-center series of 72 biopsy-confirmed cases

Ongoing development of new drugs, as well as novel indications in the treatment of autoimmune diseases leads to the increasing use of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs. Immunomodulatory agent-related lymphoproliferative disorders are a known and potentially life threatening complication of chronic administration of these drugs, but are less well characterized compared with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. The heterogeneous drug targets, various underlying disease indications, different drug combinations used and relatively low incidence render data collection and interpretation difficult. In this retrospective paper, we describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a larger single-center series of 72 immunomodulatory agent-related lymphoproliferative disorder cases. We divided the cases according to the therapy, administered in the year preceding diagnosis of a lymphoproliferative disorder, in an immunosuppressive drug, an immunomodulatory drug and a combination of immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs group. We observed differences in "time to lymphoproliferative disorder development" with a shorter time for all the immunomodulatory drug-related cases combined (immunomodulatory and immunomodulatory + immunosuppressive = immunomodulatory-all) vs immunosuppressive-only (p = 0.0031). The proportion of malignant cases in patients receiving immunomodulatory therapy was, however, also significantly lower when compared with the immunosuppressive treated cases (43 vs 88%; p = 0.0184). The immunomodulatory/suppressive agent-related lymphoproliferative disorders were less often associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (31 vs 66%; p = 1.829e-05) and the lymphoproliferative disorders incidence in the first year after immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapy initiation was lower (18 vs 41%; p = 0.04151)-compared with a published series of 140 post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder cases from the same center. However, a similar histopathological spectrum from nondestructive, to polymorphic and monomorphic lesions as in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders is observed. With increasing use of immunosuppressive and especially immunomodulatory therapy, a higher incidence of immunomodulatory/suppressive agent-related lymphoproliferative disorders is to be expected. Life-long awareness for development of immunomodulatory/suppressive agent-related lymphoproliferative disorders with clinical follow-up and timely biopsies of suspicious lesions is required since these lymphoproliferative disorders arise both early after therapy initiation and many years later. Histopathological confirmation and correct classification is necessary to guide therapy and EBV ISH should be a part of routine pathological diagnostics.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoid proliferations, a 2018 update

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to many human neoplasms including hematopoietic, epithelial, and mesenchymal tumors. Since our original review of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders in 2007, many advances and developments have been reported. In this review, we will examine the recent advances in EBV-associated lymphoid/histiocytic proliferations, dividing them into reactive, B cell, T/NK cell, immunodeficiency-related, and histiocytic/dendritic cell proliferations.

Lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the era of widespread use of methotrexate: A review of the literature and current perspective

Lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) in patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) have gained strong attention. In this article, I reviewed the basic and clinical findings of this issue. Patients with RA possess a high risk of lymphoma, but epidemiological evidence showing an association between the use of MTX and lymphoma is still limited. Rapid regression of LPD after stopping MTX in patients with RA strongly suggests that there is a causative relationship. Genetic predisposition, accumulated inflammation, impaired generation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, effects of MTX on the regulation of EBV genes, and low hypermethylation of apoptosis-related genes are relevant to the development of LPD and rapid regression after cessation of MTX. The clinical and histological characteristics of LPD in RA patients who are treated with MTX have been established, and recent data indicate that initial cessation of MTX and watchful waiting to observe an increase in peripheral lymphocyte counts have a therapeutic value. In advanced cases, various chemotherapy regimens are used, and consultation with hematologists is recommended to select the optimal treatment. There is no consensus on the treatment of RA after development of LPD, and long-term observation is necessary to investigate the safety of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in these patients.