1
|
Abrisqueta P, Nadeu F, Bosch-Schips J, Iacoboni G, Serna A, Cabirta A, Yáñez L, Quintanilla-Martínez L, Bosch F. From genetics to therapy: Unraveling the complexities of Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102619. [PMID: 37660626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) refers to the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most prevalent leukemia among adults, into a highly aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder, primarily a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This is a severe complication that continues to be a therapeutic challenge and remains an unmet medical need. Over the last five years, significant advances have occurred in uncovering the biological processes leading to the RT, refining criteria for properly diagnose RT from other entities, and exploring new therapeutic options beyond the ineffective chemotherapy. This review summarizes current knowledge in RT, including recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of RT, in the classification of RT, and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this grave complication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pau Abrisqueta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ferran Nadeu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan Bosch-Schips
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Iacoboni
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Angel Serna
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Cabirta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lucrecia Yáñez
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martínez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tübingen University Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesc Bosch
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zoref-Lorenz A, Yuklea M, Topaz G, Jordan MB, Ellis M. A Case of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Identifying the Aberrant Immune Response. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1542-1546. [PMID: 35178648 PMCID: PMC9086000 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that may complicate hematologic malignancies. HLH and malignancies have common clinical features, and HLH diagnostic criteria (HLH-2004/Hscore) were not validated in this specific population. We describe a case of a 72-year-old patient with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia stable for over 10 years who presented with fever and cytopenia. After excluding infectious etiologies and the progression of her disease, HLH was diagnosed. The patient was treated with etoposide, dexamethasone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab. Despite initial clinical improvement, the patient deteriorated and developed pulmonary aspergillosis and CNS involvement that reflected uncontrolled HLH. The patient died 45 days after her presentation. An unusual feature of this case was that HLH was not triggered by infection, disease transformation, or treatment. This case emphasizes the challenges of differentiating the development of overwhelming HLH from other complications associated with hematologic malignancy.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aged
- Etoposide/therapeutic use
- Female
- Fever
- Humans
- Immunity
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/complications
- Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/diagnosis
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adi Zoref-Lorenz
- Hematology Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel.
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Mona Yuklea
- Hematology Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Topaz
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Internal Medicine C, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Michael B Jordan
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Martin Ellis
- Hematology Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen J, Wang JS, Xie JL, Nong L, Chen JN, Wang Z. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to composite lymphoma: Two case reports. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:9159-9167. [PMID: 34786400 PMCID: PMC8567507 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i30.9159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening disease caused by inherited pathogenic mutations and acquired dysregulations of the immune system. Composite lymphoma is defined as two or more morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct lymphomas that occur in a single patient. Here, we report two cases of HLH secondary to composite lymphoma with mixed lineage features of T- and B-cell marker expression both in the bone marrow and lymph nodes in adult patients.
CASE SUMMARY Two patients were diagnosed with HLH based on the occurrence of fever, pancytopenia, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hemophagocytosis and hyperferritinemia. Immunohistochemical staining of the axillary lymph node and bone marrow in case 1 showed typical features of combined B-cell and T-cell lymphoma. In addition, a lymph node gene study revealed rearrangement of the T-cell receptor chain and the immunoglobulin gene. Morphology and immunohistochemistry studies of a lymph node biopsy in case 2 showed typical features of T cell lymphoma, but immunophenotyping by flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow aspirate showed B cell lymphoma involvement. The patients were treated with high-dose methylprednisolone combined with etoposide to control aggressive HLH progression. The patients also received immunochemotherapy with the R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen immediately after diagnosis. Both patients presented with highly aggressive lymphoma, and died of severe infection or uncontrolled HLH.
CONCLUSION We present two rare cases with overwhelming hemophagocytosis along with composite T- and B-cell lymphoma, which posed a diagnostic dilemma. HLH caused by composite lymphoma was characterized by poor clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shen
- Department of Hematology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jing-Shi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jian-Lan Xie
- Department of Pathology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lin Nong
- Department of Pathology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jia-Ning Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Novel Form of Composite Lymphoma Potentially Mimicking Richter Syndrome. Am J Surg Pathol 2021; 45:773-786. [PMID: 33739791 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is an indolent small B-cell neoplasm that may transform into a clinically aggressive disease, namely Richter syndrome, usually as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Besides, CLL/SLL encompasses an increased risk of developing other secondary cancers, including a variety of T-cell lymphomas, often of the anaplastic large-cell type or with a cytotoxic phenotype. Here, we report a small series of patients with composite lymphomas consisting of CLL/SLL and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), a hitherto unrecognized association. The 3 patients (1 male/2 females, 68 to 83 y) presented with high-grade-type symptoms. One patient was clinically suspicious for Richter syndrome, in the others CLL/SLL and AITL were concomitant de novo diagnoses. CLL/SLL and AITL were admixed in the same lymph nodes (3/3 cases) and in the bone marrow (1/2 cases). In all cases, the AITL comprised prominent clear cells with a strong T follicular helper immunophenotype and similar mutations consisting of TET2 or DNMT3A alterations, IDH2 R172K/M, and RHOA G17V. The 3 patients received chemotherapy. One died of early AITL relapse. The other 2 remained in complete remission of AITL, 1 died with recurrent CLL, and 1 of acute myeloid leukemia. These observations expand the spectrum of T-cell lymphoma entities that occur in association with CLL/SLL, adding AITL to the rare variants of aggressive neoplasms manifesting as Richter syndrome. Given that disturbances of T-cell homeostasis in CLL/SLL affect not only cytotoxic but also helper T-cell subsets, these may contribute to the emergence of neoplasms of T follicular helper derivation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Van Der Nest BM, Leslie C, Joske D, Radeski D, White R, Cheah CY. Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Arising in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Am J Clin Pathol 2019; 152:818-827. [PMID: 31433844 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqz109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe three further cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) occurring in patients with preexisting chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We also reviewed the literature of previously published cases. METHODS We discuss the clinical features, histopathology, and outcomes for three patients with ALCL and CLL from Perth, Australia. The cases were also included in a literature review of existing cases and comparisons were made with our cohort. RESULTS The three patients included two men (aged 77 and 74 years) and one woman (aged 66 years). All had a history of untreated CLL with diagnosis established 4 to 16 years before. They had lymphadenopathy and/or cutaneous/soft tissue lesions that proved to be ALCL, ALK+ (one case) or ALCL, ALK- (two cases). CONCLUSIONS Further research is required in this area to establish prognostic and management recommendations. Increasing numbers of cases are being described. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography was not useful in our cohort for diagnosing progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Connull Leslie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Australia
| | - David Joske
- Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley
| | - Dejan Radeski
- Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley
| | - Rohen White
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Chan Yoon Cheah
- Department of Haematology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Composite Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma and T-Prolymphocytic Leukemia Presenting with Lymphocytosis, Skin Lesions, and Generalized Lymphadenopathy. Case Rep Pathol 2019; 2019:4915086. [PMID: 30941227 PMCID: PMC6420994 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4915086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in Western countries with an incidence of 3-5 cases per 100,000 persons. Most patients follow an indolent clinical course with eventual progression and need for therapy. In contrast, T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is a rare type of T-cell leukemia with most patients having an aggressive clinical course and a dismal prognosis. Therapies are limited for T-PLL patients and there is a high relapse rate. Morphologically, the cells of CLL and T-PLL can show overlapping features. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old man who presented with a clinically indolent CLL and T-PLL, initially diagnosed solely and followed as CLL, despite the presence of an associated but unrecognized aberrant T-cell population in blood. After 2 years, the T-PLL component became more apparent with cutaneous and hematologic manifestations and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunophenotypic and cytogenetic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated an ATM deletion in both CLL and T-PLL components. Retrospective testing demonstrated that composite CLL and T-PLL were both present in skin and lymph nodes as well as in blood and bone marrow since initial presentation. This case is also unique because it highlights that a subset of T-PLL patients can present with clinically indolent disease. The concomitant detection of ATM mutation in CLL and T-PLL components raises the possibility of a common pathogenic mechanism.
Collapse
|
7
|
Composite Lymphoma Comprising Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Case Rep Hematol 2018; 2018:1583925. [PMID: 30515337 PMCID: PMC6234446 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1583925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a rare case of composite lymphoma comprising extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, (ENKL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in a 70-year-old man complaining of fatigue. Computed tomography showed multiple consolidations in both lungs, and ENKL was diagnosed from transbronchial lung biopsy. Positron emission tomography also detected abnormal uptake in the stomach, and DLBCL was diagnosed from subsequent gastroscopy. Two courses of chemotherapy including rituximab achieved reduction in DLBCL, but ENKL proved resistant to this treatment and progressed. Concomitant ENKL and DLBCL have not been previously described among reports of composite lymphomas.
Collapse
|
8
|
Altook R, Ruzieh M, Singh A, Alamoudi W, Moussa Z, Alim H, Safi F, Duggan J. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Elderly. Am J Med Sci 2018; 357:67-74. [PMID: 30278875 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease of massive, dysregulated cytokine release and secondary multiorgan failure and is associated with high mortality. Primary HLH occurs predominately in infants and young children with a genetic predisposition. Acquired HLH is less well characterized and usually occurs in younger adults in the setting of severe inflammation triggered by infection or malignancy. Little is known about the disease in elderly. We report 3 patients >50 years old who presented with multiorgan failure and shock without an identifiable source and were ultimately diagnosed with acquired HLH. We performed a literature review of HLH in adults >50 years of age and identified an additional 68 cases. Mean age was 62 years, with male predominance. Most cases were triggered by infection (49%) followed by malignancy (27%). Nineteen patients were treated with the HLH-94 protocol, 11 received corticosteroids and the remainder received non-HLH specific interventions. Overall mortality was 62%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyna Altook
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Mohammed Ruzieh
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey Pennsylvania.
| | - Avneet Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Wael Alamoudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Zeinab Moussa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Hussam Alim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Fadi Safi
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Joan Duggan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma of the Submandibular Salivary Gland as an Unusual Manifestation of Richter's Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review. Case Rep Hematol 2018; 2017:1262368. [PMID: 29410924 PMCID: PMC5733220 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1262368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Richter's syndrome is the development of high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). In most patients with Richter's syndrome, the high-grade NHL is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Only a small minority of CLL/SLL patients develop T-cell malignancies. Herein, we describe a 40-year-old male patient presenting with peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) in the submandibular salivary gland, two years after the diagnosis of CLL/SLL. The PTCL-NOS consisted of small lymphocytes, which complicated diagnosis. Immunohistochemical, cytological, and molecular studies allowed the correct diagnosis of composite lymphoma (SLL/PTCL-NOS) of the submandibular salivary gland. The PTCL-NOS had a cytotoxic phenotype and aberrant expression of CD79a. There was no evidence to suggest that the PTCL-NOS of the submandibular salivary gland developed from an intimately associated submandibular lymph node or by PTCL-NOS dissemination. A review of the literature and presented case suppose that the PTCLs developed following CLL/SLL have the cytotoxic phenotype and can clinically mimic typical Richter's syndrome.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bailey C, Dearden C, Ardeshna K. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis as a consequence of untreated B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2016-219057. [PMID: 28446487 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-219057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening syndrome characterised by defective cytotoxic function and hypercytokinaemia leading to macrophage expansion and haemophagocytosis. Patients often present with unexplained fevers, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia, with elevation in serum ferritin and triglyceride. Acquired forms are triggered by infection, malignancy or rheumatological disorders. HLH in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is rarely reported, however, and is usually associated with infection or as a consequence of chemotherapy. We present a case of HLH in a 64-year-old Caucasian woman with the only identified trigger being her hitherto untreated CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bailey
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Claire Dearden
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang L, Zhou J, Sokol L. Hereditary and acquired hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Cancer Control 2015; 21:301-12. [PMID: 25310211 DOI: 10.1177/107327481402100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory/hypercytokinemia syndrome clinicopathologically manifested by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, liver dysfunction, and hemophagocytosis. METHODS We searched the medical literature for English-written articles and analyzed data regarding the diagnosis, pathoetiology, prognosis, and management of HLH. RESULTS HLH can be subcategorized into primary/genetic (PHLH) or secondary/acquired (SHLH) according to etiology. PHLH, including familial HLH and inherited immune deficiency syndromes, typically occurs in children harboring underlying genetic defects, whereas SHLH frequently manifests in adults and is associated with infection, autoimmunity, immune suppression, or malignancy. The pathogenesis of HLH is still elusive. Its known mechanisms include somatic mutations in gene coding for proteins implicated in the cytotoxic pathways of cytotoxic T or natural killer cells. The impaired ability of these cells to kill target cells leads to an uncontrolled hypercytokinemia and hyperinflammatory process, triggering hemophagocytosis and multiorgan failure. Corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are the mainstay therapeutic strategies. The consolidation with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative option for PHLH and refractory or relapsed SHLH. CONCLUSIONS Understanding of the pathophysiology of HLH has improved in the last decade. The establishment of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for PHLH and SHLH has resulted in earlier diagnoses and the rapid initiation of therapy, both of which are associated with favorable outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Mant S, Taylor G, Dutton D, Butler A, Browett P, Ganly P. Development of T-cell lymphomas with an activated cytotoxic immunophenotype, including anaplastic large cell lymphomas, in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a series of six cases. Leuk Lymphoma 2014; 56:774-8. [DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.927460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) covers a wide array of related life-threatening conditions featuring ineffective immunity characterized by an uncontrolled hyperinflammatory response. HLH is often triggered by infection. Familial forms result from genetic defects in natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-cells, typically affecting perforin and intracellular vesicles. HLH is likely under-recognized, which contributes to its high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition is crucial for any reasonable attempt at curative therapy to be made. Current treatment regimens include immunosuppression, immune modulation, chemotherapy, and biological response modification, followed by hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). A number of recent studies have contributed to the understanding of HLH pathophysiology, leading to alternate treatment options; however, much work remains to raise awareness and improve the high morbidity and mortality of these complex conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R George
- Department of Pathology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lim MY, Fedoriw Y, Ramanayake H, Zeitler K, Bardy L, Moll S. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2014; 55:2938-41. [PMID: 24660849 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.900766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Y Lim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang E, Papavassiliou P, Wang AR, Louissaint A, Wang J, Hutchinson CB, Huang Q, Reddi D, Wei Q, Sebastian S, Rehder C, Brynes R, Siddiqi I. Composite lymphoid neoplasm of B-cell and T-cell origins: a pathologic study of 14 cases. Hum Pathol 2014; 45:768-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
17
|
Peripheral T-cell lymphomas with cytotoxic phenotype in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2014; 38:279-88. [PMID: 24418862 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is relatively common, and patients occasionally develop other neoplasms; however, patients who develop other types of lymphomas are rare. We encountered 3 patients with CLL/SLL (one 59-y-old man and 2 women aged 56 and 66 y) who developed T-cell lymphomas. Both women developed ALK anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), whereas the man developed CD8 peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. All 3 T-cell lymphomas expressed granzyme B and perforin, indicating a cytotoxic immunophenotype. In 1 case, the first presentation was a lymph nodal composite lymphoma. In the other 2 cases, the T-cell lymphomas arose <1 year after the diagnosis of CLL/SLL and were identified in a lymph node in one case and in the spleen in the other. The patient with a composite lymphoma (SLL/ALK ALCL) was treated and was free of disease at last follow-up, whereas the other 2 patients succumbed to their disease, 1 month and 7 months after the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas rarely occur in CLL/SLL patients. On the basis of our small series, those with a cytotoxic phenotype appear to be more common in this setting. The occurrence of ALK ALCL in 2 older patients was especially surprising and suggested that CLL/SLL may have played a role in the development of ALCL.
Collapse
|
18
|
|