The outcome of radiation therapy as a primary treatment in orbital lymphoma: a systematic review

BackgroundThe extranodal marginal-zone B-cell lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is the most common orbital and adnexal lymphomas. Radiotherapy is one of the most preferred treatment options for orbital lymphomas since they are localized and radiation sensitive. The objective of this study is to evaluate how radiation therapy affected the outcome of orbital MALT lymphoma.Materials and methodsPRISMA guideline was used to conduct this systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library), then we assessed the quality of evidence of each paper.ResultsTwenty-five studies were finally included. 94% studies were intended for definitive therapy and almost all of the studies used external radiation sources. The total doses given to the tumor bed ranged from 4 Gy to 55 Gy and were divided into three groups: ultra-low dose (4–6 Gy), standard-dose (24–30.6 Gy), and high-dose (> 30.6 Gy). 75–90% patients showed CR and local relapse was only reported at 3.5–5%. Higher 5-year PFS was reported in the patients group with lens shielding (90.1% vs. 82.1%) and an increase in Meiboscore after RT courses. Toxicities, including dry eye and cataract, were reported in several patients. Acute toxicities subsided gradually over a few months with artificial tears. The risk of early cataract formation increases in patients who received > 30 Gy and lower in the IMRT group.ConclusionRT is a successful primary definitive therapy for low-grade orbital MALT lymphoma, with a high survival rate, low recurrence rate, and typically acceptable toxicity.     

Carcinoma and multiple lymphomas in one patient: establishing the diagnoses and analyzing risk factors

Multiple malignancies may occur in the same patient, and a few reports describe cases with multiple hematologic and non-hematologic neoplasms. We report the case of a patient who showed the sequential occurrence of four different lymphoid neoplasms together with a squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. A 62-year-old man with adenopathy was admitted to the hospital, and lymph node biopsy was positive for low-grade follicular lymphoma. He achieved a partial remission with chemotherapy. Two years later, a PET-CT scan showed a left hilar mass in the lung; biopsy showed a squamous cell carcinoma. Simultaneously, he was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma in a neck lymph node; after chemo- and radiotherapy, he achieved a complete response. A restaging PET-CT scan 2 years later revealed a retroperitoneal nodule, and biopsy again showed a low-grade follicular lymphoma, while a biopsy of a cutaneous scalp lesion showed a CD30-positive peripheral T cell lymphoma. After some months, a liver biopsy and a right cervical lymph node biopsy showed a CD30-positive peripheral T cell lymphoma consistent with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Flow cytometry and cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis performed at diagnosis and during the patient’s follow-up confirmed the presence of two clonally distinct B cell lymphomas, while the two T cell neoplasms were confirmed to be clonally related. We discuss the relationship between multiple neoplasms occurring in the same patient and the various possible risk factors involved in their development.     

CD20-specific chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells as salvage therapy in rituximab-refractory/relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Background aimsThe infusion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that target specific tumor-associated antigens is a promising strategy that has exhibited encouraging results in clinical trials. However, few studies have focused on the effectiveness and safety of CD20 CAR T cells in rituximab-refractory/relapsed (R/R) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients, particularly those treated with rituximab for a short time. This prospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness and toxicity of CD20 CAR T cells in R/R B-NHL patients previously treated with rituximab.MethodsThe authors conducted a prospective, single-center phase I study on the effectiveness and toxicity of CD20 CAR T cells in rituximab-treated R/R B-NHL patients (no. ChiCTR2000036350). A total of 15 patients with R/R B-NHL were enrolled between November 21, 2017, and December 1, 2021.ResultsAn overall response rate of 100% was shown in enrolled patients, with 12 (80%) achieving complete remission and three (20%) achieving partial remission for the best response. The median follow-up time was 12.4 months. Progression-free survival and overall survival were not yet reached by the data cutoff day. No patient developed grade 4 cytokine release syndrome, and only one patient had immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.ConclusionsAll enrolled B-NHL patients who were previously R/R to rituximab achieved different degrees of clinical response with tolerable toxicities. Notably, patients who had received rituximab within 3 months had a poorer prognosis.     

Survival and consolidative radiotherapy in patients living with HIV and treated for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

ObjectivesCurrent guidelines tend to treat HIV positive (HIV+) patients as their seronegative counterparts with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) but little is known about their radiotherapy responses differences.Patients and MethodsA retrospective cohort of all consecutive HIV+ DBCL patients treated with chemotherapy between 2004 and 2018 was assessed. All patients had biopsy-proven lymphomas. They were included if the proposed radical treatment was done without progression or death during chemotherapy and had at least 6 months of follow-up or were followed until death.ResultsFifty-three (53) patients were selected, with a median age at diagnosis of 41.39 years (20–65 years). Median follow-up of 35.16 months (1.4–178.7 months). Male patients accounted for 54.7% and most had a good performance in the ECOG scale at diagnoses (81.1% are ECOG 0−1). Median overall survival was not reached. Mean OS was 41.5 months with 16 deaths. Age had an impact on OS, with patients older than 60 years at more risk (p = 0.044), as did longtime use of HAART, with those that started antiretroviral therapy within the diagnose of the lymphoma at greatest risk (p = 0.044). RT did not have an impact on OS (p = 0.384) or PFS (p = 0.420), although survival curves show better OS in the radiotherapy group. Toxicities were rare, since none of the patients had grade 3 or superior toxicity.ConclusionRT did not impact survival or progression in our limited sample, but a longer OS may occur after the first-year post RT. RT should be tested in prospective data in the HIV+ population with DLBCL.     

Immunophenotypic analysis of simultaneous specimens from different sites from the same patient with malignant lymphoma

Immunophenotypic analysis of simultaneous specimens from different sites from the same patient with malignant lymphoma The assumption that immunophenotypic characteristics of different specimens obtained simultaneously from the same patient remain unchanged has rarely been evaluated. Using flow cytometry, we reviewed our experience of 29 patients with non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). From these patients, 60 simultaneous specimens taken from the peripheral blood, bone marrow, effusions, fine needle aspirates from lymph nodes or cerebrospinal fluid were studied. In 26 out of 29 patients, the immunophenotype in the different specimens was identical. In one patient with unclassifiable low-grade B-NHL, immunophenotyping showed additionally a CD38 expression in the effusion which was not seen in the bone marrow. In one patient with mantle cell lymphoma, expression of CD10 in the lymph node was noted which was lacking in the peripheral blood. In the remaining patient with unclassifiable low-grade B-NHL, CD23 expression was noted in the lymph node but not in the peripheral blood. This retrospective study suggests that discordant antigen expression in samples from different body sites within the same patient is a rare event.     

A prospective analysis of low-grade gastric malt lymphoma after Helicobacter pylori eradication

BACKGROUND: Primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) is known to be successfully treated with anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) therapy alone. However, there are few reports on long-term results after eradication therapy. The aims of this study were to analyze the rate and the interval to reach complete remission (CR), and to assess the rate and the factors affecting recurrence of MALT lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2003, a total of 90 H. pylori-infected patients with low-grade MALT lymphoma were included in this study. For initial staging, endoscopic ultrasonography, chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scans, and bone marrow examination were taken. All patients were made to take anti-H. pylori therapy for 14 days. Tumoral response was assessed by endoscopy every 3 months till CR and every 6 months after achieving CR. RESULTS: Among 90 treated patients, 85 (94.4%) reached CR. The median interval to CR was 3 months (range, 1-24). Seventy-nine (92.9%) patients were in CR at 12 months. Median follow-up period after CR was 45 months (range 15-109). Among 77 patients who were followed-up after CR, 8 (10.4%) patients were proved with recurrence of MALT lymphoma. Cumulative recurrence rate was 2.7, 11.5, and 12.2% at 1, 2, and 3 years. The presence of H. pylori was only a significant risk factor affecting recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The status of H. pylori is the most important risk factor affecting recurrence. Therefore, adequate eradication regimen and accurate regular evaluation for H. pylori status are needed during follow up of primary gastric low-grade B-cell MALT lymphoma.     

国产利妥昔单抗治疗弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤的疗效及安全性

摘要 目的：探讨弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者采用国产利妥昔单抗为基础的化疗方案的疗效及安全性。方法：回顾性分析2020年3月至2022年5月份在安徽省第二人民医院血液内科诊治的弥漫大B淋巴瘤患者31例,均接受国产利妥昔单抗为基础的联合方案化疗,其中非生发中心来源的弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者25例,生发中心来源的弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者6例。21~28 d为一个疗程,这些患者至少接受2~8个疗程的联合化疗,并且2个疗程以后进行疗效评估及不良反应监测。结果：①本研究31例弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者接受利妥昔单抗为基础的联合化疗方案治疗后,疗效评估为完全缓解CR 16例（51.6%）,部分缓解PR 10例（32.3%）,疾病稳定SD 2例（6.5%）,疾病进展PD 3例（9.7%）,总体反应率ORR 83.9%。②31例弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者接受国产利妥昔单抗治疗后,常见的不良反应发生率依次为：血液学毒性29.0%（9/31）,包括中性粒细胞减少、血小板减少等等。其次为感染19.4%（6/31）、消化道症状16.1%（5/31）,包括腹痛、腹泻、便秘等等。所有常见不良反应经过对症处理后均可好转。仅有1例患者发生过敏反应3.2%（1/31）,1例患者因病情严重而死亡。结论：国产利妥昔单抗在弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者的治疗中具有良好的临床疗效及安全性,不良反应较少,值得进一步探讨和应用。     

Expression of microRNAs in diffuse large B cell lymphoma is associated with immunophenotype, survival and transformation from follicular lymphoma

MicroRNAs are naturally occurring small RNA species that regulate gene expression and are frequently abnormally expressed in cancers. However, the role of microRNAs in lymphoma is poorly understood. Therefore, we undertook a comprehensive study of microRNA expression in two of the most common lymphomas: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) ( n = 80) and follicular lymphoma (FCL) ( n = 18) using microarrays containing probes for 464 human microRNAs. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed distinct expression patterns between these two lymphomas and specific microRNA signatures (including members of the miR-17–92 cluster) were derived that correctly predicted lymphoma type in >95% of cases. Furthermore, we identified microRNAs in de novo DLBCL ( n = 64) associated with germinal centre-like and non-germinal centre-like immunophenotypes, international prognostic index status and event-free survival in CHOP and rituximab (R)-CHOP treated patients. Despite the indolent nature of FCL a significant proportion of cases undergo high-grade transformation to more aggressive DLBCL. In order to see if transformation is associated with changes in microRNA expression we compared transformed DLBCL cases ( n = 16) with de novo DLBCL, as well as FCL cases that underwent subsequent transformation ( n = 7) with FCL cases that had not transformed at a median follow-up of 60 months ( n = 11). Differential expression of 12 microRNAs correctly predicted >85% of transformed versus de novo DLBCL cases; six microRNAs ( miR-223, 217, 222 , 221 and let-7i and 7b) were found which could similarly predict or transformation in FCL ( P < 0.05). These data suggest that microRNAs have potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers in these lymphomas and may be used to identify FCL patients at risk of high-grade transformation.     

Radioimmunotherapy of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: from the 'magic bullets' to 'radioactive magic bullets'

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of lymphoma with Zevalin and Bexxar was approved by FDA in 2002 and 2003, respectively, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CD20+ follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma. In 2009, Zevalin was also approved for consolidation therapy in patients with follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that achieve a partial or complete response to first-line chemotherapy. For follicular lymphoma patients, the overall response and progression-free survival rates have significantly improved since the implementation of RIT. The predominant complication of RIT is hematological toxicity that is usually manageable. There are ongoing trials to further define the expanding role of RIT as first line or concomitant therapy in the treatment of lymphoma as well as for certain antibiotic resistant infections and aggressive malignancies. There is also growing interest in the development of newer protocols for increased and more uniform dose delivery resulting in better outcomes and improved patient survival. This review will primarily focus on the role of RIT in treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is of established clinical utility and FDA approved. The mechanism of RIT, available radionuclides and pharmacokinetics, therapy administration, clinical utility and toxicities, and future directions would be discussed.     

Immunological microenvironment gene expression in patients with diffuse large B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma

BackgroundNon Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the immune system cancers. The occurrence and progression of malignant lymphomas depends on cellular pathways deregulation. Understanding the relationship between the immune system at the genetic level and malignant transformation is critical to reach its etiology.ObjectiveThe aim of this work is to evaluate the expression of five immune related genes (PD-1, FOXP3, GrA, GrB and CD11c) in patients with diffuse large B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL).Materials and methodsThis study was conducted on fifty patients with DLBCL and fifty sex and age matched apparently healthy subjects. The participants were subjected to these laboratory investigations: complete blood count, serum lactate dehydrogenase and β2microglobulin (β₂M) levels and determination of PD-1, FOXP3, GrA, GrB and CD11c gene expressions.ResultsThe results of this study revealed that PD-1, FOXP3, GrA, GrB and CD11c gene expressions were significantly increased in DLBCL patients.ConclusionPatients with DLBCL have variablePD-1, FOXP3,GrA, GrB and CD11cgene expressions levels, which are correlated with the overall survival (OS) indicating that they can be good predictors of outcome in these patients.     

Gastric MALT lymphoma and Helicobacter pylori.

Primary gastric low-grade B-cell lymphomas are neoplastic mimics of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) as exemplified by Peyer''s patches in the terminal ileum. Architectural and immunophenotypic properties of the neoplastic cells suggest that they originate from MALT-derived marginal zone B-cells. Paradoxically, the normal human stomach is devoid of organized MALT within which a lymphoma can develop. Lymphoid tissue is acquired in the stomach in response to antigenic stimulation, predominantly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Studies of patients with low-grade MALT lymphoma have confirmed a high incidence of H. pylori infection and suggest that the infection predates neoplastic transformation. Certain morphological features of MALT lymphomas suggest that the tumor cells remain responsive to antigen drive. Given the close association between gastric MALT lymphoma and H. pylori, it is possible that this organism provides such a drive. In vitro studies have shown that the tumor cells proliferate in a T-cell-dependent way to the presence of H. pylori. Several studies have now demonstrated that eradication of the organism in patients with low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma can result in regression of the tumor. In cases with a high-grade component, the associated low-grade part may regress, but most high-grade gastric MALT lymphomas are unresponsive to this conservative therapy.     

Total skin electron beam therapy for primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: clinical characteristics and outcomes in a Mexican reference center

AimThe aim of this study was to assess treatment modalities, treatment response, toxicity profile, disease progression and outcomes in 14 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (PCTCL) treated with total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT).BackgroundPrimary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs) are extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas originating in the skin without evidence of extracutaneous disease at diagnosis. Despite advances in systemic and local therapy options, the management of advanced stages remains mostly palliative.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients with PCTCL, diagnosed and treated in a reference center in Mexico City, analyzing treatment modalities, response to treatment, long-term outcome, and mortality.ResultsEight males (57%) and 6 (43%) females were identified. Most patients were stage IVA (n = 5, 36%) followed by stage IB and IIB (28.5% and 21.4%, respectively). Eleven patients received the low-dose RT scheme (12 Gy), 1 patient, the intermediate-dose RT scheme (24 Gy), and 2 patients, the conventional-dose RT scheme (36 Gy). Mean follow-up time was 4.6 years. At first follow-up examination, 6–8 weeks after radiotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) for the cohort was 85%. The median PFS for the whole cohort was 6 months.ConclusionThis study reinforces the role of TSEBT when compared with other treatment modalities and novel agents. Low-dose TSEBT is now widely used because of the opportunity for retreatment.     

An algorithmic approach to diagnose haematolymphoid neoplasms in effusion by combining morphology,immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics

Objective

There are limited studies of cytology diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in serosal effusion except for occasional case reports. We would like to demonstrate an algorithmic approach for accurate diagnosis, especially in patients without previous history.

Methods

We reviewed 36 cases of lymphoma diagnosed in serosal effusion following an algorithmic approach. Suspected tumour cells were classified into small, intermediate and large sizes and two characteristic forms of plasmacytoid and Reed Sternberg‐like on smears (step 1), followed by utilising panels of immunohistochemical markers and Epstein‐Barr encoding region in situ hybridisation on cell blocks (step 2). A panel of CD3, CD20 and Ki‐67 formed the basic workup, followed by pertinent batteries of immunostaining. Molecular tests were applied in 22 selected cases by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (step 3).

Results

There were 15 diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas; 12 plasma cell myelomas; two mantle cell lymphomas; one anaplastic large cell lymphoma ALK +; one small lymphocytic lymphoma; one plasmablastic lymphoma; one peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, one extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type and two T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. 14 cases with previous history had complete concordance in immunophenotype between cytology and histology. Another 14 cases were primarily diagnosed in patients with initial symptom of effusion based on immunophenotyping and cytogenetic test in selected cases. Eight cases were diagnosed based on morphology alone.

Conclusion

An algorithmic approach based on morphology and immunohistochemistry is the key to making an accurate diagnosis of haematopoietic and lymphoid tumours in effusion. A molecular test is also important for confirmation and prognostic prediction. We reviewed 36 haematolymphoid neoplasms diagnosed in effusion including 14 cases primarily diagnosed in patients without previous history following an algorithmic approach by combining morphology, immunohistochemistry and molecular cytogenetics.     

Proton Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Management of Persistent Acromegaly

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of proton stereotactic radiosurgery (PSRS) for acromegaly that is refractory to surgical treatment and medication.MethodsFrom 1992 to 2003, 22 patients were treated at our institution for persistent acromegaly with use of PSRS. All patients had undergone at least one transsphe-noidal surgical procedure without biochemical cure. The median treatment dose delivered during PSRS was 20 (range, 15 to 24) cobalt gray equivalents.ResultsFollow-up was available for all patients at a median of 6.3 (range, 2.5 to 14.2) years after PSRS. A response to PSRS was observed in 21 of 22 patients (95%). A complete response (CR), defined as sustained (> 3 months) normalization of insulinlike growth factor-I without medical suppression, was attained in 13 patients (59%). Among patients with CR, the median time to CR was 42 (range, 6 to 62) months. No visual complications, seizures, clinical evidence of brain injury, or secondary tumors were noted on regular magnetic resonance imaging scans. One patient had complete pituitary dysfunction before PSRS and was therefore excluded from evaluation for failure. Of the other 21 patients, 8 (38%) had new pituitary deficits.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that PSRS is effective for persistent acromegaly, with 59% of patients attaining normal insulinlike growth factor-I levels without use of any medication after a median of 6.3 years. Our findings indicate that radiosurgery results in an expeditious biochemical response with low morbidity. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:726-734)     

BCL10 expression is unrelated to clinico-pathological parameters or prognoses for oral squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract

BCL-10 (B-cell lymphoma 10) has been linked to a pro-apoptotic gene in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. We describe the expression of BCL10 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relation to clinical, pathological and prognostic parameters. We carried out a retrospective study of 50 patients in Spain who were diagnosed with OSCC. We constructed a tissue microarray of the samples to study the expression of BCL10 using immunohistochemistry. Diffuse and homogeneous staining was observed in the nuclei and cytoplasms of most neoplastic cells of the vast majority of tumors and no significant differences were seen in different areas of the tumors. The expression was unrelated to any clinical or pathological parameters including tumor stage. The intra-class coefficient was 0.97, which indicates the minimal variability among the determinations.     

Consolidative mediastinal radiotherapy for advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma with bulky disease in patients who achieve complete response after chemotherapy in PET-CT era

BackgroundThe role of consolidation mediastinal radiotherapy (RT) for mediastinal bulky disease in advanced-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is controversial in the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) era.Materials and methodsWe reviewed the medical charts of patients with advanced-stage (clinical stage IIX–IVX) cHL and mediastinal bulky that achieved a complete response after first line chemotherapy treatment between August 2010 and December 2020 and compared the results of those who received with those who did not receive consolidation mediastinal RT. Inclusion criteria required PET-CT imaging for staging and response assessment.ResultsWe included 115 patients; 91 received mediastinal RT and 24 did not. Patient’s characteristics were balanced between the two groups. The median age in patients that received and did not receive mediastinal RT was 28 years and 24.5 years, respectively. Median International Prognostic Score among patients that received and did not receive mediastinal RT was 2 and 2.5, respectively. Disease free survival (DFS) was statistically better in patients that received mediastinal RT (p = 0.013). Two-year DFS for patients that received and did not receive mediastinal RT was 95.2% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 87.6–98.2%] and 76.4% (95% CI: 52.2–89.4%), respectively. Overall survival (OS) was not different between the two groups (p = 0.617). In multivariate analysis, not receiving mediastinal radiotherapy and only achieving partial response (vs. complete response) after 2 cycles of chemotherapy were factors predictive of lower DFS.ConclusionDFS, but not OS, was superior in patients that received mediastinal RT.     

Volumetric modulated arc therapy in prostate cancer patients with metallic hip prostheses in a UK centre

AimThis study aimed to investigate whether IMRT using VMAT is a viable and safe solution in dose escalated RT in these patients.BackgroundAn increasing number of prostate cancer patients are elderly and have hip prostheses. These implants pose challenges in radiotherapy treatment planning. Although intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is commonly used, there is a lack of clinical studies documenting its efficacy and toxicities in this subgroup of patients.Materials and methodsThe data from 23 patients with hip prostheses and non-metastatic prostate cancer treated with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy) between 2009 and 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, treatment details and outcome data were collected on all patients. The median follow up was 40.9 months. MRI-CT image fusion was performed and the treatment plans were created using RapidArc™ (RA) techniques utilizing 1 or 2 arcs and 10 MV photon beams.Results96% of patients were treated with a dose of 72 Gy/32 fractions over 44 days. 21/23 plans met the PTV targets. The mean homogeneity index was 1.07. 20/23 plans met all OAR constraints (rectum, bladder). Two plans deviated from rectal constraints, four from bladder constraints; all were classed as minor deviations. One patient experienced late grade 3 genitourinary toxicity. Three other patients experienced late grade 2 or lower gastrointestinal toxicity. One patient had biochemical failure and one had a non-prostate cancer related death.ConclusionsVMAT provides an elegant solution to deliver dose escalated RT in patients with unilateral and bilateral hip replacements with minimal acute and late toxicities.     

Fine needle aspiration cytology of primary lymphoma of the thyroid: a report of 17 cases.

Between 1980 and 1998, 4272 thyroid surgical specimens with a preoperative fine needle aspirate were sent to our Anatomical Pathology Department. Among these cases there were 17 primary thyroid lymphomas, which constituted 0.3% of all the thyroid lesions and 2.3% of the thyroid malignancies. Seven cases were diffuse large B-cell (DLBC) lymphomas and 10 were MALT lymphomas. Of the DLBC lymphomas six were correctly diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and one was diagnosed as positive for malignancy, and among MALT lymphomas four were diagnosed as lymphoma, four as suspicious for lymphoma, and three as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Our data indicate that the diagnosis of primary thyroid lymphoma of high grade is easy, and immunocytochemistry (ICC) can confirm suspicious cases. The diagnosis of MALT lymphoma is more difficult; ICC can confirm suspicious cases, and false-negative results seem to be caused by sampling error, because HT usually coexists with MALT lymphoma.     

Alfacalcidol as a modulator of growth of low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Ten patients with low grade non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma (seven follicular small cleaved and three small lymphocytic) were treated with 1 microgram oral alfacalcidol (1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol) daily. Of the seven patients with lymphomas of follicular small cleaved subtype, one achieved complete and three partial remission, whereas none of three patients with small lymphocytic lymphomas responded. In seven of the 10 patients, 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors were measured in tissue from lymph nodes, and a positive correlation between the presence and amount of receptor and response to alfacalcidol was found. These preliminary data suggest that alfacalcidol has appreciable antitumour activity in low grade non-Hodgkin''s lymphomas.     

Three spontaneous lymphomas in a colony of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)

Cotton-top tamarins are well known for their prevalence to idiopathic colitis and adenocarcinomas. At the same time, information on the incidence of spontaneous lymphomas in this highly endangered species is rare. Records, 212 in total, of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) necropsied at the German Primate Centre between 1979 and 1998 were viewed to establish the prevalence of lymphoid neoplasms. Neoplastic lymphoid cell growth was mentioned in three necropsy records. Immunohistology was performed in all three cases on the remaining formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue using antibodies against CD20, CD3, lysozyme, Ki-67, IgM, IgG, kappa, lambda and EBNA-2. Combining histological and immunohistological results, the lymphomas could be differentiated into two low-grade T-cell lymphomas and one high-grade multicentric polymorphic B-cell lymphoma. This corresponds to a 1.4% incidence of lymphomas in our cotton-top tamarin population over a period of 19 years. Although frozen material was not available and virological testing could not be carried out, clinical or histological evidence did not support an aetiological role of Herpes (H.) saimiri, H. ateles, simian T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) or Epstein-Barr-related herpesvirus in any of these cases. The lymphomas were considered to be spontaneous.