Molecular cytogenetic characterization of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: correlation with clinicopathologic findings...

To improve the definition of the incidence and significance of chromosome lesions occurring in marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL).

Fourteen cases of MZBCL diagnosed according to the REAL classification were studied by conventional chromosome analysis (CCA) and by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using the following probes: 3q27/BCL6, 6q21, 7q31, 9p21/p16, 11q22/ATM, 13q14, 17p13, centromeres of #3, #7, #12. Pertinent clinical data were collected.

Primary disease presentation consisted of histologically documented splenic MZBCL in 9 cases, nodal MZBCL in 3 cases and extra-nodal MZBCL in 2 cases. Four cases showed evolution into a high-grade lymphoma, due to the presence of a predominant large cell or blast cell component. Clonal karyotype anomalies were detected by CCA in 12 cases, 6 of which had a complex karyotype, including all 4 cases with high-grade histology. Interphase FISH confirmed cytogenetic data and revealed several cryptic chromosomal lesions. Overall, total/partial +12 was found in five cases; 13q14 and 17p13 deletion were found in four cases each; +3, 7q31 deletion and a BCL6 split signal were found in three cases; deletions at 6q21 and 11q22.3 in two cases each; +7 and a 9p21 deletion were found in one case each.

i) Besides +3 and 7q-, 13q14 deletion, total/partial +12, BCL6 rearrangement, and deletions at 6q21, 11q22-23, and 17p13.3 are relatively frequent events in MZBCL; ii) unlike in mantle cell lymphoma, 9p21 deletion occurred infrequently in MZBCL; iii) a switch into high grade histology is usually associated with complex chromosome defects, including 6q-, 11q-, +12, and 17p.