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Blastic NK-cell lymphomas (agranular CD4+CD56+ hematodermic neoplasms): a review
Tony Petrella1, Martine Bagot, Rein Willemze
1Centre de Pathologie, Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Dijon, France.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|June 29, 2005
Summary
Blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma, a rare hematologic neoplasm, is reviewed. Evidence suggests these tumors may originate from plasmacytoid dendritic cells, not NK cells.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma, also known as CD4+CD56+ hematodermic neoplasm, is a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy.
- First described in 1994, its cellular origin has been debated, with initial hypotheses suggesting a natural killer cell lineage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical, histopathologic, and phenotypic characteristics of blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma.
- To discuss diagnostic criteria for this entity.
- To present evidence supporting a plasmacytoid dendritic cell origin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published cases.
- Analysis of a series of 30 cases from French and Dutch cutaneous lymphoma study groups.
Main Results:
- The review consolidates major clinical, histopathologic, and phenotypic features of the disease.
- Diagnostic criteria are provided.
- Data supporting a plasmacytoid dendritic cell origin for the tumor cells are presented.
Conclusions:
- Blastic natural killer (NK) cell lymphoma is a distinct entity with specific diagnostic criteria.
- Current evidence suggests a lineage of plasmacytoid dendritic cells rather than natural killer cells for this neoplasm.