Immunophenotyping of Hodgkin's disease--an aid to its classification

Based on morphological, phenotypic, genotypic and clinical findings, Hodgkin's disease has recently been classified into two subtypes: Nodular lymphocyte predominant and classical Hodgkin's disease. Forty-two cases of Hodgkin's disease were subjected to detailed morphological assessment and immunophenotyping. The commonest subtype was Nodular Sclerosis seen in 27 cases. The panel of antibodies used was CD 15, CD 30, CD 3, CD 20, CD 45 and Epithelial Membrane Antigen. Immunophenotyping was done by Streptavidin Biotin Peroxidase complex technique. CD 30 was expressed in 86% and CD 15 in 76% cases. Immunophenotype helped reclassify two cases, according to the WHO classification scheme. Although morphology remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, immunophenotype is a useful adjunct in differentiating prognostically distinct subtypes.