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Cell-Free DNA Extraction of Vitreous and Aqueous Humor Specimens for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Vitreoretinal Lymphoma
Published on: January 12, 2024
Ophthalmic lymphoma: epidemiology and pathogenesis
1Eye Pathology Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. lenesjo@dadlet.dk
Acta Ophthalmologica
|January 31, 2009
Summary
Ophthalmic lymphoma incidence is rising in Denmark, with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MALT lymphoma) being the most common type. While relapses occur, overall survival remains unaffected, and specific genetic translocations are rare in MALT lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
Background:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) incidence is increasing globally, posing a growing clinical challenge.
- Ophthalmic lymphoma, though uncommon (5%-10% of extranodal lymphomas), is the most frequent orbital malignancy.
- Understanding ophthalmic lymphoma subtypes and trends is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution and incidence trends of ophthalmic lymphoma subtypes in Denmark (1980-2005).
- To analyze clinical factors and cytogenetic changes influencing prognosis in extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MALT lymphoma).
- To investigate the molecular pathogenesis of ocular MALT lymphoma.
Main Methods:
- Review of biopsy-verified ophthalmic lymphoma cases from Danish patients (1980-2005).
- Analysis of lymphoma subtype distribution, incidence rates, and time trends.
- Extended analysis of MALT lymphoma, including clinical factors and cytogenetic data (MALT1 and IGH gene loci).
Main Results:
- Ophthalmic lymphoma incidence increased by an average of 3.4% annually from 1980-2005.
- MALT lymphoma was the predominant subtype in orbital and ocular adnexal lymphomas (>50%), while diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) predominated intraocularly and in the lacrimal sac.
- One-third of MALT lymphoma patients experienced relapse, but overall survival was not significantly impacted; MALT1/IGH translocations were infrequent (5%) but potentially linked to relapse risk.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of ophthalmic lymphoma is significantly increasing in Denmark.
- MALT lymphoma is the primary subtype of ophthalmic lymphoma.
- Molecular pathogenesis of ocular MALT lymphoma rarely involves MALT1/IGH translocations.
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