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Published on: March 30, 2018
Human immunodeficiency virus-negative plasmablastic lymphoma in Korea
Ji Eun Kim1, Young A Kim, Wook Youn Kim
1Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|April 18, 2009
Summary
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) in Koreans is rare and often occurs in HIV-negative individuals, differing from typical presentations. This study highlights varied organ involvement and distinct subtypes, suggesting unique characteristics in this population.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- PBL predominantly affects Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, often involving the oral cavity and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Observation:
- This study analyzed six Korean cases of PBL.
- All patients were HIV-negative and lacked other immunodeficiencies.
- The demographic profile included a bimodal age distribution (with a peak in those >60 years) and male predominance (5:1 ratio).
Findings:
- Organs involved included the terminal ileum, stomach, oral cavity, tonsil, nasal cavity, and meninges.
- Histologically, tumors showed typical PBL features, with subtypes including oral mucosa type and plasmacytic differentiation.
- Immunophenotyping revealed loss of B-cell antigens in five cases, with CD138 or MUM1 substitution. CD10 was positive in two cases, one expressing cytokeratin. EBV was detected in only one case.
Implications:
- PBL in Koreans may not be strongly associated with HIV or EBV.
- The disease exhibits diverse organ distribution, challenging the typical oro-nasal predilection.
- These findings suggest unique clinicopathologic characteristics of PBL in the Korean population, warranting further investigation.