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Polymerase chain reaction for bcl-2 in diagnostic lymph node biopsies
J W Said1, A F Sassoon, I P Shintaku
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Summary
The bcl-2 oncogene translocation is a key marker for follicular B-cell lymphoma. Polymerase chain reaction detected bcl-2 in 23% of B-cell lymphomas, primarily in follicular types, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Hematopathology
Background:
- The bcl-2 gene is a marker for the t(14;18) translocation.
- This translocation is indicative of follicular B-cell lymphoma.
- Accurate detection of bcl-2 is crucial for lymphoma diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting the bcl-2 oncogene.
- To assess the prevalence of bcl-2 positivity in various lymphoproliferative diseases.
- To determine if PCR for bcl-2 can differentiate follicular B-cell lymphoma from other lymphoid malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Studied 115 cases of lymphoproliferative disease.
- Utilized PCR with biotin and radiolabeled probes for bcl-2 oncogene detection.
- Targeted major breakpoint and minor cluster regions of the bcl-2 gene.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three percent of B-cell lymphomas tested positive for bcl-2.
- Bcl-2 translocation was found in 12 of 20 nodular follicular center cell lymphomas.
- Only three of 45 diffuse B-cell lymphomas showed bcl-2 translocation; other B-cell and T-cell lymphomas were negative.
Conclusions:
- PCR for bcl-2 is a sensitive and rapid method for evaluating follicular B-cell proliferations.
- Biotinylated probes and alkaline phosphatase reactions offer a non-radioactive alternative.
- This technique aids in the differential diagnosis of lymphoid malignancies.