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Flow Cytometry-based Assay for the Monitoring of NK Cell Functions
Published on: October 30, 2016
Prognostic implications of CD30 expression in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma according to treatment
Wook Youn Kim1, Soo Jeong Nam, Sehui Kim
1Department of Pathology, Konkuk University School of Medicine , Seoul , South Korea.
Abstract:
Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) has aggressive behaviors and poor clinical outcomes. A monomethyl auristatin E-conjugated anti-CD30 antibody (brentuximab vedotin) was recently introduced to treat CD30-positive lymphomas. Thus we investigated the clinicopathological features and prognostic implications of CD30 expression in 72 patients with NKTCL. CD30-positive cases, defined as cases with CD30 expression in more than 1%, 5% and 25% of tumor cells as cut-off values (COVs), accounted for 40 (56%), 27 (38%) and 16 (22%) cases of NKTCL, respectively. CD30 expression was significantly higher in large/anaplastic cell-predominant NKTCL than in small/medium cell-predominant cases. CD30-positive NKTCL showed better responses to non-anthracycline-based therapy. CD30-positive NKTCL with COV of 25% showed a lower rate of relapse. Moreover, in patients treated with non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy, CD30 positivity with COV of 5% was significantly and independently associated with longer overall survival. CD30 may be useful as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in NKTCL.
Insights
CD30 expression in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) indicates better treatment response and survival. This finding suggests CD30 is a valuable prognostic factor and therapeutic target for NKTCL patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis.
- CD30 is a promising therapeutic target in various lymphomas, including NKTCL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinicopathological features of CD30 expression in NKTCL.
- To evaluate the prognostic implications of CD30 expression in NKTCL patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 72 NKTCL patients.
- Assessment of CD30 expression using immunohistochemistry with varying cut-off values (COVs).
- Correlation of CD30 expression with clinicopathological features, treatment response, and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- CD30 expression was observed in 56% (1% COV), 38% (5% COV), and 22% (25% COV) of NKTCL cases.
- Higher CD30 expression correlated with large/anaplastic cell morphology.
- CD30-positive NKTCL showed improved response to non-anthracycline therapy and reduced relapse rates.
- CD30 positivity (5% COV) independently predicted longer overall survival in patients receiving non-anthracycline chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- CD30 expression is a significant prognostic factor in NKTCL.
- CD30 positivity is associated with favorable outcomes and may serve as a therapeutic target for NKTCL.

