Anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma; A developing world experience

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+DLBCL) is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
• ALK+DLBCL presents unique diagnostic challenges due to its aberrant immunophenotype and differential diagnosis with other lymphomas and carcinomas.
• Conventional diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treatments lack clinical or prognostic significance in ALK+DLBCL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a series of 7 ALK+DLBCL cases from Aga Khan University Hospital.
• To review existing literature on ALK+DLBCL.
• To contribute to the understanding of this rare lymphoma subtype in the South Asian population.

Main Methods:

• Case series reporting 7 ALK+DLBCL cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2015.
• Comprehensive literature review on ALK+DLBCL.
• Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment implications.

Main Results:

• The study presents the second-largest reported series of ALK+DLBCL cases globally.
• This is the first reported series from the South Asian subcontinent.
• The findings highlight the diagnostic complexities and the need for specific management strategies.

Conclusions:

• ALK+DLBCL is a distinct and aggressive lymphoma subtype requiring careful diagnosis.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for ALK+DLBCL.
• This study provides valuable data on ALK+DLBCL in a previously underrepresented region.