High-grade B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberrations: A single-center study

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Genetics

Background:

• High-grade B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberrations (HGBL-11q) is a distinct entity under the WHO 5th edition classification.
• HGBL-11q shares features with Burkitt lymphoma but lacks MYC translocation, characterized by specific 11q chromosomal gains and losses.
• The frequency and characteristics of HGBL-11q in Japan are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of 11q aberrations in aggressive B-cell lymphomas (BCLs) in Japan.
• To identify cases of HGBL-11q among BCLs with high-grade (HG) morphology.
• To emphasize the diagnostic utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for 11q aberrations.

Main Methods:

• Classification of 113 Germinal Center B-cell (GCB) type aggressive B-cell lymphomas based on morphology (BL, HG, LC).
• Application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect 11q aberrations in the studied cohort.
• Analysis of patient demographics and morphological subtypes associated with 11q aberrations.

Main Results:

• 11q aberrations were detected in 7.96% (9/113) of aggressive BCLs, with six cases diagnosed as HGBL-11q.
• HGBL-11q constituted 42.9% (6/14) of aggressive B-cell lymphomas with high-grade morphology and without MYC translocation.
• The affected age range was broad (8-87 years), with all identified cases occurring in males.

Conclusions:

• FISH analysis for 11q aberrations is recommended for patients with high-grade morphology and without MYC translocation, irrespective of age.
• Further accumulation of diagnosed HGBL-11q cases is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis, clinical behavior, and prognosis.
• This study contributes to clarifying the prevalence of HGBL-11q in Japan and underscores the importance of accurate molecular diagnostics.