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Published on: June 7, 2018
Discrepancies in the immunophenotype of lymphoma cells in samples obtained simultaneously from different anatomic
Mihaela Onciu1, Su G Berrak, L Jeffrey Medeiros
1Department of Hematopathology, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Insights
Immunophenotypic profiles of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cells are generally stable across different sites. However, discrepancies in antigen expression were found in 22% of NHL cases, suggesting potential variations in disease dissemination or microenvironment influence.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) diagnosis relies on immunophenotyping.
- Limited data exists on immunophenotypic consistency across multiple anatomic sites in NHL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare flow cytometry immunophenotypic profiles of NHL cells from simultaneous samples from different anatomic sites.
- To determine the discrepancy rate of antigen expression in NHL.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 64 consecutive NHL cases with paired aspiration or biopsy samples from 2 sites within 30 days.
- Flow cytometry was used to assess immunophenotypic profiles and antigen expression.
Main Results:
- Discordant antigen expression was identified in 14 cases (22%).
- Discrepancies were observed in both morphologically concordant (19%) and discordant (36%) samples.
- CD5, FMC7, and CD20 were the most frequently discrepant antigens.
Conclusions:
- The immunophenotype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells is generally stable.
- Discrepancies in antigen expression can occur in a subset of patients, potentially linked to disease spread or microenvironmental factors.
Abstract:
Few studies have compared the immunophenotypic profiles of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cells obtained simultaneously from different anatomic sites. In the present study, we compared flow cytometry immunophenotypic results in 64 consecutive NHL cases in which aspiration or biopsy of 2 sites was performed within 30 days to assess the potential discrepancy rate. In 14 cases (22%), discordant antigen expression was identified, including 4 (36%) of 11 cases with discordant morphologic features and 10 (19%) of 53 cases with concordant morphologic features in the 2 samples. Discrepancies involved 1 antigen in 10 patients and 2 antigens in 4 patients. Antigens most frequently discrepant included CD5 (n = 4), FMC7 (n = 3), and CD20 (n = 3). We conclude that the immunophenotype of NHL cells is generally stable, yet discrepancies can occur in a subset of patients. Differences in immunophenotype may relate to mechanisms of disease dissemination, influence of the microenvironment, or differential response to therapy.
