Leukaemic intermediate lymphocytic lymphomas: analysis of twelve cases diagnosed by morphology

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Leukaemic intermediate diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma (ILL) is a rare B-cell neoplasm.
• Morphological analysis is crucial for differentiating ILL from other B-cell disorders like chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the morphological, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic features of twelve ILL cases.
• To evaluate the clinical presentation and disease course of patients with ILL.

Main Methods:

• Morphological assessment of leukaemic cells.
• Immunophenotyping using flow cytometry (CD5, FMC7, CD10) and immunoglobulin staining (mu, chi, lambda).
• Cytogenetic analysis (karyotyping) and DNA analysis for ploidy.

Main Results:

• All twelve cases exhibited typical ILL morphology, distinct from CLL.
• Immunophenotyping revealed B-cell derivation with strong Ig staining, CD5+, FMC7+, and CD10-.
• Eight patients had t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation; hypoploidy was common.
• Patients presented with advanced, widespread disease and low absolute lymphocytosis.
• The disease course was aggressive and unresponsive to conventional chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Leukaemic intermediate diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma is a distinct clinicopathological entity.
• The t(11;14) translocation and hypoploidy are significant findings in ILL.
• ILL follows an aggressive clinical course with limited therapeutic options.