[Aggressive diffuse lymphoma with malignant pleural effusion expressing c-erbB-2 (neu) oncogene products]

M Mineshita1, T Miyazawa, M Doi

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hiroshima City Hospital, Japan.

Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|June 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This study reports a rare case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in an elderly male. The malignant cells expressed c-neu, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator for lymphoproliferative disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Malignant lymphoma (ML) is a significant hematologic malignancy.
  • Accurate diagnosis and prognostic indicators are crucial for patient outcomes.
  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive subtype requiring effective therapeutic strategies.

Observation:

  • An 83-year-old male presented with pleural effusion and lymphadenopathy.
  • Pathological diagnosis confirmed diffuse, large cell, non-cleaved type ML.
  • Malignant cells exhibited coexpression of CD10, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD24, CD38, Ia, c-neu, and surface immunoglobulin G kappa.

Findings:

  • Flow cytometry analysis revealed specific surface phenotypes of ML cells.
  • High expression of NRAS p21 was detected via cytoplasmic immunofluorescence.
  • The patient's rapid decline and death underscore the aggressive nature of the disease.

Implications:

  • The c-neu oncoprotein, typically associated with breast cancer, was found on ML cells.
  • c-neu expression may serve as a novel prognostic marker in lymphoproliferative disorders.
  • Further research is warranted to validate c-neu as a prognostic indicator in lymphoma.