Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents
Published on: March 25, 2016
Morphologic and phenotypic changes of the leukemic cells in a case of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
J L Dargent1, J P Delville, A Kornreich
1Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium.
Insights
This study reports a unique case of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) with leukemic cells exhibiting variable morphology and phenotype. These findings suggest microenvironmental influences and reopen discussions on the relationship between MZBCL, hairy cell leukemia (HCL), and splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL).
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Leukemic presentation of MZBCL is uncommon.
- Understanding the phenotypic plasticity of lymphoma cells is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A unique case of MZBCL with leukemic lymphocytes exhibiting significant morphological and phenotypic variability over time was observed.
- In vitro functional assays were performed to investigate these dynamic cellular characteristics.
Findings:
- The observed phenotypic changes in leukemic cells suggest a potential dependence on microenvironmental factors and cellular activation states.
- The case presented features that closely resembled hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL).
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex nature of MZBCL and its potential overlap with other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
- It reopens the discussion regarding the potential relationship between splenic marginal zone, SLVL, and HCL, suggesting a possible spectrum of disease.
Abstract:
A particular case of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) presenting with leukemic lymphocytes is reported. In the present observation, the leukemic cells not only displayed a remarkable morphological fluctuation but also had an unusual phenotype, changing with time. These phenotypic features, which have been functionaly investigated by in vitro assays, might simply reflect an activation state depending on the microenvironment. Because of its disconcerting similarities with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL), this case relaunches the debate about whether close relationships might exist between the splenic marginal zone, SLVL and HCL.
