CD44 standard isoform expression is associated with diffuse large B cell lymphoma of non-germinal center B cell-like types

Abstract

18531 Background: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be subdivided into germinal center B cell-like (GCB) and non- germinal center B cell-like (Non-GC) types by immunohistochemical profiling. Previous studies showed better survival rate for the GCB groups. CD44 is necessary for tumor spread and metastasis and its expression is generally associated with unfavorable prognosis. We analyzed the expression and prognostic significance of standard isoform CD44s and its variant isoform CD44v6 in DLBCL types. Methods: Tissue microarray blocks were created from 52 nodal DLBCL with control tissue. Immunohistochemical staining for CD10, Bcl-6, MUM-1, CD44s, and CD44v6 were performed. The median follow-up period was 44 months. Results: Nodal DLBCLs were subclassified into GCB [CD10+ or CD10-/Bcl6+/MUM1+, n=17 (33%)] and non-GC subgroups [CD10-/Bcl6- or CD10-/Bcl6+/MUM1+, n=35 (67%)]. CD44s expression appeared more on non-GC cases of DLBCL (p=0.04). CD44s and CD44v6 did not result in any difference according to tumor stage, IPI scores, LDH levels. Upon survival analysis, CD44s and CD44v6 expression did not show any statistical correlation. Conclusions: CD44s expression may play a role during lymphomatogenesis of non-GC type DLBCL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.