CXCL13 and CXCL12 in central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma patients

Abstract

2071 Background: Homing of malignant lymphocytes to the CNS may play a role in the pathogenesis of CNS lymphoma. Recently, the expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR5 as well as their chemokine ligands CXCL12 and CXCL13 by tumor cells in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) has been demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated CXCL12 and CXCL13 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with CNS lymphoma. Methods: Samples from 30 patients with CNS lymphoma (23 with PCNSL and seven with secondary CNS lymphoma) and 40 controls (10 patients with other CNS malignancies and 30 without a malignant CNS disease) were examined. CXCL12 and CXCL13 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The grade of blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption was estimated by the CSF/serum albumin ratio. Results: CNS lymphoma patients and controls did not differ in CXCL12 serum and CSF levels. Serum levels of CXCL13 were generally low. CXCL13 CSF levels, however, were high only in CNS lymphoma patients but not in controls (p < 0.0001). Chemokine levels in CSF and serum did not correlate. In CNS lymphoma CXCL13 concentration in CSF correlated with BBB disruption (R = 0.66, p = 0.003). Elevated CSF levels of CXCL12 and CXCL13 measured in seven CNS lymphoma patients decreased in five patients which responded to chemotherapy, and increased in two with lymphoma progression. Conclusions: Our results suggest a production of CXCL13 within the CNS of CNS lymphoma patients which decreases with response to therapy. Thus, CXCL13 may represent a marker for further diagnostic and prognostic studies. No significant financial relationships to disclose.