Effects of Concurrent Expression of Myc and Bcl-2 on the Treatment and Prognosis in Extranodal Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of immunohistochemical and molecular presence of double-hit lymphomas (DHL) (combined expression of myc and bcl-2) on overall and progression-free survival rates of patients with extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: A total of 31 patients (17 female, 14 male; mean age 57 years) with diagnosis of extranodal DLBCL were included into the study. Patients transforming from low grade B cell lymphoma, and patients with HIV positivity were not included. In a retrospective manner, patient characteristics were noted (age at diagnosis, sex, sites of extranodal involvement, stage, high-risk group, histopathological diagnosis, IPI score, LDH level at diagnosis, bone marrow involvement, and treatment modalities). Histopathological specimens underwent immunohistochemical (bcl-6, bcl-2, myc, CD10, Mum-1) and molecular (bcl-2 and myc, by means of PCR) analysis. All patients was treatment with R-CHOP protocol. Results: DHL was observed immunohistochemically in only one patient, while molecular studies found 6 cases. Three-month overall survival rates were 50% and 88% in DHL positive and negative groups, respectively. Six-month overall survival rates were 16% and 76% in DHL positive and negative groups, respectively. Progression-free 3-month survival rates were 51% and 88% in DHL positive and negative groups, respectively. Progression-free 6-month survival rates were 33% and 76% in DHL positive and negative groups, respectively. No relation with histopathological type of the disease was noted. Conclusion: We conclude that DHL presence in patients with extranodal DLBCL was an independent factor leading to shortened overall or progression-free survival.