Expression of c-myc in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and its significance

Abstract

Objective To investigate the protein expression and genetic alterations of c-myc in primary systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL)and discuss its relationship with clinicopathologic features and immunophenotypes. Methods 87 cases of ALCL were selected. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the protein expression of c-myc, ALK, CD3, CD10, CD20, CD30 and EMA. c-myc and ALK genetic alterations were detected by using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FlSH). The interrelationships between protein expression, genetic alterations and clinicopathological parameters were analysed statistically. Results Immunohistochemical results: of 87 cases, ALK protein was expressed in 54 cases(62.1 %). c-myc protein was expressed in 27 cases(31.0 %). ALK and c-myc were co-expressed in 20 cases(23.0 %). c-myc protein expression, ALK and c-myc co-expression increased with the upgrade of ALCL clinical stages, and the expression was higher in International Prognostic Index(IPI)high-risk groups than in low-risk groups(P 0.05), while they were statistically significant in c-myc groups(P < 0.05)and in different IPI groups(P < 0.05). Conclusion c-myc protein expression and aneuploidy were related with ALCL clinical stages and IPI, which could be used as an indicator of estimating ALCL malignant degree and predicting prognosis. Key words: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma; c-myc; Immunohistochemistry; Fluorescence in situ hybridization