Immunophenotype of thymoma-associated lymphoid cell component of T-cell type

Abstract

The phenotype of the lymphoid cell component of 35 thymomas was investigated by analyzing cryostat sections and lymphocyte suspensions. The morphology in each case was determined by examining multiple tissue samples from different parts of the tumor. Structural heterogeneity was shown in 14 thymomas, and a homogeneous morphology of cortical or medullary or mixed types in the others. To assess whether this heterogeneity was correlated with differences in the lymphoid phenotype, we analyzed both lymphocyte suspensions and frozen sections from the same samples. Phenotypical differences in the suspensions of each thymoma in the heterogeneous group were noted and similar differences were also observed in the cryostat sections. Phenotypical abnormalities were found in some thymomas. They consisted of the simultaneous expression of cortical and medullary markers, which was most marked in the heterogenous mixed-type thymomas invading the lung. Furthermore, the global phenotype was tested on a pool of lymphocyte suspensions in all thymomas. This procedure distinguished cortical, medullary and intermediate cortico-medullary immunophenotype models which closely correlated with the tumor histology. It was concluded that, due to the frequent structural and immunological heterogeneity of thymomas, correct assessment of their lymphoid component requires a two-step analysis. This comprises: 1) individual suspensions from samples taken from different areas of the same thymoma, and 2) a pool of these suspensions. The first step will reveal the different immunological characteristics. In the second, the lymphocyte phenotype, which may vary widely throughout the tumor, will be represented in its totality. These findings may be of great help in predicting clinical patterns, especially possible malignant evolution.