Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Component Research Articles

A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 1b/2 Study to Evaluate the Effects of Maplirpacept in Combination with Tafasitamab and Lenalidomide in People with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Background Maplirpacept (PF-07901801) is an anti-CD47 molecule designed to enhance phagocytosis and antitumor activity by preventing CD47-mediated inhibitory signaling. Maplirpacept currently is being evaluated in an ongoing, multi-center, two-part, Phase 1a/1b study in participants with advanced hematologic malignancies (NCT03530683). Early safety and efficacy results for maplirpacept monotherapy have previously been reported in patients with refractory or relapsed lymphomas (Patel et al. Blood 2021;138:3560). Study Design This trial is a multicenter, open-label, Phase 1b/2 study (NCT05626322), to evaluate the effects of maplirpacept, in combination with tafasitamab and lenalidomide in participants with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The estimated enrollment is 70 patients, and the study will be split into two parts (Figure 1). Phase 1b will determine the maximum tolerated dose or recommended Phase 2 dose (2 dose levels) of maplirpacept, in combination with approved doses of tafasitamab and lenalidomide. In Phase 2, participants will be randomized to high or low doses of maplirpacept, in combination with approved doses of tafasitamab and lenalidomide, as per the Oncology Center of Excellence ‘Project Optimus’ initiative for dose optimization and selection in oncology drug development. Study interventions will be administered in 28-day cycles. Maplirpacept will be given weekly, by intravenous (IV) infusion, for the first three cycles and subsequently every two weeks. Tafasitamab will be administered, by IV infusion, on Days 1, 4, 8, 15 and 22 in cycle 1, weekly in cycles 2 and 3, then every 2 weeks in cycle 4 and beyond. Lenalidomide will be taken orally, daily for Days 1 to 21 of each 28-day cycle, for the first 12 cycles. In Phase 1b, approximately 20 participants will be allocated to sequential doses of maplirpacept, co-administered with approved doses of tafasitamab and lenalidomide, to select doses for further assessment in Phase 2. The primary endpoint for Phase 1b is to assess dose limiting toxicities up to 28 days following the first dose. In Phase 2, approximately 50 participants will be randomized to 1 of 2 different doses of maplirpacept, co-administered with tafasitamab and lenalidomide. The primary endpoint for Phase 2 is objective response as per the Lugano Response Classification Criteria 2014. Secondary endpoints are frequency of adverse events, frequency of clinical laboratory abnormalities, objective response (Phase 1b only), complete response, duration of response, duration of complete response, progression free survival, maplirpacept, tafasitamab and lenalidomide PKs, and immunogenicity of maplirpacept and tafasitamab. Inclusion criteria (Table 1) are adults with histologically confirmed, measurable relapsed and/or refractory DLBCL not otherwise specified, T cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma, or Epstein-Barr virus positive DLBCL according to the 5th edition of the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Additionally, participants with follicular lymphoma grade 3b, or composite lymphoma with a DLBCL component with a subsequent DLBCL relapse are also eligible. Participants with evidence of histological transformation to DLBCL from an earlier diagnosis of low-grade lymphoma are eligible if relapsed or refractory to at least one line of therapy for DLBCL. Further inclusion criteria are participants who are not a candidates for, or are unwilling to receive, high-dose chemotherapy and subsequent stem cell transplant and/or are unable to undergo chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy (e.g. due to logistical limitations), treatment with at ≥1 prior line of systemic therapy (for Phase 2, at least 1, and no more than 2, prior lines of systemic therapy) and prior therapy must include an anti-CD20 antibody. Participants must have adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2. Participants must provide a baseline tumor tissue sample (fresh or archival), for biomarker analysis. Exclusion criteria include previous treatment with anti-CD47, anti-CD19 (other than CAR-T) or immunomodulatory agents, prior allogeneic stem cell transplantation or autologous stem cell transplantation within 12 weeks prior to enrolment, and participants with active, uncontrolled viral, bacterial or fungal infections.

A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase 1b/2 Study to Evaluate the Effects of Maplirpacept in Combination with Glofitamab in People with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Background Maplirpacept (PF-07901801) is an anti-CD47 fusion protein constructed to enhance phagocytosis and antitumor activity via inhibition of CD47-mediated signaling. Maplirpacept is currently being investigated in an ongoing Phase 1, multi-center, 1a/1b study in participants with advanced hematologic malignancies (NCT03530683). Early safety and efficacy results for maplirpacept monotherapy have previously been reported in patients with refractory or relapsed lymphomas (Patel et al. Blood 2021;138:3560). Study Design This trial is a multicenter, open-label, Phase 1b/2 study (NCT05896163), to evaluate the effects of maplirpacept in combination with fixed doses of glofitamab, after a single dose of obinutuzumab, in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The estimated enrollment is 70 patients; the study will be split into 2 parts (Figure 1). Phase 1b will determine the maximum tolerated dose of maplirpacept, with fixed doses of glofitamab and obinutuzumab. In Phase 2, participants will be randomized to low or high doses of maplirpacept, with fixed doses of glofitamab and obinutuzumab, consistent with the FDA ‘Project Optimus’ initiative for dose optimization and selection in oncology drug development. Study interventions will be given intravenously in 21-day cycles. At Cycle 0, participants will receive a single pre-treatment dose of obinutuzumab followed by 2 step-up doses of glofitamab. The combination of maplirpacept with full dose glofitamab will be given at Cycle 1 Day 1. Maplirpacept will be given weekly for the first 3 cycles, then every 3 weeks. Glofitamab will be given every 3 weeks for up to 11 cycles. Subsequently, participants will continue to receive maplirpacept alone. In Phase 1b, participants will be allocated to sequential doses of maplirpacept, given with fixed doses of glofitamab, after 1 dose of obinutuzumab, to select doses of maplirpacept for further evaluation. The primary endpoint for Phase 1b is to assess dose limiting toxicities up to 21 days following the first dose. In Phase 2, participants will be randomized to 2 different doses of maplirpacept, administered with fixed doses of glofitamab, after 1 dose of obinutuzumab. The primary endpoint for Phase 2 is objective response as per the Lugano 2014 response criteria. Secondary endpoints include frequency of adverse events and clinical laboratory abnormalities, objective response (Phase 1b only), duration of response, complete response, duration of complete response, progression free survival, serum concentration vs time for maplirpacept and glofitamab, and immunogenicity of maplirpacept and glofitamab. Adult patients with histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory DLBCL (including DLBCL NOS, primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma and transformed follicular lymphoma, T cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma, Grade 3b follicular lymphoma or composite lymphoma with a DLBCL component with a subsequent DLBCL relapse), will be eligible (Table 1). Participants with histological transformation to DLBCL from an earlier diagnosis of low-grade lymphoma are eligible, except for participants with history of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Treatment with at least 1 prior line of anti-CD20 antibody-based therapy will be included. For Phase 2, no more than 2 prior lines of systemic therapy will be permitted. Patients who are not candidates for, or who are unwilling to undergo high dose chemotherapy and subsequent stem cell transplant and/or are unable or unwilling to receive chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (e.g. for logistical reasons) will be eligible. All patients should have adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function (eGFR ≥45 mL/min) and ECOG performance status ≤2. Exclusion criteria include prior treatment with an anti-CD47 agent, prior anti-CD20xCD3 containing regimen, refractoriness to an obinutuzumab monotherapy containing regimen, prior allogeneic stem cell transplantation or autologous stem cell transplantation within 12 weeks prior to enrolment, high grade B-cell lymphoma with BCL2 and Myc rearrangement, active bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial, parasitic, or other infection.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with co-existing follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma components in rituximab era.

This single-centre study aimed to determine the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis for patients with co-existing FL and DLBCL components (FL/DLBCL). We retrospectively analysed the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients diagnosed with FL/DLBCL (n = 56) and with pure FL (n = 260) or de novo DLBCL (n = 812) (controls) between January 2013 and December 2021. The median age of patients with FL/DLBCL was 52years. The amount of the DLBCL component ranged from 5 to 95%. Among the 56 FL/DLBCL cases analysed, 67.9% were of germinal centre B-cell (GCB) origin, 26.8% non-GCB origin, and 5.3% were unclassified. The clinical features of patients with FL/DLBCL were intermediate, falling between those of FL and DLBCL. Propensity-score matching was performed for patients with similar baseline characteristics who were receiving the rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin or epirubicin, vindesine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen. Patients with FL/DLBCL showed inferior outcomes compared to those with FL, with a lower complete remission (CR) rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Bone marrow involvement and B symptoms were identified as independent adverse prognostic factors for PFS among patients with FL/DLBCL. Patients with FL/DLBCL presented a lower CR rate and PFS but similar OS to those with DLBCL when receiving the R-CHOP regimen. Patients with FL/DLBCL showed inferior treatment response and survival than those with pure FL and had a lower CR rate and PFS, but similar OS to those with DLBCL in the rituximab era.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with follicular lymphoma: A real-world study of 926 patients in China.

BackgroundThe data about the clinical features and outcomes of Chinese patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) are limited. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to explore the initial treatment strategies and clinical outcomes of Chinese patients with FL in the real world.MethodThis study included FL patients who were newly diagnosed in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from March 2002 to August 2020.ResultsA total of 926 FL patients were enrolled. The median age was 54 years old, and the majority of the Chinese FL patients had advanced-stage disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG) <1 but less frequently infiltrated bone marrow. After a median of 38-month follow-up, the 5-year progressive-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of grade1–3a were 57.8% and 88.7%, respectively, which both are similar to those reported in previous Chinese and Western studies. The co-existence at diagnosis of FL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) components (FL/DLBCL) was associated with poor outcomes. The FL grades and proportion of DLBCL component in FL/DLBCL did not have an impact on PFS and OS. The most common regimen with great efficacy and risk–benefit was RCHOP-like followed by R maintenance regimen. The 5-year cumulative hazard of histological transformation (HT) was 4.7% (95% CI, 3.5–5.9); median time to transformation was 23.5 months (range, 2–146 months) after diagnosis. Three-year survival following transformation was 55% (95% CI, 40–70). Patients with stage III–IV, elevated β2 microglobulin (β2-MG), and B symptoms seemed to be more prone to progress within 24 months of frontline therapy (POD24). The FLIPI-2 showed the highest specificity to predict POD24, reflecting the prediction of correctly classifying as low-risk patients, but the FLIPI had the highest sensitivity to predict the risk of progression for critical patients.ConclusionsWe revealed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of FL patients in the real world in China, which may provide novel data on prognostic factors and primary treatment of FL, applicable to routine clinical practice.

Clinical features and outcomes of newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma concurrent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component

Objective: To explore the clinical features and survival of newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma (FL) patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) component. Methods: 1845 newly diagnosed FL patients aged ≥ 18 years with grades 1-3a in 11 medical centers in China from 2000 to 2020 were included, and patients with DLBCL component were screened. The clinical data and survival data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, and the prognostic factors were screened by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 146 patients (7.9% ) with newly diagnosed FL had DLBCL component. The median age was 56 (25-83) years, 79 males (54.1% ) . The pathology of 127 patients showed the proportion of DLBCL component. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether the proportion of DLBCL component was ≥ 50% . The study found that patients with DLBCL component ≥ 50% had higher grade 3 ratio (94.3% vs 91.9% , P=0.010) , Ki-67 index ≥ 70% ratio (58.5% vs 32.9% , P=0.013) and PET-CT SUVmax ≥ 13 ratio (72.4% vs 46.3% , P=0.030) than patients with DLBCL component<50% . All patients received CHOP or CHOP like ± rituximab chemotherapy. The overall response rate (ORR) was 88.2% , and the complete response (CR) rate was 76.4% . In the groups with different proportions of DLBCL component, there was no significant difference in the remission rate after induction treatment and the incidence of disease progression within 2 years after initiation of treatment (POD24) (P<0.05) . The overall estimated 5-year progression free survival (PFS) rate was 58.9% , and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 90.4% . The 5-year OS rate of POD24 patients was lower than that of non POD24 patients (70.3% vs 98.5% , P<0.001) . Compared with non maintenance treatment of rituximab, maintenance treatment of rituximab could not benefit the 5-year PFS rate (57.7% vs 58.8% , P=0.543) , and the 5-year OS rate had a benefit trend, but the difference was not statistically significant (100% vs 87.8% , P=0.082) . Multivariate analysis showed that failure to reach CR after induction treatment was an independent risk factor for PFS (P=0.006) , while LDH higher than normal was an independent risk factor for OS (P=0.031) . Conclusion: FL patients with DLBCL component ≥50% have more invasive clinical and pathological features. CHOP/CHOP like ± rituximab regimen can improve the clinical efficacy of patients. Rituximab maintenance therapy can not benefit the PFS and OS of patients. Failure to reach CR after induction therapy was the independent unfavorable factor for PFS.

Composite Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parotid salivary gland of a patient with Sj\xf6gren\u2019s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus is associated with many human hematopoietic neoplasms; however, Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is extremely rare. In routine clinical practice, detection of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a tissue sample presumes a clonal relation between these neoplasms and that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma developed by transformation of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. However, evidence to support this presumption is sparse and controversial. Assessment of the clonal relationship of the lymphoid components of a composite lymphoma is important for understanding its pathogenesis and correct diagnosis.Case presentationWe present an unusual case of composite lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma/Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) in the parotid salivary gland of a 62-year-old Caucasian woman with Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Simultaneous occurrence of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parotid salivary gland led us to initially assume a clonal relationship between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus was detected by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, but not in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that these lymphomas were not clonally related. Fragment analysis of frame region 3 polymerase chain reaction products from microdissected mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma components revealed different clonal pattern rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene.ConclusionsOur patient’s case highlights the importance of assessing the clonal relationships of the lymphoid components of a composite lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus screening in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in patients with autoimmune disease.

Clinicobiological features and prognostic impact of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component in the outcome of patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma

BackgroundThe co-existence at diagnosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) components (FL/DLBCL) has been considered a transformed lymphoma and accordingly treated although clinicobiological information on these patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the initial features and outcome of FL/DLBCL patients in the rituximab era. Patients and methodsAll patients consecutively diagnosed at a single institution with FL/DLBCL (n = 40), as well as those with pure FL (n = 328) or de novo DLBCL (n = 510) as controls. ResultsThe proportion of the DLBCL component was highly variable (median 50%). In 29 FL/DLBCL cases analyzed, the cell of origin was GCB in 86%, ABC in 10% and unclassifiable in 4%. NOTCH1-2 was mutated in 10% of these cases. The proportion of DLBCL component did not impact on overall survival (OS). Regarding initial characteristics, patients with FL/DLBCL were closer to FL in terms of primary nodal origin, good performance status and advanced stage, whereas the other features were intermediate between FL and DLBCL. FL/DLBCL patients were treated as DLBCL with no further intensification. Complete response and primary refractory rates were 65% and 20%, respectively, with these figures being similar to DLBCL and worse than FL. Progression-free survival and OS were intermediate between FL and DLBCL (5-year OS: 85%, 73% and 63% for FL, FL/DLBCL and DLBCL, respectively). FL/DLBCL histology did not reach independent prognostic value for OS in the multivariate analyses. ConclusionsThe outcome of FL/DLBCL patients is not worse than that of de novo DLBCL. These cases should be treated with immunochemotherapy as DLBCL, but intensification with ASCT may not be necessary. The biological insights of FL/DLBCL warrants further genetic and molecular studies.

Clinical Impact of the Presence of a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Component in the Outcome of Untreated Patients with Follicular Lymphoma (FL)

Introduction: Histological transformation into an aggressive lymphoma, usually DLBCL, may occur during the follow-up of FL patients and determines a poor outcome. The presence of a DLBCL component in a FL (FL/DLBCL) is observed in some cases at diagnosis, usually being considered a transformation of a FL with a previously undetected indolent course. The clinical implications of this situation in terms of prognosis and treatment remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinicobiological characteristics and outcome of patients diagnosed with FL/DLBCL in the rituximab era, in comparison with patients diagnosed with pure FL or de novo DLBCL at the same period in a single institution.Patients and Methods: Eight hundred seventy eight patients sequentially diagnosed with either FL, DLBCL or FL/DLBCL between 2002 and 2015 ina single institution were included in the study. The histological distribution was as follows: FL grade 1, 2, 3a, 320 cases (140M/180F; median age, 58 years), FL 3b, 8 cases (4M/4F; median age, 66 years), DLBCL, 510 cases (275M/235F; median age, 65 years) and FL/DLBCL, 40 (16M/24F; median age, 65 years).According to institutional guidelines, the latter were treated as aggressive lymphomas, with no maintenance or further intensification. All FL/DLBCL biopsies were reviewed and the DLBCL component semiquantified. Cell of origin (COO) assessment by gene expression-based assay was determined in 127 cases and NOTCH1-2 mutational status in 216.Results: Main clinicobiological characteristics of the patients according to the histology are listed in the table. Compared to DLBCL cases, FL/DLBCL patients showed more frequently ambulatory performance status, primary nodal origin and advanced stage, with these features being closer to those of FL patients. On the contrary, FL/DLBCL patients had an intermediate position between FL and DLBCL cases regarding B-symptoms, bone marrow infiltration, hemoglobin and serum LDH levels. The proportion of DLBCL component in FL/DLBCL cases ranged from 5 to 95%, with no significant differences in the initial characteristics according to the proportion of DLBCL component. COO was determined in 11 FL/DLBCL, with 8 (73%) being GCB, 2 (18%) ABC, and 1 unclassified. Such distribution in 116 DLBCL with COO available was: 50 (43%) GCB, 50 (43%) ABC and 16 unclassified. NOTCH 1-2 was mutated in 4/39 (10%) FL/DLBCL, whereas this proportion was 1/41 (2%) FL and 11/136 (8%) DLBCL. All FL/DLBCL patients were treated as aggressive lymphoma with no intensification after front-line therapy. The proportion of primary refractoriness in FL/DLBCL patients was significantly higher than in FL and similar to that of DLBCL. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) are showed in the table and figure. Among the 40 FL/DLBCL cases, the amount of DLBCL component did not show prognostic impact, whereas the histological grade did (5-year OS FL grades 1-2-3a/DLBCL, 92% vs. FL grade 3b/DLBCL, 38%; p=0.001). In the different cohorts analyzed (FL+FL/DLBCL, FL+FL/DLBCL+DLBCL, and FL/DLBCL+DLBCL), FL/DLBCL histology did not show independent value for OS in multivariate analyses that included standard prognostic variables, namely, serum β2m and FLIPI or IPI scores. Sequential biopsies were available in 120 cases, with the following distribution according to the primary diagnosis: FL, 60 cases (at relapse: 37 FL and 23 DLBCL), FL/DLBCL, 6 cases (at relapse: 3 FL, 2 FL/DLBCL and 1 DLBCL), and DLBCL, 54 cases (at relapse: 4 FL and 50 DLBCL).Conclusion: Patients with FL/DLBCL, although infrequent, exists and have clinicobiological differentiated features compared to pure FL and DLBCL. When treated with standard immunochemotherapy their outcome is not worse than that of de novo DLBCL. Some clinicobiological characteristics suggest FL/DLBCL to be a specific category rather than a transformation from a FL; however, this warrants further biological studies. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Highly recurrent mutations of SGK1, DUSP2 and JUNB in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL)-a subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)-is characterized by a low content of tumor cells, the lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells. Transformation into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs in about 10% of patients. We performed whole-genome mutation analysis of the DLBCL components from two composite lymphomas consisting of clonally related NLPHL and DLBCL as a means to identify candidate tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes in NLPHL. The analysis of LP cells for selected mutations of the DLBCL revealed that most mutations are also present in the LP cells, indicating a close relationship between the two components. The analysis of 62 selected genes in NLPHL by targeted ultra-deep sequencing revealed three novel highly recurrently mutated genes (each mutated in ~50% of cases), that is, DUSP2, SGK1 and JUNB. SGK1 was expressed in the LP cells of primary NLPHL cases and in the NLPHL cell line DEV. Administration of an SGK1 inhibitor induced apoptosis in the NLPHL cell line DEV and the DLBCL cell line Farage, suggesting a pathogenetic role of SGK1 in the LP and DLBCL cells. In summary, the present study identifies SGK1, DUSP2 and JUNB as novel key players in the pathogenesis of NLPHL.

Lack Of Clinical Benefit For Routine Surveillance Imaging For Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma In First Complete Remission

BackgroundThe use of routine surveillance imaging (RSI) for patients in first complete remission (CR1) following front-line rituximab (R) based anthracycline therapy remains controversial. We compared patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who received an R-CHOP or a similar regimen, obtained a CR and then were followed by either RSI or clinical surveillance (CS) in which scans were only performed for signs or symptoms. MethodsPatients from three tertiary care center from 2001-2011, who achieved a CR1 with frontline R-CHOP or similar therapy for DLBCL, and had a minimum follow up of 1 year were analyzed. Patients with HIV-related lymphoma, transformed lymphoma, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders were excluded. Patients with composite lymphoma were included only if the DLBCL component was >50%. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the surveillance strategy employed. Baseline patient characteristics, prognostic features, treatment type, and outcomes were compared. Results391 patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP or similar regimens who obtained CR1 were analyzed. There were 129 patients in the CS group and 262 in the RSI group. Patient characteristics (age, gender, stage, and IPI) were similar in the two groups. The median follow up is 5 years (range 1 – 12). Relapse after CR1 was detected in 26 (20%) of patients in the CS group and 46 (18%) of the RSI group. The median number of images in the CS group was 0 (range 0-14) and 4 (range 1-27) in the RSI group, p<0.0001. The median average number of images per year of follow up in the CS group was 0 (range 0-6) and 1 (range 1-13) in the RSI group, p<0.0001. Relapses were detected through clinical manifestations in 100 % of CS cases versus 43% in RSI cases, p=0.01. The 5 year progression-free survival (PFS) was 76% in the CS group and 82 % in the RSI group (p = 0.31). The 5 year overall survival (OS) was 87% in the CS group and 92 % in the RSI group (p=0.15). The table shows an analysis of OS by IPI and type of surveillance. ConclusionsThe majority of relapses in patients with DLBCL after achieving CR1 to an R-CHOP or similar regimen occur when signs or symptoms of the disease lead to evaluation and are not detected by RSI. Although asymptomatic relapses are occasionally detected by RSI, in this large cohort of patients neither a PFS nor OS benefit could be demonstrated in favor of RSI. Given the additional cost, radiation exposure and risk of additional procedures, we conclude that the use of RSI in patients with DLBCL in CR1 has limited clinical utility. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.5 year Overall SurvivalCS GroupRSI Groupp-valueLow IPI (n=174)94 (84-98)97 (90-99)0.53Low-Int IPI (n=86)84 (57-95)88 (74-94)0.71High-Int IPI (n=93)78 (29-93)90 (68-97)0.25High IPI (n=38)74 (29-93)78 (53-91)0.83

Clinicopathological prognostic indicators in 107 patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma transformed from follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) frequently transforms into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To clarify the associated clinicopathological prognostic parameters, we examined the correlation of 11 histopathological parameters with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 107 consecutive patients who had DLBCL with pre-existing (asynchronous) or synchronous FL. The patients comprised 58 men and 49 women with a median age of 56 years. For DLBCL, the complete response rate was 81%, overall response rate was 88%, and 5-year PFS and OS rates were 55% and 79%, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis of the DLBCL component revealed the following positivity rates: CD10, 64%; Bcl-2, 83%; Bcl-6, 88%; MUM1, 42%; GCB, 82%; cMyc index ≥80%, 17%; and Ki-67 index ≥90%, 19%. IGH/BCL2 fusion was positive in 57% of DLBCL cases. In univariate analyses, asynchronous FL and DLBCL (24%, P = 0.021), 100% proportion of DLBCL (29%, P = 0.004), Bcl-2 positivity (P = 0.04), and high Ki-67 index (P = 0.003) were significantly correlated with shorter PFS. Asynchronous FL and DLBCL (P = 0.003), 100% proportion of DLBCL (P = 0.001), and high Ki-67 index (P = 0.004) were significantly correlated with shorter OS. In a multivariate analysis, asynchronous FL and DLBCL (P = 0.035) and 100% proportion of DLBCL (P = 0.016) were significantly correlated with shorter OS. Thus, asynchronism and 100% proportion of DLBCL, that is, FL relapsed as pure DLBCL, or FL and DLBCL at different sites, were significant predictors of unfavorable outcome of patients with DLBCL transformed from FL.

Recurrent loss of heterozygosity in 1p36 associated with TNFRSF14 mutations in IRF4 translocation negative pediatric follicular lymphomas

Pediatric follicular lymphoma is a rare disease that differs genetically and clinically from its adult counterpart. With the exception of pediatric follicular lymphoma with IRF4-translocation, the genetic events associated with these lymphomas have not yet been defined. We applied array-comparative genomic hybridization and molecular inversion probe assay analyses to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 18 patients aged 18 years and under with IRF4 translocation negative follicular lymphoma. All evaluable cases lacked t(14;18). Only 6 of 16 evaluable cases displayed chromosomal imbalances with gains or amplifications of 6pter-p24.3 (including IRF4) and deletion and copy number neutral-loss of heterozygosity in 1p36 (including TNFRSF14) being most frequent. Sequencing of TNFRSF14 located in the minimal region of loss in 1p36.32 showed nine mutations in 7 cases from our series. Two subsets of pediatric follicular lymphoma were delineated according to the presence of molecular alterations, one with genomic aberrations associated with higher grade and/or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component and more widespread disease, and another one lacking genetic alterations associated with more limited disease.

Clinicopathologic Analysis of Follicular Lymphoma (FL) Patients with Coexisting Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Undergoing Rituximab-Containing Chemotherapy

AbstractAbstract 3693 Background:Histopathologically, some FLs have components of DLBCL at diagnosis. In the pre-rituximab era, there were two reports regarding the characteristics and prognosis of patients (pts) with these particular FLs1,2). Hans et al. reported that the overall survival (OS) of pts with FL grade 3 having a predominant (> 50%) DLBCL component is similar to that of pts with DLBCL1). Ghesquières et al. concluded that pts with DLBCL presenting with a low-grade component have a similar OS to those with de novo DLBCL2). However, the clinical implications and prognosis of FL pts with coexisting DLBCL at diagnosis undergoing rituximab-containing chemotherapy remain unclear. Patients and Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 59 FL pts with coexisting DLBCL (FL/DLBCL) initially undergoing rituximab-containing chemotherapy. Furthermore, the prognosis of FL/DLBCL pts was compared with that of 223 FL pts without DLBCL as well as 285 DLBCL pts without FL3). All pts received a rituximab-containing regimen as the initial chemotherapy. These pts with FL/DLBCL or FL were diagnosed and treated at our institution between 2001 and 2010, and DLBCL pts between 2003 and 2010. Results:The median age of the 59 pts with FL/DLBCL was 54 years (range: 22–83). Among them, 41 (69%) pts had FL grade 1–3a and the remaining 18 (31%) had FL grade 3b components. Thirty (51%) pts had a predominant (> 50%) DLBCL component. With regard to treatment, all pts except one received the R-CHOP regimen. Forty-nine (83%) pts achieved CR, but 22 of them (37%) relapsed. With a median follow-up of 5.4 years, the estimated 5-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) for all 59 pts were 83 and 64%, respectively. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and FLIPI were not correlated with OS and PFS, whereas the revised-IPI (R-IPI) and FLIPI2 were significantly correlated with PFS. A predominant DLBCL component was predictive of neither OS nor PFS. In the 41 pts with FL grade 1–3a with DLBCL, %CR, 5-year OS, and PFS rates were 80, 84, and 60%, respectively. On the other hand, in the 18 pts with FL grade 3b with DLBCL, they were 89, 82, and 72%, respectively. The %CR and PFS rates of the latter cohort showed superior tendencies to those of the former cohort, with no statistically significant difference. Among 22 relapses, 10 were confirmed histologically: 5 DLBCL, 4 FL, and 1 HL. In 16 relapsed pts with FL grade 1–3a at initial diagnosis, 4 relapsed as FL, one each as DLBCL and HL. Two pts who had relapsed as FL and HL subsequently developed DLBCL. On the other hand, 4 out of 5 relapsed pts with FL grade 3b at the initial diagnosis relapsed as DLBCL. Additionally, the prognosis of FL/DLBCL pts was compared with that of FL and DLBCL pts. The 5-year OS rate of FL/DLBCL pts (83%) was significantly worse than that of DLBCL pts (91%, p=0.039) as well as FL pts (97%, p=0.001) (Fig 1). The 5-year PFS rate of FL/DLBCL pts (64%) was not significantly different from that of DLBCL pts (72%, p=0.120). The PFS curves (Fig 2) suggested a slight increase in progression or mortality in FL/DLBCL pts during the first 2 years. However, the FL/DLBCL pts had a low incidence of events after 2 years. The PFS curve of FL/DLBCL pts was similar to that of DLBCL pts. By multivariate analysis of pts with FL/DLBCL and DLBCL, coexisting FL components was a significant predictor of inferior OS, but not PFS. Conclusions:The PFS curve of FL/DLBCL pts was similar to that of DLBCL pts, although pts with FL/DLBCL had poorer prognosis than DLBCL pts in the rituximab era. Furthermore, in our present analysis, predominant DLBCL component was predictive of neither OS nor PFS. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] Disclosures:Kobayashi:Nippon Shinyaku: Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding; Ohtsuka: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Behringer : Research Funding. Tobinai:Grant Support: Zenyaku, Chugai/Roche, GSK, Biomedics Other.

Follicular lymphoma grade 3B is a distinct neoplasm according to cytogenetic and immunohistochemical profiles

According to the current World Health Organization Classification of Lymphoid Tumours, follicular lymphoma is subclassified into three grades according to the number of centroblasts. Follicular lymphoma grade 3 can be further divided into types A and B. Almost all available genetic data on grade 3B follicular lymphomas have been generated from tumors with an additional diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component. The purely follicular type of follicular lymphoma grade 3B is a rare neoplasm. We performed a detailed immunohistochemical (CD10, IRF4/MUM1, BCL2, Ig light chains) and genetic (translocations of BCL2, BCL6, MYC, IRF4) characterization of the largest series of purely follicular cases of grade 3B follicular lymphoma available to date, comprising 23 tumor samples. We also included 25 typical grade 1 or 2 follicular lymphomas, 9 follicular lymphomas with large centrocytes and/or high proliferation indices (FL/LCC), 12 cases of follicular lymphoma grade 3A, 16 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/follicular lymphoma grade 3B and 15 follicular lymphomas in which a straightforward distinction between grades 3A and 3B was not possible. Translocations affecting BCL2 and BCL6 genes are rare in grade 3B follicular lymphomas (2/23, 9% and 4/23, 17%) when compared with grade 1 or 2 follicular lymphomas (22/25, 88%, P<0.001 and 0/25, P<0.05), FL/LCC (7/9, 78%, P<0.001 and 2/9, 22%), grade 3A follicular lymphomas (7/12, 58%, P<0.01 and 2/12, 17%), unclassified grade 3 follicular lymphomas (6/15, 40% and 2/15, 13%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/follicular lymphoma grade 3B (2/16, 13% and 8/16, 50%, P<0.05). MYC translocations were detected occasionally in FL/LCC, follicular lymphoma grade 3B, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/follicular lymphoma grade 3B (13%-22%), but not in grade 1, 2 or 3A follicular lymphomas (P<0.05 when compared with follicular lymphoma grade 3B). Both follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma/follicular lymphoma grade 3B were enriched in samples with a CD10(-)IRF4/MUM1(+) immunophenotype (8/19, 42% and 7/16, 44%), with the vast majority of them lacking BCL2 translocations. In contrast, 42/46 grade 1 or 2 follicular lymphomas, FL/LCC and grade 3A follicular lymphomas were CD10(+) (91%) while 0/46 expressed IRF4/MUM1. None of the tumor samples tested with increased IRF4/MUM1-expression harbored a translocation of the IRF4 gene locus. Our results show that grade 3B follicular lymphomas form a distinct category of follicular lymphomas with infrequent BCL2 and BCL6 translocations, while grades 1, 2 and 3A follicular lymphomas and FL/LCC display homogeneous features with frequent BCL2 translocations and a CD10(+)IRF4/MUM1(-) immunophenotype.

Frequency of genetic aberrations in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of different sites

To study the frequency of certain specific genetic aberrations, including t (11; 18)/API2-MALT1, t (1; 14)/IgH-bcl-10 and t (14; 18)/IgH-MALT1, in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of different sites. One hundred and ninety-six cases of MALT lymphoma from Cancer Hospital of Fudan University were enrolled into the study. The samples consisted of MALT lymphomas from stomach (53 cases, including 44 cases of low-grade MALT lymphoma and 9 cases of MALT lymphoma with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component), ocular adnexa (50 cases), salivary gland (20 cases), lung (20 cases), intestine (17 cases), skin (17 cases), liver (8 cases), thyroid (5 cases) and other sites (2 cases from tongue, 1 case from pancreas, 1 case from larynx, 1 case from vocal cords and 1 case from kidney). Fluorescence in-situ hybridization for API2-MALT1 fusion gene, bcl-10, MALT1 and IgH genes was performed on paraffin sections. Among the 196 cases of MALT lymphoma, 25 cases (12.8%) possessed API2-MALT1 fusion gene. The positive rates in various sites were significantly different (P = 0.002), as follows: 45.0% (9/20) in lung, 22.7% (10/44) in stomach (without large cell component), 15.0% (3/20) in salivary gland, 2 of 17 cases in intestine and 2.0% (1/50) in ocular adnexa. The fusion gene was not detected in the 9 cases of gastric MALT lymphoma with large cell transformation. It was also negative in the MALT lymphomas from skin, thyroid and other sites. One of the pulmonary MALT lymphoma cases showed simultaneous aberrations of IgH and MALT1 genes, such as t (14; 18)/IgH-MALT1. Two of the gastric MALT lymphoma cases without large cell transformation and one of the pulmonary MALT lymphoma cases showed aberrations in both IgH and bcl-10 genes, such as t (1; 14)/IgH-bcl-10. Six cases of MALT lymphoma, including 2 cases from salivary gland, 2 cases from liver, 1 case from thyroid and 1 case from stomach (large cell transformation), showed trisomy 18. On the other hand, 3 cases, including 2 cases from stomach and 1 case from intestine, showed MALT1 gene amplification. In general, specific genetic aberrations have a relatively low frequency of occurrence in MALT lymphomas. The positive rates however show a remarkable difference in tumors of different anatomic sites. This phenomenon may suggest that MALT lymphomas in different sites, though sharing similar morphologic features, may have a divergent tumorgenesis.

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma after transformation from low‐grade follicular lymphoma: morphological, immunohistochemical, and FISH analyses

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and frequently transforms to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To clarify some aspects of the natural history of FL, we retrospectively examined 43 consecutive patients who had DLBCL with pre- or coexisting FL grade 1 or 2. The patients comprised 22 men and 21 women with a median age of 53 years. Most of the patients (34/43) showed advanced-stage (III or IV) disease initially. We examined both FL and DLBCL components morphologically, immunohistochemically, and by interface fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH: IGH/BCL2 fusion, BCL6 translocation) analysis. Most of the DLBCLs were classified as the centroblastic subtype, with two exceptions of the anaplastic subtype. Immunohistochemical analysis of both the FL and DLBCL components revealed the following respective positivity rates: CD20 100%/100%, CD10 86%/66%, Bcl-2 96%/91%, Bcl-6 84%/88%, MUM1 16%/34%, CD30 0%/20%, CD138 0%/0%, and CD5 0%/3%. Loss of CD10 (6/36, 17%) and gain of MUM1 (7/28, 25%) and CD30 (5/21, 24%) through transformation were not infrequent. High positivity rates for Bcl-2 and Bcl-6 were maintained throughout transformation. Among the DLBCLs, 84% were classified as the germinal center B-cell phenotype (GCB) and 16% as non-GCB in accordance with the criteria of Hans et al. IGH/BCL2 fusion was detected by FISH in 89% of FLs and 82% of DLBCLs. BCL6 translocation was detected in 1/6 (17%) DLBCLs without IGH/BCL2 fusion. Thus, although the morphological features and FISH results for DLBCL were consistent with transformed FL, the immunophenotype showed wide heterogeneity.

FOXP1 abnormalities in lymphoma: translocation breakpoint mapping reveals insights into deregulated transcriptional control

Deregulation of FOXP1 expression plays an important role in lymphoma development although the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. FOXP1 is targeted by chromosome translocations in MALT lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, where high-level protein expression is associated with poor prognosis. Nonetheless, the incidence and nature of FOXP1 abnormalities at both the genetic and protein levels, and their correlation in these lymphomas are not well established. We investigated FOXP1 translocation, copy number change and protein expression in MALT lymphoma (n=321), MALT lymphoma with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma component (59), nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (64) and extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (151) by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. FOXP1 translocation was found in eight MALT lymphomas and three MALT lymphomas with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with all positive cases originating in the stomach. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the translocation was seen in 5 cases originating in the stomach (2), tonsil (1), large intestine (1) and lymph node (1). Immunoglobulin heavy chain gene was the translocation partner in 11 of the 16 positive cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapping revealed FOXP1 breakpoints within the 5′ untranslated region of the gene (upstream of exon 6, the first coding exon of full-length FOXP1) in 14 cases, but downstream of exon 6 (most likely upstream of exon 8) in the remaining 2 cases. Three copies of the FOXP1 gene were observed in MALT lymphoma (17%), MALT lymphoma with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (12%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (32%), including cases with FOXP1 translocation (19%). Immunohistochemistry showed strong/moderate FOXP1 staining in all the cases with FOXP1 translocation. However, FOXP1 expression was independent of FOXP1 translocation or copy number changes. Our findings suggest that (1) FOXP1 translocation may disrupt the full-length FOXP1 transcript and lead to expression of FOXP1 transcript variants with alternate 5′ ends and (2) mechanisms other than translocation and copy number changes are also responsible for FOXP1 overexpression in lymphoma.

Differential response to H. pylori eradication therapy of co‐existing diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and MALT lymphoma of stomach—significance of tumour cell clonality and BCL10 expression

We recently reported that low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with MALToma (DLBCL[MALT]) of stomach are equally responsive to H. pylori eradication therapy (HPET) and that H. pylori-independent status is closely associated with nuclear translocation of BCL10. However, co-existing MALToma and DLBCL components of gastric DLBCL(MALT) may respond differentially to HPET and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Tumour tissue samples from 18 patients with microdissectable co-existing MALToma and DLBCL cells were studied. The clonality of lymphoma cells was examined by polymerase chain reaction-based amplification of the CDR3 region of the IgH gene and confirmed by DNA sequence analysis. BCL10 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Differential response of co-existing MALToma and DLBCL to HPET was defined as complete eradication of one component while the other component remained. Five (27.8%) of the 18 patients showed different IgH gene rearrangements in the two components and three (60%) of these five patients had differential response of MALToma and DLBCL to HPET. By contrast, 13 patients showed identical IgH gene rearrangements and only one (8%) of them had differential response of the two components to HPET (p = 0.044). Further, all four patients with differential response of MALToma and DLBCL to HPET showed nuclear expression of BCL10 in the H. pylori-independent component and cytoplasmic expression of BCL10 in the H. pylori-dependent component while the expression patterns of BCL10 were identical in both of these components in the 14 patients who had similar tumour response to HPET. We conclude that different clonality is a common reason for the differential response of co-existing MALToma and DLBCL of gastric DLBCL(MALT) to HPET and that immunohistochemical examination of BCL10 expression may help to identify the co-existence of these components.

Helicobacter pylori‐negative gastric mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma

The majority of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma develops in Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis. Little is still known regarding the clinicopathologic features of gastric MALT lymphoma not associated with H. pylori infection. One hundred thirty-seven patients with gastric MALT lymphoma, in whom H. pylori status was evaluated using at least both serology and histology, were enrolled. Clinical, histopathologic, and molecular findings were compared between H. pylori-negative group (n = 12; 9%) and H. pylori-positive group (n = 125; 91%). t(11;18)(q21;q21) was investigated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. In cases without diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) component, H. pylori-negative lymphomas located more frequently in the proximal stomach (70%), less frequently appeared as superficial type (40%), and frequently invaded the submucosa or beyond (70%). Histologically, lymphoepithelial lesions (57%), lymphoid follicles (43%), and background mucosal atrophy (50%) in the H. pylori-negative group were less frequent than in the H. pylori-positive group (91%, 93%, and 100%, respectively). The frequencies of t(11;18)(q21;q21) (100%) and BCL10 nuclear expression (100%) in the H. pylori-negative group were significantly higher than in the H. pylori-positive group (2% and 27%, respectively). Response to antibiotic treatment was observed not only in the H. pylori-positive group (75%), but also in the H. pylori-negative group (2 of 7 patients, 29%). In cases with a DLBCL component, such differences were not observed between the 2 groups. H. pylori-negative gastric MALT lymphoma is characterized by frequent t(11;18)(q21;q21). Antibiotic treatment should be considered also for this disease, although cases with t(11;18)(q21;q21) may need additional strategies.

Composite Recurrent Hodgkin Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

We describe a composite lymphoma with recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma components manifesting as a single, perforated small intestinal tumor in a 56-year-old man with a history of classical Hodgkin lymphoma and recent relapse in the bone marrow. The resected mass had 2 morphologically and immunophenotypically distinct components; 1 showed a pleomorphic cellular infiltrate with fibrosis and contained numerous, large Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg–like cells and variants. The tumor cells were CD30+ and focally positive for CD15 but CD20–, CD79a–, and PAX-5–. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was strongly positive in the large pleomorphic tumor cells. The adjacent component displayed sheets of relatively uniform, large lymphoid cells with typical morphologic features of diffuse large cell lymphoma. The tumor cells showed uniform expression of tested B-cell antigens, absence of CD30 or CD15, and complete absence of EBV-encoded RNA. Separate molecular studies with immunoglobulin heavy and light chain gene rearrangements clearly demonstrated an identical rearrangement pattern, indicating derivation from the same clone, which was confirmed by direct DNA sequencing analysis. Such distinctly different morphology, immunophenotype, and EBV status in different components within a clonally related single tumor mass is striking.