Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Not Otherwise Specified Research Articles

The Genetic Profile of Large B-Cell Lymphomas Presenting in the Ocular Adnexa.

To provide insights into targetable oncogenic pathways, this retrospective cohort study investigated the genetic profile of 26 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS), and two patients with high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (HGBCL) presenting in the ocular adnexa. Pathogenic variants and copy number variations in 128 B-cell lymphoma-relevant genes were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing. Genetic subtypes were determined with the LymphGen algorithm. Primary ocular adnexal DLBCL-NOS constituted 50% (n = 14) and was generally characterized by non-germinal center B-cell origin (non-GCB) (n = 8, 57%), and LymphGen MCD subtype (n = 5, 36%). Primary ocular adnexal DLBCL-NOS presented pathogenic variants in genes involved in NF-κB activation and genes which are recurrently mutated in other extranodal lymphomas of non-GCB origin, including MYD88 (n = 4, 29%), CD79B (n = 3, 21%), PIM1 (n = 3, 21%), and TBL1XR1 (n = 3, 21%). Relapsed DLBCL-NOS presenting in the ocular adnexa (n = 6) were all of non-GCB origin and frequently of MCD subtype (n = 3, 50%), presenting with a similar genetic profile as primary ocular adnexal DLBCL-NOS. These results provide valuable insights into genetic drivers in ocular adnexal DLBCL-NOS, offering potential applications in future precision medicine.

Polatuzumab Vedotin (Polivy)


 CADTH recommends that Polivy in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) not be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of adult patients with previously untreated large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (NOS), high-grade B-cell lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus–positive DLBCL NOS, and T-cell/histiocyte-rich LBCL.
 Evidence from a clinical trial showed that 6.6% more patients with newly diagnosed moderate- to high-risk LBCL were alive without their disease progressing 2 years after treatment with Polivy in combination with R-CHP compared to those treated with traditional chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [R-CHOP]). However, there is uncertainty whether this difference observed in the clinical trial translates to a meaningful difference in the real world. The evidence from the trial did not show that Polivy combined with R-CHP prolonged survival compared to R-CHOP. It is also unknown if Polivy in combination with R-CHP would reduce disease symptoms or improve functioning compared to R-CHOP because there were no differences between the 2 groups.
 Patients identified a need for treatments that prolong disease remission, prolong survival, control disease symptoms, normalize blood counts, and improve quality of life. Based on the evidence submitted, it is not clear that Polivy in combination with R-CHP would provide a meaningful benefit in prolonging remission or meet the other important needs in LBCL.

Glofitamab Plus Polatuzumab Vedotin Continues to Demonstrate Frequent and Durable Responses and Has a Manageable Safety Profile in Patients with ≥2L Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL, Including HGBCL, and in Patients with Prior CAR T-Cell Therapy: Updated Results from a Phase Ib/II Study

Background: Glofitamab (Glofit) is a CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody which engages and redirects T cells to eliminate B cells. Glofit monotherapy recently received FDA and EMA approval for treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) after ≥2 prior lines of therapy. Polatuzumab vedotin (Pola) is a CD79b-targeted antibody-drug conjugate that has a complementary mode of action to Glofit, with little toxicity overlap. In this open-label, multicenter Phase Ib/II study (NCT03533283), Glofit+Pola demonstrated durable responses and a manageable safety profile in patients with R/R DLBCL (Hutchings et al. ICML 2023). We present updated results with longer follow-up in patients with R/R DLBCL, including high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBCL), and in patients with prior chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Methods: Patients receivedobinutuzumab 1000mg on Cycle (C) 1 Day (D) 1 to mitigate the risk of severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Pola 1.8mg/kg was given on C1D2 and D1 of C2-6 (21-day cycles). Glofit was given with step-up dosing in C1 (C1D8 2.5mg; C1D15 10mg; D1 of C2-12 10/30mg) for up to 12 cycles. The primary objective was to establish the recommended Phase II dose of Glofit when combined with Pola; this was previously identified as 30mg based on the dose-escalation phase and the NCT03075696 study (Hutchings et al. ASH 2021; Hutchings et al. J Clin Oncol 2021). Results: At the data cut-off (Jan 25, 2023), 111 patients had received ≥1 dose of study drug (safety population). The median age was 68 (range 23-82) years; 61.3% of patients were male; 50.5% had DLBCL not otherwise specified (NOS), 24.3% had HGBCL, 23.4% had transformed follicular lymphoma (trFL), and 1.8% had primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). Most patients were refractory to their last prior therapy (71.2%). Median number of prior lines of therapy was 2 (range 1-7; 61.3% of patients had received ≥2), 24.3% had received prior CAR T-cell therapy. The overall response rate (ORR) in 109 efficacy-evaluable patients was 78.0%, with a complete metabolic response (CMR) rate of 56.0%. In patients with DLBCL NOS (n=56), ORR and CMR rate were 85.7% and 60.7%, respectively. In patients with trFL (n=26), ORR and CMR rate were 76.9% and 53.8%, respectively. In patients with HGBCL (n=25), ORR and CMR rate were 60.0% and 44.0%, respectively. The two patients with PMBCL achieved a CMR. In patients who had prior CAR T-cell therapy (n=27), ORR was 77.8% and CMR rate was 44.4%. In 61 patients who had a complete response, estimated 6- and 12-month duration of complete response (DOCR) rates were 89.2% and 73.1%, respectively ( Figure). Estimated 6-month and 12-month DOCR rates in patients with DLBCL NOS (n=34) were 84.2% and 59.2%, respectively; with trFL (n=14), were 92.9% and 85.7%; with HGBCL (n=11), both were 100%. In patients with PMBCL (n=2), the estimated 6-month DOCR was 100%. With a median follow-up of 13.0 months, median progression-free survival was 10.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.8-19.0) months ( Figure). Median overall survival was not reached after a median survival follow-up of 15.2 months. In 108/111 patients who had received ≥1 dose of Glofit, the most common adverse event (AE) was CRS (45.4% [Grade 1, 30.5%; Grade 2, 13.9%]). One patient had Grade 5 CRS in the context of an unresolved infection; the patient declined further CRS management when the event was Grade 3. Of 111 safety-evaluable patients, 27 (24.3%) had peripheral neuropathy (all Grade 1/2, 8 events were resolved). Glofit-related AEs potentially consistent with immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) occurred in 3 patients and were all Grade 1/2. Grade 3/4 AEs were reported in 61.3% of patients, with neutropenia the most common event (29.7%). Serious AEs occurred in 58.6% of patients, and Grade 5 AEs occurred in 6.3% of patients (5/7 events due to COVID-19); 9.9% of patients discontinued any treatment due to an AE (6.3% discontinued Pola; 9.0% discontinued Glofit). Conclusions: Glofit+Pola demonstrated high response rates and durable responses in heavily pre-treated patients, the majority of whom were refractory to their last prior therapy, across all histologies, including in patients with HGBCL and those with prior CAR T-cell therapy. The safety profile was manageable and consistent with the individual drugs. The rates of CRS events and AEs potentially consistent with ICANS were low. Updated data will be presented.

Differences in mutational signature of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas according to the primary organ.

Comprehensive molecular subtyping of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) through genetic profiling has broadened our understanding of DLBCL biology. In this study, we investigated whether DLBCL, not otherwise specified (NOS) shows differences in mutational patterns depending on the primary organ. Panel-based next-generation sequencing was performed on 345 DLBCL from various primary organs, and patterns of mutations according to primary organs were analyzed. DLBCL showed a characteristic mutational signature in several primary organs. Among them, the mutational pattern of DLBCL in the breast and ileocecal area was particularly different from that of other DLBCL NOS. In breast DLBCL, MYD88L265P (57.1%), CD79B mutation (42.9%), and CDKN2A/B loss (71.4%) were found at high frequencies, which were similar to the mutation patterns of DLBCL of immune-privileged sites compared with DLBCL NOS. DLBCL in the ileocecal area showed a characteristic mutation pattern with the most frequent TP53 mutation (52.6%) and 18q21 gain (42.1%). This was also different from the mutational pattern observed in the stomach or other intestines. In discriminant analysis, DLBCL of the breast and ileocecal area tended to form separate genetic constellations from other DLBCL NOS. DLBCL NOS has a characteristic mutational profile that depends on the primary organ. In particular, the mutational signature of DLBCL in the breast and ileocecal area was heterogeneous compared with that of other DLBCL NOS. Further research is needed to determine whether primary DLBCL in the breast and ileocecal area can be classified as an independent subtype.

SAKK 38/19: ASSESSING A CTDNA AND PET‐ORIENTED THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH DLBCL. A MULTICENTER, OPEN‐LABEL, PHASE II TRIAL

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive but potentially curable lymphoma. Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHOP) is the standard first-line regimen with cure rates nearing 60%. Over the last years many efforts have been made aiming at improving outcomes of first line therapy but none has resulted in improved overall survival over R-CHOP. Recently, genetic subtypes of DLBCL that go beyond the cell-of-origin and have distinct biology, clinical characteristics and different likelihood of response to specific therapies have been identified. One of these entities is represented by the MCD subtype harboring either the MYD88 L265P mutation, the CD79A/B mutation, or both. MCD has a dismal outcome when treated with R-CHOP but is sensitive to BTK inhibition. In addition to the genetic definition of specific subtypes, the possibility to use circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) response assessment together with PET-response may establishe a new strategy for treatment decisions in patients with DLBCL. Methods: SAKK 38/19 (NCT04604067) is an ongoing exploratory multicohort phase II trial in patients (pts) with previously untreated DLBCL not otherwise specified (NOS). Adult pts with CD20-positive DLBCL NOS, ECOG performance status 0–2, candidates for 6 cycles of R-CHOP are eligible. At baseline, a liquid biopsy is perfomed and pts with MCD subtype are treated with the combination of R-CHOP plus acalabrutinib for 6 cycles (cohort A). Non-MCD pts receive 2 cycles of R-CHOP and based on the combined PET and ctDNA response assessment after cycle 2 they are allocated to one of three different cohorts: R-CHOP for 4 additional cycles in combination with acalabrutinib followed by 2 months of acalabrutinib single-agent (cohort B); 2 additional cycles of R-CHOP and 2 administrations of single-agent rituximab (cohort C); 4 additional cycles of R-CHOP (cohort D). Co-primary endpoints of the trial are: Progression free survival (PFS) (in Cohorts A, C and D) and complete remission (CR) rate (in Cohort B) Secondary endpoints: Adverse events in the cohorts treated with acalabrutinib-R-CHOP; overall survival; PFS in cohort B; CR rate in cohorts A, C and D; overall response rate; duration of response. The research was funded by: -Astra Zeneca -Hubacher Fund Keywords: aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, liquid biopsy, ongoing trials Conflicts of interests pertinent to the abstract A. Stathis Honoraria: Eli Lilly, Bayer, Roche, Novartis, Janssen Oncology, AstraZeneca Research funding: ADC Therapeutics, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Bayer, Eli Lilly, MEI Pharma, Cellestia, Debiopharm Group, Merck/MSD, Abbvie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Incyte, Loxo, and Philogen F. Hitz Consultant or advisory role Abbvie, Takeda and Roche G. Gritti Consultant or advisory role Roche, Takeda, Kite-Gilead, Ideogen, Genmab Educational grants: Janssen, Beigene, Sandoz Other remuneration: Clinigen, Ideogen, Beigene, Incyte, Novartis T. Zenz Honoraria: Roche, Abbvie, AZD, Beigene, Janssen, Gilead, Novartis

Development of a Prognostic Scoring System using MYC Expression and Soluble Interleukin Receptor -2 level for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS), is the most frequent type of lymphoid neoplasm. We investigated the relationships between clinical factors of DLBCL-NOS and MYC immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. A total of 110 patients diagnosed with DLBCL-NOS from 2012 to 2020 at Tottori University Hospital and treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy were included. IHC staining of MYC in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens was performed, and ROC-curve analysis revealed the cut-off value of the MYC positive rate as 55%. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rates of the MYC-negative and -positive groups were 84.7% vs 57.7% (P = 0.0091), and the progression-free survival rates were 77.8% vs 54.7% (P = 0.016), respectively. Multivariate analysis for OS showed prognostic significance of MYC positivity [hazards ratio (HR): 2.496; P = 0.032], and serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) > 2000 U/mL (HR: 3.950; P = 0.0019), as well as age > 75 (HR: 2.356; P = 0.068). The original scoring system was developed based on these findings. By assigning one point to each item, age (> 75), MYC positivity, and sIL-2R level (> 2000), all patients were classified into three risk categories: group 1 (0 points), group 2 (1 point), and group 3 (2-3 points). The 2-year survival rates were 100%, 83.0%, and 47.1% for the groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.0001). We suggest that a prognostic scoring system using MYC expression and soluble interleukin receptor -2 level is useful for the prediction of prognosis, contributing to further stratification in DLBCL-NOS.

PB2105: REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE WITH POLATUZUMAB IN COMBINATION WITH BENDAMUSTINE AND RITUXIMAB FOR R/R DLBCL IN 3 ACADEMIC CENTERS IN MADRID, SPAIN.

Background: On 2019, the FDA and later the EMA granted approval to polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, a CD79b-directed antibody-drug conjugate indicated in combination with bendamustine and rituximab (P-BR) for adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS), after at least two prior therapies. P- BR has demonstrated (NCT02257567) better overall response rates (complete and partial responses) compared with BR alone (63% vs 25%) and response durations of at least 12 months in 48% of the patients. The most common adverse reactions with P-BR (incidence at least 20%) included cytopenias (most common reason for treatment discontinuation), peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, diarrhea, pyrexia, decreased appetite and pneumonia. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 64%, most often from infection. Aims: To analyze results in terms of efficacy and safety of the P-BR regimen in real life conditions. Methods: Observational, retrospective study in 3 academic centers. Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with DLBCL NOS R/R who received P-BR between July 2019 and December 2021 were included in the analysis. Results: 11 patients were treated with P-BR. The mean (SD) age was 70.1 (8.2) years (Range 57-81 years). Cell of origin was informed in 9/11 cases, 6 of them were activated B-cell (ABC) subtype. No double-/triple-hit lymphomas were confirmed. The median number of prior lines of therapy before P-BR was 2, with most patients (63%) refractory to the last treatment. All patients had received anti-CD20 (Rituximab) on prior treatments and only 2 (18%) Bendamustine. Baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. Efficacy Seven patients were evaluated by PET-CT after 3 cycles, 4 (57%) achieved CR and 3 PR (43%). Five patients achieved CR by PET-CT at the end of treatment. One of these patients is still in CR after 12 months of follow up and three of them after 24 months from the start of P-BR. One patient relapsed after 19 months. Of the patients achieving CR, all of them had responses >12 months. Only 3/5 completed the 6 cycles scheme, 1 patient received 5 cycles (treatment was interrupted due to an invasive fungal infection) and 1 patient received only 2 cycles as bridge therapy for and autoHCT and achieved CR after transplantation. 1 patient was refractory to treatment and progressed after 2 cycles. Toxicity: All patients were evaluated for toxicity. 63% (7/11) of them presented hematological toxicity, mainly neutropenia which required GCSF administration and 71% RBC transfusion. Two patients required hospital admission because of neutropenic fever. There were 3 documented cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two patients had moderate disease with bilateral pneumonia (vaccinated) after the 2º cycle of treatment which is temporarily interrupted. One patient completed 6 cycles but died of severe SARS-CoV2 infection (unvaccinated) before being assessed for response at end of treatment. Two patients interrupted treatment definitely because of toxicity: severe cytopenia and invasive fungal infection. No other extra hematological toxicities were reported. Image:Summary/Conclusion: The P-BR regimen provides sustained good results for patients with R/R DLBCL who have failed treatment with prior therapies. Cytopenias were the most frequent form of toxicity and were easily addressed in most cases. In our experience, SARS-CoV2 infection has been a challenge due to delay in treatment and high morbidity and mortality.

Volumetric parameters calculated with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT and their correlation with biochemical analysis in patients with diffuse large B- cell lymphoma.

Introduction/Aim: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) is a heterogeneous and aggressive group with a high mortality rate, thus, to improve risk stratification in terms of survival, several studies have been performed with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (2-[18F] FDG PET/CT) to assess the total tumor burden, through volumetric parameters such as tumor metabolic volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The aim is to evaluate the relationship of MTV and TLG with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and their correlation with prognostic factors Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Methodology: Retrospective study of 44 patients with LBDCG undergoing baseline 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT between January 2012 and December 2018. The calculation method for VMT and TLG was the SUV2.5 threshold. For the evaluation of VMT and TLG with PFS and OS, Harrell's C-index was used, after performing a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to correlate VMT and TLG with B2M and LDH. Results: In relation to OS and PFS the VMT2.5 (p 0.006; p &lt;0.001) showed statistically significant differences, while TLG2.5 (p 0.078; p &lt;0.001) was statistically significant only in PFS. When comparing VMT2.5 and TLG2.5, VMT2.5 obtained a higher Harrell's C statistical concordance index for both OS (p 0.025) and PFS (p 0.008) showing great ability to discriminate between patients in whom the event does or does not occur. In the Pearson correlation analysis, VMT2.5 showed a good correlation with LDH (0.676) and a poor correlation with B2M (0.348). The TLG2.5 presented lower correlation with LDH (0.629) and poor correlation with B2M (0.274). Table 1. Univariate analysis to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of each variable for both OS and PFS. SG Volumetric Parameter Harrell's C p-value MTV 2.5 0.7407 0.025 TLG 2.5 0.6990 SLP Volumetric Parameter Harrell's C p-value MTV 2.5 0.8010 0.008 TLG 2.5 0.7595 Conclusion: The volumetric parameter MTV2.5 calculated with 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT can be a good prognostic indicator to predict PFS and OS in patients with DLBCL-NOS. In addition, it presents a good correlation with LDH.

Primary Extra Nodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Maxillary Sinus with Symptoms of Acute Pulpitis

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) is a subtype of large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with various clinical and pathological manifestations. DLBCL-NOS which primarily arises from maxillary sinus is rare and hard to diagnose due to unique anatomy. Here, we present a case of DLBCL-NOS that developed in the left maxillary sinus of a 72-year-old male, who presented with severe toothache that resembled acute pulpitis. The lesion was diagnosed and treated based on radiographs, histological, immunohistological examinations, and PET-CT analysis. Despite its rare incidence, DLBCL-NOS should still be included in differential diagnoses to rule out malignancy in cases of endodontic disease.

Cell-of-origin classification using the Hans and Lymph2Cx algorithms in primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) and primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma with a diffuse population of large cells (PCFCL-LC) are both primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas with large-cell morphology (CLBCL) but with different clinical characteristics and behavior. In systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS), gene-expression profiling (GEP) revealed two molecular subgroups based on their cell-of-origin (COO) with prognostic significance: the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype and the activated B-cell-like (ABC) subtype. This study investigated whether COO classification is a useful tool for classification of CLBCL. For this retrospective study, 51 patients with PCDLBCL-LT and 15 patients with PCFCL-LC were analyzed for their COO according to the immunohistochemistry-based Hans algorithm and the NanoString GEP-based Lymph2Cx algorithm. In PCFCL-LC, all cases (100%) classified as GCB by both Hans and Lymph2Cx. In contrast, COO classification in PCDLBCL-LT was heterogeneous. Using Hans, 75% of the PCDLBCL-LT patients classified as non-GCB and 25% as GCB, while Lymph2Cx classified only 18% as ABC, 43% as unclassified/intermediate, and 39% as GCB. These COO subgroups did not differ in the expression of BCL2 and IgM, mutations in MYD88 and/or CD79B, loss of CDKN2A, or survival. In conclusion, PCFCL-LC uniformly classified as GCB, while PCDLBCL-LT classified along the COO spectrum of DLBCL-NOS using the Hans and Lymph2Cx algorithms. In contrast to DLBCL-NOS, the clinical relevance of COO classification in CLBCL using these algorithms has limitations and cannot be used as an alternative for the current multiparameter approach in differentiation of PCDLBCL-LT and PCFCL-LC.

Current Treatment of Burkitt Lymphoma and High-Grade B-Cell Lymphomas.

This article reviews the current data and future directions in the management of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). BL is a rare, mature B-cell lymphoma molecularly defined by translocation of the proto-oncogene MYC. Multiple intensive combination chemoimmunotherapy regimens have demonstrated excellent efficacy in this disease, although treatment toxicity remains a challenge in many patients. Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) represents HGBL with translocations of the oncogene MYC along with either BCL2 or BCL6, or both. In 2016, the World Health Organization update of this classification was revised to a new entity defined by cytogenetics: HGBL with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements. Recent prospective data using dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab has demonstrated encouraging treatment efficacy in these patients. HGBL, not otherwise specified (NOS) is a heterogeneous, aggressive, mature B-cell lymphoma that does not meet criteria for BL, DHL, or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS. Therapy for this entity is not well established. The aggressive B-cell lymphomas BL, DHL, and HGBL, NOS are unique diseases with specific pathogenesis and biology. Insights into the molecular biology of these diseases have enabled new classifications and personalization of therapy.

Clinicopathological features and survival in EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified

AbstractIn this retrospective study, we report 70 cases of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) among 1696 DLBCL-NOS cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2019 (prevalence of 4.1%). At diagnosis, median age was 68.5 years; 79% of the cases presented with an advanced-stage disease (III-IV), 48% with extranodal lesions, and 14% with an hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) (8 at diagnosis and 1 on therapy). A total of 46 cases presented a polymorphic pattern, and 21 were monomorphic. All had a non-germinal center B phenotype, with the majority of tumor cells expressing CD30 and programmed death ligand 1 (98% and 95%, respectively). Type II and III EBV latency was seen in 88% and 12% of the cases, respectively. Patients were treated with immunochemotherapy (59%) or chemotherapy (22%), and 19% received palliative care due to advanced age and altered performance status. After a median follow-up of 48 months, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years were 52.7% and 54.8%, respectively. Older age (>50 years) and HLH were associated with shorter PFS and OS in multivariate analysis (PFS: hazard ratio [HR], 14.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.34-83.97; and HR, 5.78; 95% CI, 2.35-14.23; OS: HR, 12.41; 95% CI, 1.65-93.53; and HR, 6.09; 95% CI, 2.42-15.30, respectively). Finally, using a control cohort of 425 EBV− DLBCL-NOS, EBV positivity was associated with a shorter OS outcome within patients >50 years (5-year OS, 53% [95% CI, 38.2-74] vs 60.8% [95% CI, 55.4-69.3], P = .038), but not in younger patients.

Genomic Landscape of Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (DLBCL-LT) is an aggressive subtype of cutaneous B cell lymphoma (CBCL) with a poor prognosis. It is most often diagnosed on the legs of the elderly, frequently relapses, and has a tendency towards extracutaneous dissemination. Current treatment strategies are ineffective and revolve around surgical excision, multiagent chemotherapy (e.g. R-CHOP) and radiation therapy, with estimated 5-year survival rates of ~50%. Identifying genetic mutations and altered pathways specific for DLBCL-LT is crucial for the diagnosis and development of effective targeted therapies for this condition.We performed whole exome capture and massively parallel sequencing on 13 tumor samples of DLBCL-LT (4 matched and 9 unmatched) and 5 samples of cutaneous diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) (1 matched and 4 unmatched). This is the largest whole exome cohort of cutaneous DLBCL to date. We applied algorithms routinely used by our lab to identify putative cancer promoting mutations and to compare the genetic landscape with DLBCL, both nodal and extranodal.Broadly, the landscape of mutations in DLBCL-LT is similar to that of activated B-cell like (ABC) DLBCL and most analogous to primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a type of extranodal ABC DLBCL. Similar to PCNSL, we found frequent disease-defining oncogenic gene mutations in MYD88 (85%), CD79B (38%), and TBL1XR1 (38%), and loss of function mutations in tumor suppressor genes KMT2D (15%), CDKN1B (15%), and CD58 (8%). We observed frequent mutations in PIM1 (54%), OSBPL10 (31%), BTG2 (31%), and IGLL5 (15%), which are either known or proposed targets of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) and aberrant somatic hypermutation (aSHM) also seen in PCNSL. Importantly and similarly to PCNSL, we found alterations at the PDL-1 and PDL-2 locus, but instead of copy number gains, we discovered frequent PD-L1 and PD-L2 translocations (40%) that may translate into overexpression of PD-L1 .This spectrum of mutations differed significantly compared to our DLBCL-NOS cohort, which did not have the above oncogenic mutations and lacked any PD-L1 or PD-L2 chromosomal alterations. Finally, we report novel oncogenic mutations in DLBCL-LT including MYD88 p.S243N, CD79B p.L199P, CCND3 p.T283P and p.P284S, BRAF p.V600E, and CARD11 p.R113Q and novel loss of function mutations in KMT2D, CDKN1B, CD58, MSH2, PIK3R1, MSH2, and BMF .Collectively, we identified recurrent mutations in multiple key cancer-related biological pathways, including epigenetic modulators (TBL1XR1, HIST1H1E, and KMT2D), NF-κB signaling pathway (MYD88, CD79B, and CARD11), MAPK signaling pathway (BRAF), PI3K signaling pathway (PIK3R1), JAK/STAT signaling pathway (PIM1), cell cycle regulators (CCND3, CDKN1B and BTG2), and immune escape (CD58). All of the DLBCL-LT samples in our cohort contained one or more gene mutations that can be targeted by agents that are currently FDA-approved or under clinical trials, such as BRAF inhibitors, JAK/STAT inhibitors, PIM inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, NF-kB inhibitors, MYD88 inhibitors, and PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors.Altogether, our data identified targetable putative driver gene mutations in DLBCL-LT. These mutational signatures bear broad similarities to PCNSL. Because of the relative rarity of this disease, we hope these efforts will allow for its inclusion, when relevant, in trials involving genotypically similar DLBCL. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

A Novel Gene Expression Classifier Enriches for Single Agent Clinical Activity of CC-122, a Cereblon Modulator, Administered Orally to Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Subjects: Results from the Phase I CC-122-ST-001 Study

A Novel Gene Expression Classifier Enriches for Single Agent Clinical Activity of CC-122, a Cereblon Modulator, Administered Orally to Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Subjects: Results from the Phase I CC-122-ST-001 Study

Nodal EBV-positive polymorphic B cell lymphoproliferative disorder with plasma cell differentiation: clinicopathological analysis of five cases.

Plasma cell differentiation (PCD) is frequently observed in some entities of non-Hodgkin B cell lymphoma, including both low-grade and high-grade lymphomas. However, except for plasmablastic lymphoma and primary effusion lymphoma, EBV+ B cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) with PCD has not been well addressed due to its rarity. We clinicopathologically examined five cases of nodal EBV+ polymorphic B cell LPD with PCD (PBLPD-PCD) initially diagnosed as polymorphic EBV+ diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) with PCD (n = 3) and methotrexate-associated B cell LPD (MTX-associated B-LPD) (n = 2). One case had a concomitant brain lesion which was clinically diagnosed as EBV-related encephalitis. This patient received therapy with vidarabine, and both the brain lesion and the nodal EBV+ PBLPD-PCD lesions disappeared. Another case was characterized by Mott cell differentiation. This case was the first reported case of EBV+ B cell lymphoma or LPD with Mott cell differentiation. The two cases of MTX-associated B cell LPD which arose in patients with rheumatoid arthritis spontaneously regressed after MTX cessation. TCRγ and IGH PCR analysis was performed in four cases. Two cases had TCRγ rearrangements, but no IGH rearrangements. The other two cases had no rearrangements in these genes. We concluded that nodal EBV+ PBLPD-PCD is rare, with heterogeneous characteristics. PCR analysis revealed that nodal EBV+ PBLPD-PCD may have only TCR clonality and no IGH clonality. Considering the partial or complete loss of CD20 expression on the tumor cells, this result may be confusing for accurate diagnosis of EBV+ PBLPD-PCD, and pathologists need to be aware of this phenomenon to avoid misdiagnosis.

Real Time Pathological and Molecular Characterization of Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas Based on a National Network. a Lysa Project

Real Time Pathological and Molecular Characterization of Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas Based on a National Network. a Lysa Project

A Diagnostic Approach to the Identification of Burkitt-like Lymphoma With 11q Aberration in Aggressive B-Cell Lymphomas.

Rare cases of aggressive B-cell lymphomas with a morphology similar to Burkitt lymphoma (BL) present with the BL-typical immunophenotype, but lacked MYC translocation (MYC-negative Burkitt-like lymphoma: mnBLL). A proportion of those with an imbalance pattern in chromosome 11q has been designated Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration in the recent update of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Because of the problems in the identification of Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration, our goal was to retrospectively analyze their frequency in a cohort of "candidate" aggressive lymphomas (cohort 1, n=35) such as mnBLL (n=16), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with similarities to Burkitt lymphoma (DLBCL-BL; n=3), high-grade B-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (NOS) (n=16), as well as in a cohort of MYC-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS (cohort 2, n=62). In total, 17/33 cohort 1 cases (52%) harbored the typical 11q aberration pattern, predominantly those that had been classified as mnBLL (12/16, 75%), but also as DLBCL-BL (2/3, 67%) and high-grade B-cell lymphomas, NOS (3/14; 21%). The specimens with this typical 11q aberration pattern were usually negative for the BCL2 protein. Of interest and as a new finding, samples harboring the 11q aberration pattern were often characterized by strikingly coarse apoptotic debris within starry sky macrophages facilitating their recognition. In contrast, only 1 of 62 garden variety DLBCL, NOS was positive for the 11q aberration pattern. In 2 DLBCL-BL, a dual MYC translocation/11q aberration pattern was detected. As a diagnostic algorithm, we, therefore, propose analysis of 11q status in MYC-negative high-grade lymphomas with features of BL, especially showing BCL2 negativity and a conspicuous coarse apoptotic debris in starry sky macrophages.

A Single Gene Expression Set Derived from Artificial Intelligence Predicted the Prognosis of Several Lymphoma Subtypes; and High Immunohistochemical Expression of TNFAIP8 Associated with Poor Prognosis in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Objective: We have recently identified using multilayer perceptron analysis (artificial intelligence) a set of 25 genes with prognostic relevance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the importance of this set in other hematological neoplasia remains unknown. Methods and Results: We tested this set of genes (i.e., ALDOB, ARHGAP19, ARMH3, ATF6B, CACNA1B, DIP2A, EMC9, ENO3, GGA3, KIF23, LPXN, MESD, METTL21A, POLR3H, RAB7A, RPS23, SERPINB8, SFTPC, SNN, SPACA9, SWSAP1, SZRD1, TNFAIP8, WDCP and ZSCAN12) in a large series of gene expression comprised of 2029 cases, selected from available databases, that included chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, n = 308), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL, n = 92), follicular lymphoma (FL, n = 180), DLBCL (n = 741), multiple myeloma (MM, n = 559) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n = 149). Using a risk-score formula we could predict the overall survival of the patients: the hazard-ratio of high-risk versus low-risk groups for all the cases was 3.2 and per disease subtype were as follows: CLL (4.3), MCL (5.2), FL (3.0), DLBCL not otherwise specified (NOS) (4.5), multiple myeloma (MM) (5.3) and AML (3.7) (all p values &lt; 0.000001). All 25 genes contributed to the risk-score, but their weight and direction of the correlation was variable. Among them, the most relevant were ENO3, TNFAIP8, ATF6B, METTL21A, KIF23 and ARHGAP19. Next, we validated TNFAIP8 (a negative mediator of apoptosis) in an independent series of 97 cases of DLBCL NOS from Tokai University Hospital. The protein expression by immunohistochemistry of TNFAIP8 was quantified using an artificial intelligence-based segmentation method and confirmed with a conventional RGB-based digital quantification. We confirmed that high protein expression of TNFAIP8 by the neoplastic B-lymphocytes associated with a poor overall survival of the patients (hazard-risk 3.5; p = 0.018) as well as with other relevant clinicopathological variables including age &gt;60 years, high serum levels of soluble IL2RA, a non-GCB phenotype (cell-of-origin Hans classifier), moderately higher MYC and Ki67 (proliferation index), and high infiltration of the immune microenvironment by CD163-positive tumor associated macrophages (CD163+TAMs). Conclusion: It is possible to predict the prognosis of several hematological neoplasia using a single gene-set derived from neural network analysis. High expression of TNFAIP8 is associated with poor prognosis of the patients in DLBCL.

Effectiveness of digital PCR for MYD88L265P detection in vitreous fluid for primary central nervous system lymphoma diagnosis.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of primary extranodal lymphoma (PEL). MYD88L265P mutation has been observed in up to 75% of PCNSL cases, however, the validity and sensitivity of digital PCR in detecting this mutation remains to be elucidated. A total of 44 PCNSL patients, 15 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) patients and 13 other PEL patients were enrolled in the present study. The abilities of reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect the MYD88L265P mutation in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples were compared. The results suggested that ddPCR showed superior mutation detection sensitivity when compared with RT-qPCR (58 vs. 15%; P<0.05). The MYD88L265P mutation was significantly associated with increased MYD88 protein overexpression in PCNSL brain tissue samples (P<0.05). Analysis of MYD88L265P mutation status in CSF and vitreous fluid samples using ddPCR may be a promising technique for minimally invasive confirmation of PCNSL diagnosis.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of 56 Lymphoma Patients with Mediastinal Masses

To analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment efficacy and prognosis of lymphoma patients with mediastinal masses. The clinical data of 56 lymphoma patients with mediastinal masses treated in our hospital from February 2007 to January 2018 were collected, and the clinical characteristics, typing, staging, treatment efficacy as well as prognosis analyzed retrospectively. Among the 56 patients, male and female were 25 (45%) cases and 31(55%) cases, respectively. The median age was 31 (17-72) years old, out of them 48 (86%) patients aged below 40 years old. According to pathological classification, 9 (16.1%) cases were diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS), 26(46.4%) cases were primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL), 17 (30.4%) cases were classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL), and 4 (7.1%) cases were primary mediastinal grey zone lymphoma (MGZL). All the patients were treated with chemotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy.The median follow-up time was 54.5(11-149) months. In cHL group, 10 cases received involved field radiotherapy (IFRT), 10 (58.8%) cases achieved complete remission (CR), 2 (11.8%) cases achieved partial remisson (PR), and 5 (29.4%) patients experienced progressive disease (PD) , 6 patients with relapsed/refractory disease received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT), the 1, 2, and 5 year overall survival (OS) rates of cHL group were 94.1%, 88.2%, and 67.2%, respectively. In MGZL group, 3 cases combined with IFRT, 1 case with auto-HSCT, 2 (50%) cases achieved CR, 2 (50%) cases experienced PD, the 1, 2, 5 year OS rates of MGZL group were 66.7%, 66.7%, and 33.3%, respectively. In PMBCL group, 8 cases combined with IFRT, 7 cases with auto-HSCT, 22 (84.0%) cases achieved CR, 2 (8.0%) cases achieved PR, 1 (4.0%) case was stable disease (SD) and 1 (4.0%) case experienced PD, the 1, 2 year OS rates of PMBCL group were both 100%, and 5 year OS rate was 95.7%. In DLBCL-NOS group, 3 cases combined with IFRT, 2 cases with auto-HSCT, 4 (44.5%) cases achieved CR, 2 (22.2%) cases achieved PR, 1 (11.1%) case was stable disease (SD) and 2 (22.2%) cases experienced PD, the 1 year OS rate of DLBCL-NOS cohort was 100%, 2, and 5 year OS rates were both 77.8%. There was a significant difference of OS rate among these 4 group (P＜0.05). In intra-group comparison, OS rate in PMBCL group were significantly longer than both MGZL group (P＜0.01) and cHL group(P＜0.05), and showed no significant difference from DLBCL-NOS group (P＞0.05). Mediastinal masses are characterized by unique clinical features due to their unique anatomical location. Several B cell originated lymphomas including cHL,MGZL,PMBCL and DLBCL-NOS, manifested primary or secondary mediastina involvement, tend to occur in young adults and have similar clinical features. However, their therapeutic response was significantly different. The prognosis of PMBCL is prior to MGZL and cHL.