Hepatosplenic Lymphoma Research Articles

L-LOP/LOPP for the treatment of canine gastrointestinal/hepatosplenic lymphoma

Canine gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatosplenic (HS) high-grade (large cell) lymphomas are uncommon forms of canine lymphomas, with a very poor response to chemotherapy and a very poor prognosis. Currently, there are no established effective chemotherapy protocols for canine GI/HS lymphomas. This case series aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of lomustine-based protocols L-LOP (L-asparaginase, lomustine, vincristine, and prednisolone) and L-LOPP (with the addition of procarbazine) for treatment of canine GI/HS lymphomas. Medical records of dogs with cytologically or histologically diagnosed lymphoma at CityU Veterinary Medical Centre from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The L-LOP/LOPP treatment protocol was well tolerated with rare severe adverse events. Median progression-free survival for GI and HS lymphoma was 56 days (range, 10–274 days) and 57 days (range 8–135 days) respectively; while median survival time for GI and HS lymphoma was 93 days (range 10–325 days) and 210 days (range 8–240 days) respectively.

Lymphomes spléniques : diagnostic et prise en charge

Some common clinical situations, such as splenomegaly or lymphocytosis, or less common, such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin disease, or cryoglobulinemia can lead to the diagnosis of splenic lymphoma. Splenic lymphoma is rare, mainly of non-hodgkinian origin, encompassing very different hematological entities in their clinical and biological presentation from an aggressive form such as hepato-splenic lymphoma to indolent B-cell lymphoma not requiring treatment such as marginal zone lymphoma, the most frequent form of splenic lymphoma. These entities can be challenging to diagnose and differentiate. This review presents different clinical and biological manifestations suspicious of splenic lymphoma and proposes a diagnosis work-up. We extended the strict definition of splenic lymphoma (lymphoma exclusively involving the spleen) to lymphoma thant can be revealed by a splenomegaly and we discuss the differential diagnosis of splenomegaly.

Gut and liver involvement in pediatric hematolymphoid malignancies.

Hematolymphoid malignancies are common neoplasms in childhood. The involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, biliary system, pancreas, and peritoneum are closely interlinked and commonly encountered. In leukemias, lymphomas, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), the manifestations result from infiltration, compression, overwhelmed immune system, and chemotherapy-induced drug toxicities. In acute leukemias, major manifestations are infiltrative hepatitis, drug induced gastritis, neutropenic typhlitis and chemotherapy related pancreatitis. Chronic leukemias are rare. Additional presentation in lymphomas is cholestasis due to infiltration or biliary obstruction by lymph nodal masses. Presence of ascites needs a thorough workup for the underlying pathophysiology that may modify the therapy and affect the outcome. Uncommon hematolymphoid malignancies are primary hepatic, hepatosplenic, and GI lymphomas which have strict definitions. In advanced diseases with extensive spread, it may be impossible to distinguish these diseases from the primary site of origin. LCH produces biliary strictures that mimic as sclerosing cholangitis. Liver infiltration is associated with poor liver recovery even after chemotherapy. The heterogeneity of gut and liver manifestations in hematolymphoid malignancies has a clinical impact on their management. Though chemotherapy is the mainstay of therapy in all hematolymphoid malignancies, debulking surgery and radiotherapy have an adjuvant role in specific clinical scenarios. Rare situations presenting as liver failure or end-stage liver disease require liver transplantation. At their initial presentation to a primary care physician, given the ambiguity in clinical manifestations and the prognostic difference with time-bound management, it is vital to recognize them early for optimal outcomes. Pooled data from robust registries across the world is required for better understanding of these complications.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma: treatment challenges.

Hepatosplenic lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare T-cell malignancy occurring in young males, associated with immune deficiency in 20% of the cases which, despite aggressive treatments, has a poor survival. Specific recommendations for first-line treatment remain debatable. Published data covering case reports or series of HSTCL concur that allogeneic stem cell transplant should be proposed as a consolidation after response to chemotherapy in all patients eligible for transplant. In the light of two recent clinical examples, we also confirm that specific chemotherapy and a first-line consolidation with allogeneic transplantation when a donor is available to represent a treatment of choice these rare and distinctive lymphomas. Recent molecular studies are summarized in this review and suggest potential targets for new therapeutic strategies. Major progresses have been achieved in improving the outcome of HSTCL l patients using intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic transplantation.

A case of hepatosplenic follicular lymphoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis B

A case of hepatosplenic follicular lymphoma in a patient with chronic hepatitis B

Nonhepatosplenic γδ T-Cell Lymphoma: A Subset of Cytotoxic Lymphomas With Mucosal or Skin Localization

AbstractHuman γδ T lymphocytes represent a minor subset of T cells in the peripheral blood, which exhibit a limited diversity and a tissue-restricted repertoire in contrast to their broad specificity. Most postthymic neoplasms that arise from this T-cell subpopulation belong to the hepatosplenic γδ lymphoma entity. Only a few cases of nonhepatosplenic γδ lymphomas have been described in detail previously. This study presents the clinicopathologic features of 11 consecutive cases of nonhepatosplenic γδ lymphoma. All were characterized by mucosal or skin initial involvement: nasal cavity (n = 3), gastrointestinal tract (n = 3), skin (n = 3), lung (n = 1), larynx (n = 1). Most patients presented with B symptoms (eight of 11), without peripheral lymphadenopathy and bone marrow involvement. A past history of chronic antigen exposure was noted in six cases, and four patients had features of immune deficiency. On histology, they were classified as pleomorphic tumors. Features of epitheliotropism and angiocentrism was observed in most cases. Tumor cells had a CD2+, CD3+, T-cell receptor (TCR)δ−1+, βF1− phenotype. They were CD5− (9 of 10) and CD4−/CD8− (9 of 10) or CD8+(1 of 10). A clonal γ-chain gene rearrangement was detected in all tested cases (9/9). All cases had an activated cytotoxic T-cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1)+, Granzyme B+ phenotype. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sequences were detected in six cases by in situ hybridization (ISH). Despite an aggressive clinical course, complete remission was obtained in three patients, and one of the latter required a peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation. Nonhepatosplenic γδ peripheral T-cell lymphoma can be regarded as a model of activated cytotoxic lymphoma, occurring in mucosae or skin. These appear to be derived from the subpopulation of tissue-restricted γδ lymphocytes, which are involved in the host epithelial surface surveillance. The role of chronic antigen exposure in the pathogenesis of these rare lymphomas can be suggested, in view of the past history observed in at least some patients.

“Real-World” Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas Experience in Portugal: Is There Reason for Optimism?

Introduction: Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are a heterogeneous group of mature T-cell neoplasms with aggressive behavior and dismal outcomes. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is commonly used upfront; hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is employed as consolidation by some groups. Refractory/relapsed cases (R/R) have a median survival of less than 6 months. Our objective was to analyze the outcomes of all consecutive PTCLs diagnosed and treated in a single center during 16 years according to histological subtype, disease phase (first line and R/R) and treatment strategies. Patients and methods: All adult PTCL patients referred to our center between 2003 and 2019 were included. All cases were locally diagnosed based on the current WHO classification by an expert hemato-pathologist. Initial clinical features, treatment and outcomes were analyzed, as well as salvage strategies. Results: A total of 188 patients were included (118 male, 70 female; median age 62 years). Median OS was 22.7 months, with a median follow up of 54 months. Histological subtypes, initial features, response to treatment and survival are detailed in table 1. Briefly, most cases were diagnosed at advanced stages, with extranodal involvement in 69% and elevated beta-2 microglobulin (B2m) in 77%; half had B symptoms. OS according to different subtypes is shown in figure 1. Of note, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)-ALK+ patients had a 5-year OS of 88%. Interestingly, fifteen patients had circulating lymphoma cells (12 PTCL not otherwise specified [NOS], 2 hepatosplenic lymphoma and 1 angioimmunoblastic lymphoma [AITL]), with no impact on outcome. PTCL-NOS was the most prevalent subtype (40%) followed by AITL; unexpectedly, the proportion of PTCL-NOS cases increased while AITL cases decreased after 2008. Seven cases belonging to the recently recognized nodal PTCL with T follicular helper (TFH) phenotype were observed, with baseline characteristics and outcome similar to other PTCLs. IPI score index stratified patients into 4 groups with 24-month OS of 71%, 55%, 42% and 16% for low, int-low, int-high and high risk patients, respectively (P=.049). Only B2m and IPI score maintained independent significance for OS (HR= 3.2 and 1.8, respectively, P<.01) in a multivariate analysis that also included histologic subtype and frontline treatment. Most patients were treated with CHOP (75%), although other regimens were increasingly used in recent years, including CHOEP (9%). Young (<65 years) PTCL-NOS patients had a better outcome when treated with CHOEP compared to CHOP (24-month OS of 100% vs. 37%, P=.04); this difference was not noted in ALCL-ALK- and in AITL cases. Twenty-three patients (21% of transplant-eligible cases) underwent HSCT (18 autologous, 5 allogeneic), mostly (16/23) in first remission. As expected, patients not responding to frontline therapy or relapsing after CR showed a dismal outcome (median OS of 4.1 months from R/R date). Intensive platinum-based salvage treatments (26 cases) led to a median OS from relapse of only 6 months. In contrast, single-drug Gemcitabine at first relapse showed a median OS 17.4 months in 5 elderly patients. Of 76 R/R transplant eligible patients, only 7 underwent HSCT(4 allogeneic, 3 autologous), with a 5-year OS of 86%. Eight patients (4 AITL, 4 ALCL) received Brentuximab-Vedotin (BV) at first or later relapse, with improved outcomes compared to other regimes (24-month OS of 63% vs. 22%, P=.03). Conclusion: Initial features, treatments and outcomes for PTCL have not significantly changed in a 16-year period. Only a minority of cases underwent HSCT or received new agents. Ideal salvage regimens are not defined and, in our experience, single agent Gemcitabine or BV performed better than more aggressive combinations. Although promising new drugs have been recently approved for PTCL, their impact on outcome is still not clear. Recent progresses in molecular characterization of the disease may translate into better outcomes through prospective collaborative efforts in the near future. Disclosures Silva: Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Other: Travel support, Research Funding; Janssen Cilag: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Abbvie: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Celgene: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Travel support.

Clinical features and outcome in horses with severe large intestinal thickening diagnosed with transabdominal ultrasonography: 25 cases (2003-2010).

Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 25 horses. PROCEDURES Medical records of horses that underwent transabdominal ultrasonography between 2003 and 2010 were reviewed. Horses were included if the wall of the large intestine was ≥ 9 mm thick in any of 6 abdominal zones. RESULTS Median age was 13 years (range, 3 to 28 years). Horses were initially examined because of colic, diarrhea, inappetence, weight loss, lethargy, fever, or hematuria. Severe large intestinal thickening (range, 9 to 46.6 mm; mean ± SD, 18.8 ± 6.8 mm) was the primary ultrasonographic finding in all horses. Thickened large intestine was more likely to be detected in ventral versus upper (ie, combined paralumbar and intercostal) abdominal zones and in right versus left zones. Eleven horses survived and had resolution of clinical signs, including the l horse treated surgically for colon torsion. An additional horse survived but continued to have intermittent colic. Ten horses were euthanized or died, including 3 horses with neoplasia and 3 with colitis. Three horses were lost to follow-up, including 1 horse with a cecal mass and 1 with hepatosplenic lymphoma. Severity of thickening and number of zones affected were not significantly different between survivors and nonsurvivors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that in horses undergoing transabdominal ultrasonography, large intestinal wall thickness ≥ 9 mm may be detected in patients with a variety of conditions. Ultrasonographic examination of all abdominal zones was helpful to determine the extent of thickening and identify additional findings that helped prioritize differential diagnoses.

Clinical Practice Recommendations on Indication and Timing of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Mature T Cell and NK/T Cell Lymphomas: An International Collaborative Effort on Behalf of the Guidelines Committee of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Recognizing the significant biological and clinical heterogeneity of mature T cell and natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphomas, the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation invited experts to develop clinical practice recommendations related to the role of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) and allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) for specific histological subtypes. We used the GRADE methodology to aid in moving from evidence to decision making and ultimately to generating final recommendations. Auto-HCT in front-line consolidation is recommended in peripheral T cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL), anaplastic large cell lymphoma–anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALCL-ALK)-negative, NK/T cell (disseminated), enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma (EATL), and hepatosplenic lymphomas. Auto-HCT in relapsed-sensitive disease is recommended for NK/T cell (localized and disseminated), EATL, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell, and ALCL-ALK–positive lymphomas. Auto-HCT is also recommended for PTCL-NOS, AITL, and ALCL-ALK–negative lymphomas if not performed as front-line therapy. Auto-HCT in refractory (primary or relapsed) disease is not recommended for any of the histological subtypes discussed. Allo-HCT in front-line consolidation is recommended for NK/T cell (disseminated), adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL; acute and lymphoma type), and hepatosplenic lymphomas. Allo-HCT for relapsed-sensitive disease is recommended for PTCL-NOS, AITL, ALCL-ALK–negative, ALCL-ALK–positive, NK/T cell (localized and disseminated), ATLL (acute, lymphoma type, smoldering/chronic), mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (advanced stage IIB-IVB or tumor stage/extracutaneous), EATL, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T cell, and hepatosplenic lymphoma. Allo-HCT in refractory (primary or relapsed refractory) disease is recommended for any aforementioned histological subtypes. Emerging novel therapies will likely be incorporated into the pretransplantation, peritransplantation, and post-transplantation algorithms (auto-HCT or allo-HCT) with the goals of optimizing efficacy and improving outcomes. We acknowledge that there are unique clinical scenarios not covered by these recommendations that may require individualized decisions.

Specific immunotypes of canine T cell lymphoma are associated with different outcomes.

Canine lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease with many different subtypes. Lymphoma of T cell type in particular is variable in outcome, and includes subtypes with non-progressive, slowly- and rapidly-progressive disease course. Association of immunotype with disease course is incompletely defined. Here, results of flow cytometric immunotyping of 127 canine T cell lymphomas were analyzed in relation to survival and progression free interval. Samples originated from 101 multicentric, 8 mediastinal, 6 cutaneous, 5 hepatosplenic, 5 gastrointestinal and 2 other anatomic subtypes of T cell lymphoma. Compared to multicentric T cell lymphoma, gastrointestinal lymphoma had shorter survival and progression free interval, and hepatosplenic lymphoma had shorter survival. Among dogs with multicentric T cell lymphoma, immunotypes of CD4+/CD8-/MHCII+, CD4-/CD8+/MHCII+ and CD4-/CD8+/MHCII- were associated with longer survival times than the immunotype of CD4+/CD8-/MHCII-, and immunotypes of CD4+/CD8-/MHCII+, CD4-/CD8+/MHCII-, and CD4-/CD8-/MHCII+ were associated with longer progression free intervals. Dogs with multicentric T cell lymphoma and concurrent leukemia had shorter survival but similar progression free interval compared to those without leukemia. Body weight, sex, hypercalcemia, cell size, expression of CD3 and use of combination or single agent chemotherapy did not significantly affect outcome of multicentric TCL.

Lymphoproliferative Disease Risk in Patients with Autoimmune Disease: Clustering of Primary CNS Lymphoma with Drug Regimen and Disease Process

Introduction: While immunosuppression for solid organ transplant is associated with an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disease (LPD), this has been more difficult to establish in autoimmune disorders, even though patients are often treated with similar agents. One reason is that autoimmune disease may elevate baseline LPD risk. However, associations have been shown with certain rare types of LPD; most strikingly hepatosplenic lymphoma, now known to occur as a consequence of anti-TNF-alpha therapy in young men with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (J Ped Gast Nutr. 2007; 44:265-7).We have noticed a rise in the incidence of another rare lymphoma in autoimmune disease patients: primary central nervous system (PCNS) LPD. Six cases have been diagnosed at our institution since 2010, with none before that dating back to onset of electronic records in 1986. All of these patients were taking mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and/or thiopurines. A similar rise in reported cases has been seen in the literature (Fig 1) with suggestion of but no direct association with drug treatment shown. We systematically investigated this trend.Methods: We searched our pathology database to identify all LPD cases diagnosed over a 28-year period in patients treated for autoimmune disease as well as all similar cases involving the CNS reported in the literature over the past 40 years. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fisher's exact test.Results: We identified 44 cases of LPD arising in patients treated for autoimmune disease, including 6 with PCNS disease (Table 1). Of LPDs in patients on anti-TNF-alpha agents, 4/5 had a T-cell phenotype, and 3 had IBD. By contrast, in patients who developed LPD while taking methotrexate, the majority for rheumatoid arthritis, only 1/18 had a T-cell phenotype. Instead they were categorized as polymorphous, Hodgkin or large B-cell morphologies, which were frequently EBV-positive (67%), but never involved the brain (0/18). The LPDs arising in patients on MMF and/or thiopurines showed a similar morphologic profile but were more likely to involve the CNS. In particular, MMF was significantly associated with PCNS compared to non-CNS disease (p<0.001), and the only patient on MMF that developed an LPD outside the CNS was taking MMF in combination with cyclosporine. The most common underlying disorders in PCNS disease were myasthenia gravis (MG) and IBD.We reviewed all cases of CNS LPD in patients treated for autoimmune disease reported in the literature (34 reports, 40 patients), including 32 with PCNS LPD and 8 with secondary CNS involvement. The vast majority of PCNS cases arose in patients taking MMF and/or thiopurines (29/32), but only MMF was significantly associated with primary compared to secondary CNS involvement (p<0.05). The most common underlying disease in PCNS patients was systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (10/32), followed by IBD and MG. No patients with secondary CNS involvement had SLE.Conclusions: While the overall risk of LPD in the context of autoimmune disease treatment has been controversial, the interaction between drug type and individual patient characteristics may dramatically increase risk for certain lymphomas. We now demonstrate a significant association between use of MMF and PCNS LPD, which appears to cluster in patients with a history of SLE, MG or IBD. Of interest, all 3 autoimmune patients in the JHH database who developed PCNS LPD following solid organ transplant (not shown) also had SLE. While methotrexate never produced a PCNS LPD in our series, it has been infrequently found in the literature.There is no evidence of an increased baseline risk of PCNS LPD in autoimmune patients; indeed, only one reported case in an untreated patient could be identified in the literature (J Rheum 1978; 5:75-78). In addition, EBV-associated PCNS lymphoma is virtually always seen in the context of immunosuppression. Further investigation into the increased risk of specific types of LPD with immunosuppressive treatment is warranted with significant implications for tailoring treatment options.Table 1Demographics of JHH and Reported CNS Cases ('*' p<0.05).JHHAll Reported CNS Cases (Literature)PCNSNon-CNSPCNS2o CNSNo. Cases638328Age (range)69(27-77)61(18-77)57(27-88)62(15-71)% Male50%50%32%25%Deceased17%37%45%40%EBV100%69%95%100%MMF80%*3%41%*0Thiopurines40%23%72%75%Methotrexate058%13%38%SLE09%31%*0MG33%3%19%0IBD33%24%19%38% [Display omitted] DisclosuresBorowitz:Becton Dickinson Biosciences, Medimmune: Research Funding.

Hepatosplenic alpha/beta T-cell lymphoma masquerading as cirrhosis.

A 59-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, prior hepatitis B infection and recently diagnosed cirrhosis with prior Babesiosis presented to our institution from an outside hospital with six months of worsening abdominal pain, myalgias and fevers. On admission, physical examination revealed jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Laboratory investigations demonstrated mild anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Tests for human immunodeficiency virus, and active Babesia microti infection were negative, however Epstein-Barr virus DNA by quantitative PCR was markedly elevated. CT scan revealed features suggestive of a cirrhotic liver without focal mass lesions as well as massive splenomegaly with axillary, retroperitoneal and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow and lymph node biopsies were obtained which ultimately revealed hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. The patient's initial liver biopsy from five months prior to presentation was re-evaluated by our institution's pathologists. Histologic analysis showed hepatic sinusoidal and portal infiltration of atypical lymphocytes morphologically identical to those present on the more recently excised lymph node tissue. The hepatic sinusoidal lymphoid cells were strongly positive for CD2, CD3 and CD5 whereas CD4, CD8 stained only minor subsets of the T cells. Subsequent flow cytometric immunophenotypying of peripheral blood identified T-cell receptor alpha/beta positive cells that lacked CD4 and CD8 (double negative alpha/beta T cells). Given the established bone marrow involvement, he was diagnosed with stage IV disease and treated with chemotherapy. His clinical course involved multiple hospitalizations complicated by hyponatremia, neutropenic fevers and pulmonary emboli. Following his fourth cycle of chemotherapy, he developed worsening liver failure and expired approximately three months after initial diagnosis of lymphoma. Hepatosplenic lymphoma of alpha/beta T cells is a rare malignancy with largely unclear risk factors and varied clinical presentations. Notably, diffuse infiltration of liver parenchyma is a prominent feature and the disease can mimic cirrhosis clinically as well as radiographically. Early recognition of this aggressive lymphoma is important and should be considered in the evaluation of patients in whom the etiology of cirrhosis remains in question.

Lymphoproliferative disorder that resembles heptosplenic lymphoma during maintenance treatment for T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A 6-year-old male presented with a testicular mass, hepatosplenomegaly, and a pleural effusion while undergoing maintenance chemotherapy for treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). He was subsequently diagnosed with a lymphoproliferative disorder that resembled hepatosplenic lymphoma (HSL). While the extranodal presentation and the protracted yet aggressive clinical course are consistent with HSL, the findings of monosomy 8 and polymorphic cell populations are unique and have not been previously described in this type of lymphoma.

Diagnostic Difficulties of Pure Intrasinusoidal Bone Marrow Infiltration of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: A Report of Eight Cases from India

Bone marrow involvement in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is prognostically important for appropriate management. Intrasinusoidal pattern of bone marrow infiltration is poorly identified on trephine biopsies. We analyzed the clinical, hematological and histopathological spectrum of eight cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showing pure intrasinusoidal bone marrow infiltration. Fever, cytopenias and blasts in circulation were the indications for bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsies. Flow cytometry on bone marrow and immunohistochemistry on trephine sections were done. There were five cases of T-cell hepatosplenic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (three γδ T-cell lymphoma) and three B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (two intravascular large B-cell lymphoma and one splenic marginal zone lymphoma). Except the cases with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, all showed variable splenomegaly without lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemistry highlighted intrasinusoidal infiltration, which was difficult to discern on hematoxylin and eosin. This brief analysis highlights that pure intrasinusoidal infiltration of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma requires a high degree of diagnostic suspicion and can be seen in various lymphomas.

The London Position Statement of the World Congress of Gastroenterology on Biological Therapy for IBD With the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation: Safety

This paper in the series from the World Congress of Gastroenterology addresses the safety and immunogenicity of biological therapy. The safety profile in randomized controlled studies of all biological agents in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis has been generally favorable, but a small percentage of patients experience severe side effects on biological therapy, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, lymphoma, demyelination, drug-induced lupus, or hepatotoxicity. Although there is unequivocal evidence of an increased risk of serious infection among patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, the evidence is less clear in CD. The risk of infection may be increased by combination therapy with steroids and/or immunomodulators. There is a specific risk of the rare γ δ hepatosplenic lymphoma that appears to have a predeliction for young males on combination therapy. The α4 integrin antagonist natalizumab also carries a specific risk of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy and reactivation of JC virus infection. The immunogenicity of biological therapy is complex: all agents are potentially immunogenic and this can be reduced by combination with immunomodulators. This may enhance both therapeutic efficacy and the risk of infection or malignancy, so the balance of risk and benefit must be judged for individual patients.

Case study interpretation—Houston: Case 1

Case study interpretation—Houston: Case 1

LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL T-CELL LYMPHOMA TREATED WITH FIRST-LINE INTENSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY FOLLOWED BY AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are infrequent subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The clinical course is aggressive and the median survival is about 2-3 years. An optimal first-line chemotherapy protocol has not been established and the role of high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is still unclear. To analyze the long-term outcome of unselected PTCL patients treated with intensive first-line chemotherapy with high-dose therapy and ASCT. Here we report our experience with 29 patients with PTCL. The histological subtypes were as follows: peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified n=13; anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) ALK-negative n=5; ALCL ALK-positive n=3; ALCL with an unknown ALK status n=3; angioimmunoblastic lymphoma n=1; hepatosplenic lymphoma n=1; Sézary syndrome n=1; and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma n=2. The median age at diagnosis was 48 years (29-64), most patients had advanced Ann Arbor stages (22 patients, 77%), IPI score ≥3 was found in 13 (45%) and PIT score ≥2 in 17 (59%) of the 29 patients. Eighteen patients received first-line high-dose therapy and autologous SCT consolidation; two patients were consolidaed with allogeneic SCT in the 1st complete remission and one patient in the 1st relapse. Ten patients with FDG-avid lymphoma were examined with integrated Positron emission tomography/ Computed tomography (PET/CT) at the time of diagnosis and after first-line therapy, two other patients were assessed with Positron emission tomography/ Computed tomography (PET/CT) only at time of restaging. Nineteen (66%) patients achieved complete remission, 3 (10%) partial remission and 7 (24%) patients failed the treatment. The overall response rate was 76%. PET negativity (complete metabolic response) after therapy was achieved in 8/12 (75%) individuals. After a median follow-up of 55.1 months, 14 (48.3%) patients relapsed or progressed and nine patients died (lymphoma progression). Eleven patients (50% of chemosensitive patients) survived more than 50 months. Three of the long-term survivors were treated with allogeneic SCT. The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.71); the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate reached 65% (95%CI, 0.47-0.84). PET negativity was associated with a lower probability of relapse (chi-square p=0.09). Our data show that intensive first-line therapy with etoposide-doxorubicine-based regimens and ASCT consolidation may lead to long-term disease control in about a half of patients with chemosensitive PTCL. Achievement PET negativity is probably an essential prerequisite for long-term complete remission.

Lymphomas in two IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α mono or combination therapy: Is hepatosplenic lymphoma really the “old maid”?

Lymphomas in two IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α mono or combination therapy: Is hepatosplenic lymphoma really the “old maid”?

Hepatosplenic Lymphoma Presenting Initially as Hemophagocytic Syndrome in a 21-Year-Old Man with Crohn’s Disease: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review

The present report describes a case involving a 21-year-old man diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 10 years previously. A diffuse mild to moderate colitis was found at colonoscopy. Different treatments based on 5-aminosalicylic acid, prednisone, methotrexate and purinethol were attempted but did not induce remission. Five years later, a combination of purinethol 25 mg per day and infliximab 350 mg every six to seven weeks proved to be successful. Four years later, the patient was admitted to hospital with fever (39°C) and bicytopenia, without any gastrointestinal symptoms. A complete blood panel revealed the following: white blood cell count (Wbc) 0.9×109/L (neutrophils 0.2×109/L), a hemoglobin level of 156 g/L and a platelet count of 105×109/L. The final doses of purinethol and infliximab were given one month before admission. A bone marrow biopsy was performed and showed hemophagocytic syndrome (Figure 1A). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology (viral capsid antigen [VCA] immunoglobulin [Ig] M and EBV nuclear antigen [EBNA] IgG) was negative and an abdominal computed tomography scan showed mild hepatosplenomegaly. The patient evolved well clinically and the blood count normalized with filgrastim (Neupogen [Amgen Inc, USA]). Figure 1) A Bone marrow biopsy showing increased cellularity (90%), white blood cell hyperplasia and severe hemophagocytosis. A CD68 study revealed histiocyte population infiltration. B Splenic biopsy showing lymphocyte infiltration with irregular nucleus expressing ... One week later, the patient’s blood count showed pancytopenia (Wbc 2.1×109/L, neutrophils 0.1×109/L, hemoglobin level of 133 g/L and a platelet count of 42×109/L) presenting with abdominal pain. A distal endoscopy showed mild proctitis. Due to the pancytopenia, no treatment was started. EBV serology was positive for EBNA IgG and negative for VCA IgM. No antiviral treatment was started. He was discharged, and outpatient chemotherapy with dexamethasone, etoposide and cyclosporin A (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis – 2004 protocol) was initiated. The patient was readmitted two months later due to Escherichia coli sepsis. Chemotherapy was restarted. Septic shock with multiple organ failure ensued and he was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). A few months later, when discharged from the ICU, the patient presented with many secondary infections. Another bone marrow biopsy subsequently revealed hepatosplenic lymphoma. EBV was not found on that biopsy. A palliative splenectomy (25.3 cm) was performed, and the cytology showed the same type of lymphoma with the presence of EBV (Figure 1 B). After many trials of chemotherapy and multiple infections, the patient died from Klebsiella ozaenae infection.

Hepatopancreatobiliary manifestations and complications associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Diseases involving the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) system are frequently encountered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hepatobiliary manifestations constitute some of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of IBD. They appear to occur with similar frequency in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. HPB manifestations may occur in following settings: 1) disease possibly associated with a shared pathogenetic mechanism with IBD including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), small-duct PSC/pericholangitis and PSC/autoimmune hepatitis overlap, acute and chronic pancreatitis related to IBD; 2) diseases which parallel structural and physiological changes seen with IBD, including cholelithiasis, portal vein thrombosis, and hepatic abscess; and 3) diseases related to adverse effects associated with treatment of IBD, including drug-induced hepatitis, pancreatitis (purine-based agents), or liver cirrhosis (methotrexate), and reactivation of hepatitis B, and biologic agent-associated hepatosplenic lymphoma. Less common HPB manifestations that have been described in association with IBD include autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), IgG4-associated cholangitis (IAC), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), fatty liver, granulomatous hepatitis, and amyloidosis. PSC is the most significant hepatobiliary manifestation associated with IBD and poses substantial challenges in management requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The natural disease course of PSC may progress to cirrhosis and ultimately require liver transplantation in spite of total proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis. The association between AIP, IAC, and elevated serum IgG4 in patients with PSC is intriguing. The recently reported association between IAC and IBD may open the door to investigate these complex disorders. Further studies are warranted to help understand the pathogenesis of HPB manifestations associated with IBD, which would help clinicians better manage these patients. An interdisciplinary approach, involving gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and, in advanced cases, general, colorectal, and transplant surgeons is advocated.