T-cell/histiocyte-rich Large B-cell Lymphoma Research Articles

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma and T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: near neighbours or distant cousins?

The clinicopathological distinctiveness of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) is now unanimously recognized. Occasionally, NLPHL lesions are difficult to distinguish from T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THR-BCL), a morphological variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It has been suggested that THR-BCL represents a phenotypically peculiar expression or an evolutionary stage of NLPHL. Here, we present a review of both disorders, integrating our own experience with recent evidence from the literature. Overall, currently available data indicate that both diseases constitute intrinsically different entities that may, however, originate from a comparable transformed germinal centre ancestor.

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: a distinct clinicopathologic entity.

Although it has proven difficult to delineate diagnostically reproducible and clinically relevant subgroups, the heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is widely acknowledged. In 1992, we reported on six cases that suggested that large B-cell lymphoma rich in stromal histiocytes and T cells may be identified as a distinct clinicopathologic entity within DLBCL. An integrated clinicopathologic study of 40 cases of this DLBCL subtype is presented. Distinguishing a DLBCL rich in histiocytes and reactive T cells, designated T-cell/histiocyte--rich large B-cell lymphoma (THR-BCL), may be justified from a clinical point of view. The disease typically affects middle-aged male patients who usually present with advanced-stage disease that is not adequately managed with current therapeutic strategies. Whereas proliferation fraction and p53 overexpression, in addition to the clinical variables incorporated in the International Prognostic Index (IPI), significantly correlate with response to treatment and survival in a univariate analysis, only the IPI score identifies relevant prognostic THR-BCL subpopulations in a multivariate model. The morphologic and immunophenotypic profile of the neoplastic B cells in THR-BCL suggests that they may originate from a germinal center ancestor. THR-BCL constitutes a distinct clinicopathologic entity that is characterized by an aggressive behavior. Experimental therapeutic strategies may be indicated to obtain a more favorable response to treatment in this disease.

T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Distinct Clinicopathologic Entity

PURPOSE: Although it has proven difficult to delineate diagnostically reproducible and clinically relevant subgroups, the heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) is widely acknowledged. In 1992, we reported on six cases that suggested that large B-cell lymphoma rich in stromal histiocytes and T cells may be identified as a distinct clinicopathologic entity within DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An integrated clinicopathologic study of 40 cases of this DLBCL subtype is presented. RESULTS: Distinguishing a DLBCL rich in histiocytes and reactive T cells, designated T-cell/histiocyte–rich large B-cell lymphoma (THR-BCL), may be justified from a clinical point of view. The disease typically affects middle-aged male patients who usually present with advanced-stage disease that is not adequately managed with current therapeutic strategies. Whereas proliferation fraction and p53 overexpression, in addition to the clinical variables incorporated in the International Prognostic Index (IPI), significant...