Efficacy of rituximab in gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients

AIM:To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of rituximab plus chemotherapy in gastric diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL).METHODS:Sixty patients(median age:58 years)with histologically confirmed gastric DLBCL treated at four Italian institutions between 2000 and 2007,were included in this analysis.Patients were selected by stage (Ⅰ-Ⅳ,Lugano staging system),European Cooperative Oncology Group performance status(0-2)and treatment strategies.Treatment strategies were chemotherapy alone(group A,n=30)[scheduled as cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine and prednisone (CHOP)and CHOP-like],and chemotherapy combined with rituximab(group B,n=30).The primary end point of the study was complete response(CR)rate;the secondary end points were disease-free survival (DFS)at 5 years and overall survival(OS).RESULTS:Median follow-up was 62 mo(range:31102 mo).We observed a significant difference between the two groups(A vs B)in terms of CR[76.6%(23/30) vs 100%,P=0.04)and DFS at 5 years[73.3%(22/30) vs 100%,P=0.03).To date,19 group A(63.3%) patients are alive and 11 have died,while all group B patients are alive.No significant differences in toxicity were observed between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Rituximab in combination with chemotherapy improves CR rate,DFS and OS.Further prospective trials are needed to confirm our results.

Generation and selection of immunized Fab phage display library against human B cell lymphoma

The approval of using monoclonal antibodies as a targeted therapy in the management of patients with B cell lymphoma has led to new treatment options for this group of patients. Production ofmonoclonal antibodies by the traditional hybridoma technology is costly, and the resulting murine antibodies often have the disadvantage of triggering human anti-mouse antibody （HAMA） response. Therefore recombinant Fab antibodies generated by the phage display technology can be a suitable alternative in managing B cell lymphoma. In this study, we extracted total RNA from spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with human B lymphoma cells, and used RT-PCR to amplify cDNAs coding for the κ light chains and Fd fragments of heavy chains. After appropriate restriction digests, these cDNA fragments were successively inserted into the phagemid vector pComb3H-SS to construct an immunized Fab phage display library. The diversity of the constructed library was approximately 1.94× 10^7. Following five rounds of biopanning, soluble Fab antibodies were produced from positive clones identified by ELISA. From eight positive clones, FabC06, FabC21, FabC43 and FabC59 were selected for sequence analysis. At the level of amino acid sequences, the variable heavy domains （VH） and variable light domains （VL） were found to share 88-92% and 89-94% homology with sequences coded by the corresponding murine germline genes respectively. Furthermore, reactivity with membrane proteins of the B cell lymphoma was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. These immunized Fab antibodies may provide a valuable tool for further study of B cell lymphoma and could also contribute to the improvement of disease therapy.

Role of Immune Microenvironmental Factors for Improving the IPI-related Risk Stratification of Aggressive B Cell Lymphoma

Objective To investigate the risk stratification of aggressive B cell lymphoma using the immune microenvironment and clinical factors. Methods A total of 127 patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma between 2014 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. CD4, Foxp3, CDS, CD68, CD163, PD-1, and PD-L1 expression levels were evaluated in paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissues to identify their roles in the risk stratification. Eleven factors were identified for further evaluation using analysis of variance, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results Significant differences in 11 factors （age, Ann Arbor stage, B symptom, ECOG performance status, infiltrating CD8＋ T cells, PD-L1 expression, absolute blood monocyte count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, serum iron, serum albumin, and serum l^2-microglobulin） were observed among patient groups stratified by at least two risk stratification methods [International Prognostic Index （IPI）, revised IPI, and NCCN-IPI models] （P 〈 0.05）. Concordance rates were high （81.4%-100.0%） when these factors were used for the risk stratification. No difference in the risk stratification results was observed with or without the Ann Arbor stage data. Conclusion We developed a convenient and inexpensive tool for use in risk stratification of aggressive B cell lymphomas, although further studies on the role of immune microenvironmental factors are needed.

Manifestation of severe pneumonia in anti-PL-7 antisynthetase syndrome and B cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Antisynthetase syndrome(ASS)is characterized by the presence of antisynthetase antibodies coupled with clinical findings such as fever,polymyositis-dermatomyositis and interstitial lung disease.It is,however,rare to observe ASS association with B cell lymphoma presenting severe pneumonia as the first clinical manifestation.CASE SUMMARY We evaluated a 59-year-old male patient who presented with cough with sputum,shortness of breath and fever for 13 d.A chest computed tomography radiograph revealed bilateral diffuse ground-glass infiltrates in both upper fields,left lingual lobe and right middle lobe.Initially,the patient was diagnosed with severe community-acquired pneumonia and respiratory failure.He was empirically treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics,without improvement.Further analysis showed an ASS panel with anti-PL7 antibodies.Besides,electromyography evaluation demonstrated a manifestation of myogenic damage,while deltoid muscle biopsy showed irregular muscle fiber bundles especially abnormal lymphocyte infiltration.In addition,bone marrow biopsy revealed high invasive B cell lymphoma.Thus,the patient was diagnosed with a relatively rare anti–PL7 antibody positive ASS associated with B cell lymphoma.CONCLUSION This case highlights that rapidly progressive lung lesions and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with heliotrope rash and extremely high lactate dehydrogenase level should be considered as the characteristics of non-infectious diseases,especially ASS and B cell lymphoma.

Dihydroartemisinin enhances cell apoptosis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma by inhibiting the STAT3 activity

Background:Dihydroartemisinin(DHA)is reported to be a potential anticancer agent,and the mechanisms underlying the effects of DHA on diffuse large B cell lymphoma however are still obscure.This study aimed to assess the antitumor effect of DHA on diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells and to determine the potential underlying mechanisms of DHA-induced cell apoptosis.Methods:Here,the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay was conducted to study cell proliferation.We performed Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining,real-time polymerase chain reaction,and western blot analysis to analyze cell apoptosis and potential molecular mechanisms.Results:The results showed that DHA substantially suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in vitro in a time-and concentration-dependent fashion.Moreover,STAT3 activity could be inhibited after stimulation with DHA.Conclusion:These results imply that the underlying anti-tumoral effect of DHA may increase apoptosis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells via the STAT3 signaling pathway.In addition,DHA might be an effective drug for diffuse large B cell lymphoma therapy.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma originating from the maxillary sinus with skin metastases:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is the most common type of malignant lymphoma(ML),accounting for 30%-40%of cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma(NHL)in adults.Primary paranasal sinus lymphoma is a rare presentation of extranodal NHL that accounts for only 0.17%of all lymphomas.ML from the maxillary sinus(MS)is a particularly rare presentation,and is thus often difficult to diagnose.We have reported the first known case of DLBCL originating from the MS with rapidly occurrent multiple skin metastasis.CASE SUMMARY An 81-year-old Japanese man visited our hospital due to continuous pain for 12 d in the left maxillary nerve area.His medical history included splenectomy due to a traffic injury,an old right cerebral infarction from when he was 74-years-old,hypertension,and type 2 diabetes mellitus.A plain head computed tomography(CT)scan revealed a 3 cm×3.1 cm×3 cm sized left MS.On day 25,left diplopia and ptosis occurred,and a follow-up CT on day 31 revealed the growth of the left MS mass.Based on an MS biopsy on day 50,we established a definitive diagnosis of DLBCL,non-germinal center B-cell-like originating from the left MS.The patient was admitted on day 62 due to rapid deterioration of his condition,and a plain CT scan revealed the further growth of the left MS mass,as well as multiple systemic metastasis,including of the skin.A skin biopsy on day 70 was found to be the same as that of the left MS mass.We notified the patient and his family of the disease,and they opted for palliative care,considering on his condition and age.The patient died on day 80.CONCLUSION This case suggests the need for careful,detailed examination,and for careful follow-up,when encountering patients presenting with a mass.

Guillain-Barrésyndrome and hemophagocytic syndrome heralding the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Central nervous system(CNS)lesions and peripheral neuropathy are rare among patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma(NHL).Lymphomatous infiltration or local oppression usually accounts for CNS or peripheral nerve lesions.The incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 5%.Guillain-Barrésyndrome(GBS)is rare and may occur in less than 0.3%of patients with NHL.Hemophagocytic syndrome(HPS)is a rare complication of NHL.It has been reported that 1%of patients with hematological malignancies develop HPS.Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)combined with GBS has been reported in 10 cases.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 53-year-old man who was initially hospitalized because of abnormal feelings in the lower limbs and urinary incontinence.He was finally diagnosed with DLBCL combined with GBS and HPS after 16 d,which was earlier than previously reported.Immunoglobulin pulse therapy,dexamethasone,and etoposide were immediately administered.The neurological symptoms did not improve,but cytopenia was relieved.However,GBS-related clinical symptoms were relieved partially after one cycle of rituximab-cyclophosphamide,hydroxydaunorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone(R-CHOP)chemotherapy and disappeared after six cycles of R-CHOP.CONCLUSION GBS and HPS heralding the diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus DLBCL are rare.Herein,we report a rare case of DLBCL combined with GBS and HPS,and share our clinical experience.Traditional therapies may be effective if GBS occurs before lymphoma is diagnosed.Rapid diagnosis and treatment of DLBCL are crucial.

Occurrence of MYD88L265P and CD79B mutations in diffuse large b cell lymphoma with bone marrow infiltration:A case report

BACKGROUNDOver the past 20 years,we have gained a deep understanding of the biologicalheterogeneity of diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and have developed arange of new treatment programs based on the characteristics of the disease,bringing us to the era of immune-chemotherapy.However,the effectiveness andmolecular mechanisms of targeted-immunotherapy remain unclear in DLBCL.Targeted-immunotherapy may be beneficial for specific subgroups of patients,thus requiring biomarker assessment.CASE SUMMARYHere,we report a case of MCD subtype DLBCL with MYD88L265P and CD79Bmutations,considered in the initial stage as lymphoplasmic lymphoma(LPL)orWaldenstrom macroglobulinemia(WM).Flow cytometry supported this view;however,the immunohistochemical results of the lymph nodes overturned theabove diagnosis,and the patient was eventually diagnosed with MCD subtypeDLBCL.The presence of a monoclonal IgM component in the serum and infiltrationof small lymphocytes with a phenotype compatible with WM into the bonemarrow led us to propose a hypothesis that the case we report may have transformedfrom LPL/WM.CONCLUSIONThis highlights the possible transformation from WM to DLBCL,CD79B mutationmay be a potential biomarker for predicting this conversion.

Diagnosis and therapy of primary lung diffuse large B cell lymphoma： a case report

Objective： We studied the diagnosis and therapy of primary lung diffuse large B cell lymphoma （DLBCL）. Methods： Analysis the clinical manifestations, pathologic character and immunohistochemical character of one lung diffuse B cell lymphoma patent. Results： In visual observation, it＇s a gray irregular fobulated mass, section was gray, fish-like, and number of necrotic foci. Observed under the microscope, subepithelial respiratory center oocyte-like cells diffuse proliferative, infiltration in lung tissue. Immunohistochemistry： CD20 （＋）, CD79a （＋）, CD3 （-）, CD45RO （-）, PCK （-）. Conclusion： Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common subtype in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but the primary lung diffuse large B cell lymphoma is rare. This disease is lack of typical clinical manifestations, so easily misdiagnosed. The diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma should be based on pathology and immunohistochemistry.

Expression and clinical value of programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1)in diffuse large B cell lymphoma:a retrospective study

Background: The programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1) pathway inhibits the activation of T cells and plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of cellular and humoral immune responses.Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy in adults. In the present study, we aimed to detect the expression of PD-L1 in DLBCL and to analyze its relationship with prognosis.Methods: We reviewed medical records of 204 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between October 2005 and August 2012. The expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues from these 204 patients was detected using immunohistochemical(IHC) assay. The expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase(ALK), CD5,CD30, and C-Myc in tumor specimens from 109 patients was detected using IHC, and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)-encoded RNAs(EBERs) were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The Spearman method was used for correlation analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was used for univariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.Results: Of the 204 patients, 100(49.0%) were PD-L1-positive in tumor cells and 44(21.6%) were PD-L1-positive in tumor microenvironment. PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment were more common in the non-germinal center B-cell-like(GCB) subtype than in the GCB subtype(P = 0.02 and P= 0.04). Patients with PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment were more likely to be resistant to first-line chemotherapy when compared with the patients without PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment(P = 0.03). PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment was negatively correlated with C-Myc expression(r =-0.20, P = 0.04). No correlations were detected between PD-L1 expression and the expression of ALK, CD5, and CD30 as well as EBERs. The 5-year overall survival(OS)rates were 50.0% and 67.3% in patients with and without PD-L1 expression in tumor cells(P = 0.02). PD-L1 expression in tumor cells was an independent risk predictor for OS(P < 0.01).Conclusions: PD-L1 expression is more common in the non-GCB subtype than in the GCB subtype. PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment has a negative correlation with C-Myc. PD-L1 positivity predicts short survival in DLBCL patients. For patients with PD-L1 expression, more strategy such as anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment should be recommended.

Prognostic value of ^(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography using Deauville criteria in diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Objective: High-dose chemotherapy(HDC) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(auto-HSCT) plays an important role in improving outcomes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL) patients.18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose(18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography(PET)/computed tomography(CT) has been widely accepted in response assessment and prediction of prognosis in DLBCL. Here, we report the value of 18 FFDG PET/CT pre-and post-HSCT in predicting outcomes of patients with DLBCL.Methods: DLBCL patients who had PET/CT scan before and after HSCT were included. PET results were interpreted based upon Deauville criteria. The prognostic value of 18 F-FDG PET/CT in auto-HSCT was evaluated.Results: Eighty-four patients were enrolled. In univariate analysis, pre-and post-HSCT PET findings were correlated with 3-year progression-free survival(PFS) [hazard ratio(HR)=4.391, P=0.001; HR=7.607, P<0.001] and overall survival(OS)(HR=4.792, P=0.008; HR=26.138, P<0.001). Patients receiving upfront auto-HSCT after firstline treatment had better outcomes than relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients(3-year PFS, P<0.001; 3-year OS,P<0.001). In the relapsed/refractory patients, pre-and post-HSCT PET findings were also associated with 3-year PFS(P=0.003 vs. P<0.001) and OS(P=0.027 vs. P<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between clinical response to chemotherapy before auto-HSCT and outcomes of patients in the entire cohort(3-year PFS, P<0.001;3-year OS, P<0.001) and in the subgroup of 21 patients with positive pre-HSCT PET(3-year PFS, P=0.084; 3-year OS, P=0.240). A significant association between survival and post-HSCT PET findings was observed in multivariate analysis(HR=5.168, P<0.001).Conclusions: PET results before and after HSCT are useful prognostic factors for DLBCL patients receiving HSCT. Patients who responded to chemotherapy, even those with positive pre-HSCT PET, are appropriate candidates for auto-HSCT.

The Diagnostic and Prognostic Impact of Serum miRNA-21 in a Sample of Hepatitis C/None Hepatitis Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Egyptian Patients

Background: Circulating microRNAs are potential biomarkers of diagnostic and prognostic impact in various inflammatory and malignant diseases. Aim: Linking inflammation with malignancy, we studied miRNA-21 in sera of hepatitis-C-virus (HCV) and none hepatitis diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, aiming to identify its differential expression and prognosis in DLBCL with its subtypes;germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell-like (ABC) and to evaluate its relation with HCV. Subjects and Methods: MiRNA-21 expression was measured using TaqMan quantitative RT-PCR in sera of 30 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients (HCV positive (n = 10), HCV negative (n = 20)) and 20 controls (HCV positive (n = 10), HCV negative (n = 10)). Results: MiRNA-21 expression was significantly higher in DLBCL patients than in control (p = 0.00). Significant positive correlations between miRNA-21 and LDH, IPI and disease stage were detected (p Conclusion: Our study shows that miRNA-21 is over expressed in our patients with DLBCL, displaying higher levels in ABC than in GCB subtypes. MiRNA-21 is associated with poor response to treatment and survival in DLBCL. MiRNA-21 is a potential marker of necro-inflammation independent of its role in tumorogenesis, showing higher expression in HCV positive DLBCL patients compared to none hepatitis patients.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in Egyptian Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 4

Background: Members of the NFκB [p65] family have potential diagnostic and prognostic role in various inflammatory diseases and Lymphomas. Aim: We studied NFκB [p65] in paraffin blocks of hepatitis-C-virus [HCV] positive genotype-4 and HCV negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] patients, aiming at identification of its differential expression and prognosis in DLBCL and its subtypes;GCB and ABC. This is to establish its relation to HCV infection and its role in lymphogenesis. Besides assessing the role of new directly acting antiviral drugs [Sofusbuvir/Ledipasvir] concomitantly administered to [CHOP] combination in HCV positive DLBCL. Subjects and Methods: NFκB [p65] expression was assessed using Anti-NFκB [p65] antibody semi-quantitative technique in 30 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients [HCV positive [n = 15], HCV negative [n = 15]. Results: NFκB [p65] expression was higher in the HCV positive DLBCL patients than their HCV negative counterpart, with a positive correlation with the viral load [r = 0.536, p = 0.088]. NFκB [p65] expression was significantly more frequently detected in the ABC subtype than GCB subtype [p = 0.04]. Patients who expressed NFκB [p65] had higher incidence of extranodal involvement, advanced stages, higher LDH levels and IPI score. Besides, the expression of NFκB [P65] revealed an inferior overall response [OR] [p = 0.044]. Higher complete response rates to CHOP concomitantly with antiviral [ledipasvir/sofosbuvir] were encountered in the HCV positive group. In HCV positive group, NFκB [P65] displayed a positive relationship with the viral load and liver enzymes [p = 0.04], besides an inverse relation with serum albumin. This raises the possibility that NFκB [p65] expression is suggestive of the hepatic necro-inflammation in HCV patients. The ABC group presented more in advanced stages than GCB. Higher frequency of the ABC subgroup exhibited intermediate to high viral load, while it was less in the GCB. A statistically significant difference was found in the NFκB [p65] positive patients as regards MUM1 expression among the two groups [p ≤ 0.001]. Double positive [CD10+, MUM1+] and triple negative [CD10-, BCL6-, MUM1-] cases were encountered in the HCV positive group, and were characterized with a high NFκB [p65] expression. Conclusion: NFκB [p65] is expressed in patients with DLBCL, more frequently in ABC than in GCB subtypes. Expression of NFκB [p65] is associated with poor response to therapy in DLBCL. The NFκB [p65] disclosed an increased expression in HCV positive DLBCL compared to HCV negative group. The viral load displayed a positive correlation with the NFκB [p65] expression. Simultaneous administration of DAAs in combination with CHOP disclosed a better response and high tolerability.

Treatment of secondary central nervous system involvement in systemic aggressive B cell lymphoma using R-MIADD chemotherapy:a single-center study

Background:Secondary central nervous system lymphoma(SCNSL)is defined as lymphoma involvement within the central nervous system(CNS)that originated elsewhere,or a CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma.Prognosis of SCNSL is poor and the most appropriate treatment is still undetermined.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study to assess the feasibility of an R-MIADD(rituximab,high-dose methotrexate,ifosfamide,cytarabine,liposomal formulation of doxorubicin,and dexamethasone)regimen for SCNSL patients.Results:Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed CNS lesions were selected,with a median age of 58(range 20 to 72)years.Out of 19 patients,11(57.9%)achieved complete remission(CR)and 2(10.5%)achieved partial remission(PR);the overall response rate was 68.4%.The median progression-free survival after CNS involvement was 28.0 months(95%confidence interval 11.0–44.9),and the median overall survival after CNS involvement was 34.5 months.Treatment-related death occurred in one patient(5.3%).Conclusions:These single-centered data underscore the feasibility of an R-MIADD regimen as the induction therapy of SCNSL,further investigation is warranted.

Hepatitis B virus–associated diffuse large B cell lymphoma:epidemiology,biology,clinical features and HBV reactivation

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is the most common type of lymphoma in adults with high heterogeneity.Recent studies have manifested that the occurrence and development of DLBCL is related to hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.As a medium-to-high prevalence area of HBV infection in China,the importance and exact mechanism of HBV infection in the occurrence of DLBCL have attracted considerable attention.HBV-associated DLBCL has unique clinical characteristics,poor treatment effect and inferior prognosis.HBV reactivation caused by DLBCL treatment also needs for constant vigilance.In this review we summarize the current research progress in the epidemiology,pathogenesis,clinical characteristics,HBV reactivation and antiviral therapies of HBV-associated DLBCL,in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Primary Liver Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Rare Diagnosis

Primary liver lymphoma is extremely rare, in most of cases it is a B cell lymphoma. Usually the diagnosis is made in middle-aged individuals and most of them have a relatively short life expectancy. In this article, the authors present a case report of a 75-year-old woman with symptoms of three weeks of evolution of diffuse abdominal pain, asthenia and anorexia. The analysis showed cyto cholestasis and the radiological image with lush hepatomegaly because of a large hepatic mass. The patient started chemotherapy and actually is well twenty months after the end of the chemotherapy.

Clinical features and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on nodal or extranodal primary sites of origin:Analysis of 1,085 WHO classified cases in a single institution in China

Objective: To explore the clinicobiologic features and outcomes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)patients in China according to the primary site.Methods: A total of 1,085 patients diagnosed with DLBCL in National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College during a 6-year period were enrolled. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed according to the primary site.Results: In the 1,085 patients, 679(62.6%) cases were nodal DLBCL(N-DLBCL) and 406 cases(37.4%) were extranodal DLBCL(EN-DLBCL). The most common sites of N-DLBCL were lymphonodus(64.8%), Waldeyer's ring(19.7%), mediastinum(12.8%) and spleen(2.7%), while in EN-DLBCL, stomach(22.4%), intestine(16.0%),nose and sinuses(8.9%), testis(8.4%), skin(7.9%), thyroid(6.9%), central nervous system(CNS)(6.4%), breast(5.7%), bone(3.4%), and salivary gland(2.7%) were most common. N-DLBCL patients tend to present B symptoms, bulky disease, and elevated LDH more often, while age >60 years, extranodal sites >1, Ann Arbor stage I or II, bone marrow involvement, and Ki-67 index >90% were usually seen in EN-DLBCL. The 5-year overall survival(OS) rate and progression-free survival(PFS) rate for all patients were 62.5% and 54.2%. The 5-year OS rate for patients with N-DLBCL and EN-DLBCL were 65.5% and 56.9%(P=0.008), and the 5-year PFS were57.0% and 49.0%(P=0.020). Waldeyer's ring originated DLBCL possessed the highest 5-year OS rate(83.6%) and PFS rate(76.9%) in N-DLBCL. The top five EN-DLBCL subtypes with favorable prognosis were stomach,breast, nose and sinuses, lung, salivary gland, with 5-year OS rate: 70.3%, 69.6%, 69.4%, 66.7% and 63.6%,respectively. While CNS, testis, oral cavity and kidney originated EN-DLBCL faced miserable prognosis, with 5-year OS rate of 26.9%, 38.2%, and 42.9%.Conclusions: In our study, primary sites were associated with clinical characteristics and outcomes. Compared with EN-DLBCL, N-DLBCL had better prognosis.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation and hepatitis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy:risk factors and survival

Introduction:Hepatitis B virus(HBV) reactivation has been reported in B-cell lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B(hepatitis B surface antigen[HBsAg]-negative and hepatitis B core antibody[HBcAb]-positive).This study aimed to assess HBV reaaivation and hepatitis occurrence in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL) patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy compared with HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients to identify risk factors for HBV reaaivation and hepatitis occurrence and to analyze whether HBV reaaivation and hepatitis affect the survival of DLBCL patients with resolved hepatitis B.Methods:We reviewed the clinical data of 278 patients with DLBCL treated with rituximab-containing therapy between January 2004 and May 2008 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center,China.Prediaive faaors for HBV reaaivation,hepatitis development,and survival were examined by univariate analysis using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test and by multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model.Results:Among the 278 patients,165 were HBsAg-negative.Among these 165 patients,6(10.9%) of 55 HBcAb-positive(resolved HBV infeaion) patients experienced HBV reactivation compared with none(0%) of 110 HBcAb-negative patients(P=0.001).Patients with resolved hepatitis B had a higher hepatitis occurrence rate than HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients(21.8%vs.8.2%,P = 0.013).HBcAb positivity and elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels were independent risk factors for hepatitis.Among the 55 patients with resolved hepatitis B,patients with elevated baseline serum ALT or aspartate aminotransferase(AST) levels were more likely to develop hepatitis than those with normal serum ALT or AST levels(P = 0.037,P = 0.005,respeaively).An elevated baseline AST level was an independent risk factor for hepatitis in these patients.Six patients with HBV reactivation recovered after immediate antiviral therapy,and chemotherapy was continued.HBcAb positivity,HBV reactivation,or hepatitis did not negatively affect the survival of DLBCL patients.Conclusions:DLBCL patients with resolved hepatitis B may have a higher risk of developing HBV reaaivation and hepatitis than HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-negative patients.Close monitoring and prompt antiviral therapy are required in these patients.

New risk factors and new tendency for central nervous system relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma:a retrospective study

Background: In patients with difuse large B?cell lymphoma(DLBCL), central nervous system(CNS) relapse is uncom?mon but is nearly always fatal. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for CNS relapse in DLBCL patients and to evaluate the eicacy of rituximab and intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis for CNS relapse reduction.Methods: A total of 511 patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL treated at the Sun Yat?sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and December 2012 were included in the study. Among these patients, 376 received R?CHOP regimen(rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment, and 135 received CHOP regimen(cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) as primary treatment. Intrathe?cal chemotherapy prophylaxis(methotrexate plus cytarabine) was administered to those who were deemed at high risk for CNS relapse. In the entire cohort and in the R?CHOP set in particular, the Kaplan–Meier method coupled with the log?rank test was used for univariate analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. Diferences were evaluated using a two?tailed test, and P < 0.05 was considered signiicant.Results: At a median follow?up of 46 months, 25(4.9%) patients experienced CNS relapse. There was a trend of reduced occurrence of CNS relapse in patients treated with rituximab; the 3?year cumulative CNS relapse rates were 7.1% in CHOP group and 2.7% in R?CHOP group(P = 0.045). Intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis did not confer much beneit in terms of preventing CNS relapse. Bone involvement [hazard ratio(HR) = 4.21, 95% conidence interval(CI) 1.38–12.77], renal involvement(HR = 3.85, 95% CI 1.05–14.19), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) >110 U/L(HR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.25–10.34), serum albumin(ALB) <35 g/L(HR = 3.63, 95% CI 1.25–10.51), treatment with rituxi?mab(HR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.96), and a time to complete remission ≤ 108 days(HR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.78) were independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the entire cohort. Bone involvement(HR = 4.44, 95% CI 1.08–18.35), bone marrow involvement(HR = 11.70, 95% CI 2.24–60.99), and renal involvement(HR = 10.83, 95% CI 2.27–51.65) were independent risk factors for CNS relapse in the R?CHOP set.Conclusions: In the present study, rituximab decreased the CNS relapse rate of DLBCL, whereas intrathecal chemo?therapy prophylaxis alone was not suicient for preventing CNS relapse. Serum levels of ALB and ALP, and the time to complete remission were new independent predictive factors for CNS relapse in the patients with DLBCL. In the patients received R?CHOP regimen, a trend of increased CNS relapse was found to be associated with extranodal lesions.

R-CHOP regimen can significantly decrease the risk of disease relapse and progression in patients with non-germinal centerB-cell subtype diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

To further explore the role of rituximab when added to the CHOP-like regimen in the treatment of immunohistochemically defined non-germinal center B-cell subtype (non-GCB) diffuse large B-celllymphoma (DLBCL), 159 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients were studied retrospectively based on the immunohistochemical evaluation of CD10, Bcl-6, MUM-1, and Bcl-2. Altogether, 110 patients underwent the CHOP-like regimen, and rituximab was added for the other 49 patients. Cox regression analysis showed that compared with the CHOP-like regimen, the rituximab-based regimen (R-CHOP regimen)significantly decreased the risk of disease relapse and progression in CD10-negative patients (P=0.001),Bcl-6-negative patients (P=0.01), and MUM-1-positive patients (P=0.003). The risk of disease relapse in patients with non-GCB subtype (P=0.002) also decreased. In contrast, patients with the opposite immunohistochemical marker expression profile and GCB subtype did not benefit from treatment with the R-CHOP regimen. In addition, non-GCB subtype patients had a significantly higher expression rate of Bcl-2 than GCB subtype patients (P=0.042). Although univariate analysis found that both Bcl-2-positive and-negative patients had significantly higher event-free survival rates with the R-CHOP regimen, only Bcl-2 positivity (P=0.004) maintained significance in the Cox regression analysis. We conclude that the addition of rituximab can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with non-GCB subtype DLBCL, which is closely related to the expression of CD10, Bcl-6, MUM-1, and Bcl-2.