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Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamed Riad, M.D.[2] Anila Hussain, MD [3] Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [4]

Synonyms and keywords: DLBCL; Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; Large B cell lymphoma; Diffuse lymphoma

Overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2] Anila Hussain, MD [3]

Overview

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL or DLBL) is a cancer of B cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified based on location into nodal and extranodal disease and based on molecular, genetic, and immunohistochemical features into more than 20 subgroups. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified into 2 subtypes based on gene expression profiles. The progression to diffuse large B cell lymphoma involves the microRNAs (miRNAs). On microscopic histopathological analysis, diffuse large B cell lymphoma can be divided into three variants: centroblastic, immunoblastic, and anaplastic. There are no established causes for diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,000 people per year. This cancer occurs primarily in older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at approximately 70 years of age, though it can also occur in children and young adults in rare cases. The most potent risk factor in the development of diffuse large B cell lymphoma is immunodeficiency. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma must be differentiated from other diseases such as follicular lymphoma, Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue lymphoma(MALT), small cell lymphocytic lymphoma, and Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The prognosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is associated with a 5 year survival rate ranging from 70% to more than 90% among children. According to the Lugano classification, there are four stages of diffuse large B cell lymphoma based on the number of nodes involved and extranodal status. The most common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include a rapidly enlarging, non-painful mass that may be located in neck, groin or abdomen. The less common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include fever, weight loss and drenching night sweats. Common physical examination findings of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include a non tender mass which can arise in virtually any part of the body. Laboratory tests of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include complete blood count, blood chemistry studies, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cytology, genetic testing, and immunophenotyping. CT scan, MRI, and PET may be helpful in the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Lymph node or extranodal tissue biopsy is diagnostic of large B cell lymphoma. Other diagnostic studies for diffuse large B cell lymphoma include laparoscopy, laparotomy, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The optimal therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma depends on the stage at diagnosis. The predominant therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma is chemotherapy. Adjunctive radiotherapy may be required. Active areas of research include genetic studies to assess the genetic role in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and novel therapeutic regimens that evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel regimens in in newly diagnosed diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Classification

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified based on location into nodal and extranodal disease and based on molecular, genetic, and immunohistochemical features into more than 20 subgroups.

Pathophysiology

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is mainly caused by genetic mutations. Genetic expression of germinal centers B cell like are associated with favourable prognosis. Some studies have established an association between microRNA expression and B cell lymphoma pathogenesis. The studies showed poor prognosis of microRNA expressed lymphomas. MicroRNAs participate in development of B cell receptor signalling, B cell migration, and class switching of immunoglobulins. On microscopic pathology, diffuse large B cell lymphoma has three variant pictures which include centroblastic, immunoblastic, and anaplastic forms of DLBCL.

Causes

There are no established causes for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Differential diagnosis

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma must be differentiated from other diseases such as follicular lymphoma, Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue lymphoma(MALT), small cell lymphocytic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Epidemiology and demographics

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among adults, with an annual incidence of 7–8 cases per 100,000 people per year. This cancer occurs primarily in older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at approximately 70 years of age, though it can also occur in children and young adults in rare cases.

Risk factors

According to the American Cancer Society, There are several Factors including Old Age, Male Gender, White Ethnicity, Geography, exposure to Certain Drugs and Chemicals, Radiation exposure, and weak Immune System that can increase the chances of getting Non Hodgkin Lymphoma(NHL) among which Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma is the Most common sub-type. Some Other Risk Factors include hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity, high body mass as a young adult, HIV, and Family History of Lymphoma

Screening

Screening for diffuse large B cell lymphoma is not recommended.

Prognosis

The prognosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma depends on the stage of the disease. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is associated with a 5 year survival rate ranging from 70% to more than 90% among children.

Diagnosis

Staging

According to the Lugano classification, there are four stages of diffuse large B cell lymphoma based on the number of nodes involved and extranodal status.

History and symptoms

The most common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include a rapidly enlarging, non-painful mass that may be located in neck, groin or abdomen. The less common symptoms of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include fever, weight loss and drenching night sweats.

Physical examination

Common physical examination findings of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include a non tender mass which can arise in virtually any part of the body.

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory tests of diffuse large B cell lymphoma include complete blood count, blood chemistry studies, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cytology, genetic testing, and immunophenotyping.

Electrocardiogram

There are no electrocardiogam findings associated with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Chest X ray

There are no chest X ray findings associated with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

CT

CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan is now recommended as the gold standard for staging DLBCL patients

MRI

For suspected lymphoma of the Nervous System, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice. Neck MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Biopsy

Lymph node or extranodal tissue biopsy is diagnostic of large B cell lymphoma.

Other Imaging Studies

PET scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Other diagnostic studies for diffuse large B cell lymphoma include laparoscopy, laparotomy, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Treatment

Medical therapy

The optimal therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma depends on the stage at diagnosis. The predominant therapy for diffuse large B cell lymphoma is chemotherapy. Adjunctive radiotherapy may be required.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Primary prevention

There are no primary preventive measures for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Secondary prevention

There are no secondary preventive measures for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Future or Investigational therapies

Active areas of research include genetic studies to assess the genetic role in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and novel therapeutic regimens that evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel regimens in in newly diagnosed diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

References


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Historical Perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Historical perspective

In 1865, Samuel Wilks used the term “Hodgkin’s disease” in Annals of medicine on the name of “Thomas Hodgkin” who published a paper on some morbid appearances of absorbent glands and spleen in 1832[1][2][3]. Consequently, the other heterogeneous lymph node neoplastic disorder was later named as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is now one of the leading malignancies worldwide and Diffuse Large b cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

References

  1. Wilks S. Cases with enlargement of the lymphatic glands and spleen (or Hodgkin’s disease) with remarks. Guy’s Hosp Rep. 1865;11:57–67
  2. Ritu Lakhtakia & Ikram Burney (2015). “A Historical Tale of Two Lymphomas: Part I: Hodgkin lymphoma”. Sultan Qaboos University medical journal. 15 (2): e202–e206. PMID 26052452. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. Ahmedin Jemal, Freddie Bray, Melissa M. Center, Jacques Ferlay, Elizabeth Ward & David Forman (2011). “Global cancer statistics”. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians. 61 (2): 69–90. doi:10.3322/caac.20107. PMID 21296855. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)


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Classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2] Anila Hussain, MD [3]

Overview

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified based on location into nodal and extranodal disease and based on pathological and clinical features.

Classification

Classification Based on Location

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified based on location:

Classification Based on Pathological and Clinical Features

According to the updated WHO classification, diffuse large B cell lymphoma may be classified based on pathological and clinical features into the following:

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified

  • Molecular subtypes: GCB subtype, about 60%; ABC subtype, about 25–30%; unclassifiable, about 10–15%; new molecular entities recently characterized
Diagnostic features

Diffuse proliferation of medium or large lymphoid B cells typically expressing CD19, CD20, CD22, CD79a, PAX5, and surface or cytoplasmic immunoglobulin; molecular techniques (e.g., GEP) or IHC-based algorithms recommended to classify subtypes

Clinical Features and Outcome
  • Nodal presentation is the most common and 30–40% of cases are primary extranodal

Other Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) type

T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B cell lymphoma (rare)

Primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (rare)

  • Typically ABC subtype; frequent loss of HLA class I/II; frequent mutation of MYD88
  • Exclusively in CNS or intraocular region, rare systemic involvement; poor prognosis; specialized treatment with CNS-penetrating agents, with or without radiation therapy, required; targeted therapies under investigation

Primary Cutaneous DLBCL, Leg type (rare)

EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, NOS (rare)

EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (rare)

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation (rare)

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (rare)

Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement (rare)

Primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma (around 6% of large B-cell cases)

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (rare)

ALK-positive large B-cell lymphoma (rare)

Plasmablastic lymphoma (rare)

HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (rare)

Primary effusion lymphoma (rare)

High-grade B-cell lymphoma

  • High-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements or both (doublehit or triple-hit lymphoma) (4–8% of large B-cell cases)
  • Variable morphology, including DLBCL, B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable (with features intermediate between DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma), and blastoid features; MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, detected by FISH
  • Frequently aggressive clinical presentation; higher risk of CNS involvement; poor prognosis; consider more intensive immunochemotherapy regimens, such as DA-EPOCH-R

High-grade B-cell lymphoma, NOS (rare)

B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable


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Pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2] Anila Hussain, MD [3]

Overview

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is mainly caused by genetic mutations. Genetic expression of germinal centers B cell like are associated with favourable prognosis. Some studies have established an association between microRNA expression and B cell lymphoma pathogenesis. The studies showed poor prognosis of microRNA expressed lymphomas. MicroRNAs participate in development of B cell receptor signalling, B cell migration, and class switching of immunoglobulins. On microscopic pathology, diffuse large B cell lymphoma has three variant pictures which include centroblastic, immunoblastic, and anaplastic forms of DLBCL.

Pathophysiology

Biologic features of DLBCL

Genetics

  • Gene expression profiling studies have also attempted to distinguish heterogeneous groups of diffuse large B cell lymphoma from each other.
  • These studies examine thousands of genes simultaneously using a DNA microarray, looking for patterns which may help in grouping cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
  • Many studies now suggest that cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified can be separated into two groups on the basis of their gene expression profiles:
  • Germinal centre B-cell-like (GCB)
  • Activated B-cell-like (ABC).[1][2][3]
  • Tumor cells in the Germinal centre B-cell-like subgroup resemble normal B cells in the germinal centrer closely, and are generally associated with a favourable prognosis.[4][5]
  • Activated B-cell-like tumor cells are associated with a poorer prognosis,[5] and derive their name from studies which show the continuous activation of certain pathways normally activated when B cells interact with an antigen.
  • The NF-κB pathway, which is normally involved in transforming B cells into plasma cells, is an important example of one such pathway.[6]

MicroRNA expression

  • Recent gene expression studies is the importance of the cells and microscopic structures interspersed between the malignant B cells within the diffuse large B cell lymphoma tumor, an area commonly known as the tumor microenvironment.
  • The presence of gene expression signatures commonly associated with macrophages, T cells, and remodelling of the extracellular matrix seems to be associated with an improved prognosis and better overall survival.[5][7]
  • Alternatively, expression of genes coding for pro-angiogenic factors is correlated with poorer survival.[5]

Recently, it was described that short non-coding RNAs named microRNAs (miRNAs) have important functions in lymphoma biology. In malignant B cells miRNAs participate in pathways fundamental to B cell development like

  • B cell receptor (BCR) signalling
  • B cell migration/adhesion
  • Cell-cell interactions in immune niches
  • Production and class-switching of immunoglobulins[8]

MiRNAs influence B cell maturation, generation of pre-, marginal zone, follicular, B1, plasma and memory B cells.[8]

Immunohistochemistry

  • With the apparent success of gene expression profiling in separating biologically distinct cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, some researchers examined whether a similar distinction could be made using immunohistochemical staining, a widely used method for characterizing tissue samples.
  • This technique uses highly specific antibody-based stains to detect proteins on a microscope slide, and since microarrays are not widely available for routine clinical use, immunohistochemical staining is a desirable alternative.[9][10]
  • Many of these studies focused on stains against the products of prognostically significant genes which had been implicated in diffuse large B cell lymphoma gene expression studies. Examples of such genes include BCL2, BCL6, MUM1, LMO2, MYC, and p21. Several algorithms for separating diffuse large B cell lymphoma cases by immunohistochemical staining arose out of this research, categorizing tissue samples into groups most commonly known as Germinal centre B-cell-like subgroup and Non-Germinal centre B-cell-like subgroup.[10][11][12][13]
  • The correlation between these Germinal centre B-cell-like/Non-Germinal centre B-cell-like immunohistochemical groupings and the Germinal centre B-cell/Activated B-cell-like groupings used in gene expression profiling studies is uncertain.[4][12], as is their prognostic value[4].This uncertainty may arise in part due to poor inter-rater reliability in performing common immunohistochemical stains.[9]

Microscopic Pathology

Morphology:

The cells in DLBCL are large Lymphoid cells that are diffusely arranged in a pattern that effaces normal nodal or extranodal architecture[14]

Following Morphological Subgroups are seen in DLBCL

Centroblastic:

  • Most common variant, 80 percent of all cases
  • Appearance of medium-to-large-sized lymphocytes
  • Tumor may be monomorphic, composed almost entirely of Centroblasts(>90%)
  • The majority of cases are polymorphic (mixture of Centroblasts(<90%), Immunoblasts and Centrocytes)

Immunoblastic::

  • 8-10 percent of all cases of DLBCL
  • Greater than 90% of its cells are immunoblasts
  • Large lymphoid cells with Significant basophilic cytoplasm
  • Trapezoid shaped centrally located nucleolus with fine chromatin strands that are attached to nuclear membrane(also known as spider legs)

Anaplastic:

  • Less common variant comprising almost 3 percent of all cases of DLBCL
  • Tumor cells which appear very differently from their normal B cell counterparts
    • Very large cells with a round, oval, or polygonal shape that may resemble Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Anaplastic Large cell Lymphoma
    • Pleomorphic nuclei
    • Sinusoidal Pattern

Other:

  • Does not meet any of the above criteria
  • Cells can have cloverleaf-shaped or multilobated nuclei[15]
  • Most commonly extranodal( eg primary Mediastinal B cell Lymphoma)
  • Cells can have Signet cell or spindle cell appearance

References

  1. Shipp, Margaret A.; Ross, Ken N.; Tamayo, Pablo; Weng, Andrew P.; Kutok, Jeffery L.; Aguiar, Ricardo C.T.; Gaasenbeek, Michelle; Angelo, Michael; Reich, Michael; Pinkus, Geraldine S.; Ray, Tane S.; Koval, Margaret A.; Last, Kim W.; Norton, Andrew; Lister, T. Andrew; Mesirov, Jill; Neuberg, Donna S.; Lander, Eric S.; Aster, Jon C.; Golub, Todd R. (2002). “Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outcome prediction by gene-expression profiling and supervised machine learning”. Nature Medicine. 8 (1): 68–74. doi:10.1038/nm0102-68. PMID 11786909.
  2. Rosenwald, Andreas; Wright, George; Chan, Wing C.; Connors, Joseph M.; Campo, Elias; Fisher, Richard I.; Gascoyne, Randy D.; Muller-Hermelink, H. Konrad; Smeland, Erlend B.; Giltnane, Jena M.; Hurt, Elaine M.; Zhao, Hong; Averett, Lauren; Yang, Liming; Wilson, Wyndham H.; Jaffe, Elaine S.; Simon, Richard; Klausner, Richard D.; Powell, John; Duffey, Patricia L.; Longo, Dan L.; Greiner, Timothy C.; Weisenburger, Dennis D.; Sanger, Warren G.; Dave, Bhavana J.; Lynch, James C.; Vose, Julie; Armitage, James O.; Montserrat, Emilio; et al. (2002). “The Use of Molecular Profiling to Predict Survival after Chemotherapy for Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma”. New England Journal of Medicine. 346 (25): 1937–47. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa012914. PMID 12075054.
  3. Wright, G.; Tan, B.; Rosenwald, A.; Hurt, E. H.; Wiestner, A.; Staudt, L. M. (2003). “A gene expression-based method to diagnose clinically distinct subgroups of diffuse large B cell lymphoma”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 100 (17): 9991–6. Bibcode:2003PNAS..100.9991W. doi:10.1073/pnas.1732008100. JSTOR 3147650. PMC 187912. PMID 12900505.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Gutierrez-Garcia, G.; Cardesa-Salzmann, T.; Climent, F.; Gonzalez-Barca, E.; Mercadal, S.; Mate, J. L.; Sancho, J. M.; Arenillas, L.; Serrano, S.; Escoda, L.; Martinez, S.; Valera, A.; Martinez, A.; Jares, P.; Pinyol, M.; Garcia-Herrera, A.; Martinez-Trillos, A.; Gine, E.; Villamor, N.; Campo, E.; Colomo, L.; Lopez-Guillermo, A.; Grup per l’Estudi dels Limfomes de Catalunya I Balears (GELCAB) (2011). “Gene-expression profiling and not immunophenotypic algorithms predicts prognosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy”. Blood. 117 (18): 4836–43. doi:10.1182/blood-2010-12-322362. PMID 21441466.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lenz, G.; Wright, G.; Dave, S.S.; Xiao, W.; Powell, J.; Zhao, H.; Xu, W.; Tan, B.; Goldschmidt, N.; Iqbal, J.; Vose, J.; Bast, M.; Fu, K.; Weisenburger, D.D.; Greiner, T.C.; Armitage, J.O.; Kyle, A.; May, L.; Gascoyne, R.D.; Connors, J.M.; Troen, G.; Holte, H.; Kvaloy, S.; Dierickx, D.; Verhoef, G.; Delabie, J.; Smeland, E.B.; Jares, P.; Martinez, A.; et al. (2008). “Stromal Gene Signatures in Large-B-Cell Lymphomas”. New England Journal of Medicine. 359 (22): 2313–23. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0802885. PMID 19038878.
  6. Schwartz, Robert S.; Lenz, Georg; Staudt, Louis M. (2010). “Aggressive Lymphomas”. New England Journal of Medicine. 362 (15): 1417–29. doi:10.1056/NEJMra0807082. PMID 20393178.
  7. Linderoth, Johan; Edén, Patrik; Ehinger, Mats; Valcich, Jeanette; Jerkeman, Mats; Bendahl, Pär-Ola; Berglund, Mattias; Enblad, Gunilla; Erlanson, Martin; Roos, Göran; Cavallin-Ståhl, Eva (2008). “Genes associated with the tumour microenvironment are differentially expressed in cured versus primary chemotherapy-refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma”. British Journal of Haematology. 141 (4): 423–32. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07037.x. PMID 18419622.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Musilova, K; Mraz, M (2015). “MicroRNAs in B-cell lymphomas: How a complex biology gets more complex”. Leukemia. doi:10.1038/leu.2014.351.
  9. 9.0 9.1 De Jong, D.; Xie, W.; Rosenwald, A.; Chhanabhai, M.; Gaulard, P.; Klapper, W.; Lee, A.; Sander, B.; Thorns, C.; Campo, E.; Molina, T.; Hagenbeek, A.; Horning, S.; Lister, A.; Raemaekers, J.; Salles, G.; Gascoyne, R. D.; Weller, E. (2008). “Retracted: Immunohistochemical prognostic markers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Validation of tissue microarray as a prerequisite for broad clinical applications (a study from the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium)”. Journal of Clinical Pathology. 62 (2): 128–38. doi:10.1136/jcp.2008.057257. PMID 18794197.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Choi, W. W.L.; Weisenburger, D. D.; Greiner, T. C.; Piris, M. A.; Banham, A. H.; Delabie, J.; Braziel, R. M.; Geng, H.; Iqbal, J.; Lenz, G.; Vose, J. M.; Hans, C. P.; Fu, K.; Smith, L. M.; Li, M.; Liu, Z.; Gascoyne, R. D.; Rosenwald, A.; Ott, G.; Rimsza, L. M.; Campo, E.; Jaffe, E. S.; Jaye, D. L.; Staudt, L. M.; Chan, W. C. (2009). “A New Immunostain Algorithm Classifies Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma into Molecular Subtypes with High Accuracy”. Clinical Cancer Research. 15 (17): 5494–502. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-09-0113. PMID 19706817.
  11. Colomo, L.; López-Guillermo, A; Perales, M; Rives, S; Martínez, A; Bosch, F; Colomer, D; Falini, B; Montserrat, E; Campo, E (2002). “Clinical impact of the differentiation profile assessed by immunophenotyping in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma”. Blood. 101 (1): 78–84. doi:10.1182/blood-2002-04-1286. PMID 12393466.
  12. 12.0 12.1 Hans, C. P.; Weisenburger, D. D.; Greiner, T. C.; Gascoyne, R. D.; Delabie, J; Ott, G; Müller-Hermelink, H. K.; Campo, E; Braziel, R. M.; Jaffe, E. S.; Pan, Z; Farinha, P; Smith, L. M.; Falini, B; Banham, A. H.; Rosenwald, A; Staudt, L. M.; Connors, J. M.; Armitage, J. O.; Chan, W. C. (2004). “Confirmation of the molecular classification of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray”. Blood. 103 (1): 275–82. doi:10.1182/blood-2003-05-1545. PMID 14504078.
  13. Muris, JJF; Meijer, Cjlm; Vos, W; Van Krieken, Jhjm; Jiwa, NM; Ossenkoppele, GJ; Oudejans, JJ (2006). “Immunohistochemical profiling based on Bcl-2, CD10 and MUM1 expression improves risk stratification in patients with primary nodal diffuse large B cell lymphoma”. The Journal of Pathology. 208 (5): 714–23. doi:10.1002/path.1924. PMID 16400625.
  14. Korkolopoulou P, Vassilakopoulos T, Milionis V, Ioannou M (2016). “Recent Advances in Aggressive Large B-cell Lymphomas: A Comprehensive Review”. Adv Anat Pathol. 23 (4): 202–43. doi:10.1097/PAP.0000000000000117. PMID 27271843.
  15. Li, Shaoying; Young, Ken H.; Medeiros, L. Jeffrey (2018). “Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma”. Pathology. 50 (1): 74–87. doi:10.1016/j.pathol.2017.09.006. ISSN 0031-3025.


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Causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2]

Overview

There are no established causes for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Cause

The causes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are not well understood. Usually diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arises from normal B cells, but it can also represent a malignant transformation of other types of lymphoma or leukemia. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus has also been found to contribute to the development of some subgroups of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

References


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Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2]

Overview

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma must be differentiated from other diseases such as follicular lymphoma, Mucosa-Associated Lymphatic Tissue lymphoma(MALT), small cell lymphocytic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Differential diagnosis

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma must be differentiated from other diseases such as

References

  1. Steven H. Swerdlow, Elias Campo, Stefano A. Pileri, Nancy Lee Harris, Harald Stein, Reiner Siebert, Ranjana Advani, Michele Ghielmini, Gilles A. Salles, Andrew D. Zelenetz & Elaine S. Jaffe (2016). “The 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms”. Blood. 127 (20): 2375–2390. doi:10.1182/blood-2016-01-643569. PMID 26980727. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)


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Epidemiology and Demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2] Anila Hussain, MD [3]

Overview

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is considered the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adult population. The annual incidence is about 150,000 people worldwide. It mainly affects older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at approximately 70 years old; however, it may affect children and young adults in rare cases.

Incidence

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is considered the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adult population representing approximately 30% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases.[1] The annual incidence is about 150,000 people worldwide.[2]

Age

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma mainly affects older individuals, with a median age of diagnosis at approximately 70 years of age;[3] however, it may affect children and young adults in rare cases.[4]

References

  1. “A clinical evaluation of the International Lymphoma Study Group classification of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Classification Project”. Blood. 89 (11): 3909–18. 1997. PMID 9166827.
  2. Sehn LH, Salles G (2021). “Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma”. N Engl J Med. 384 (9): 842–858. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2027612. PMID 33657296 Check |pmid= value (help).
  3. Smith, A; Howell, D; Patmore, R; Jack, A; Roman, E (2011). “Incidence of haematological malignancy by sub-type: A report from the Haematological Malignancy Research Network”. British Journal of Cancer. 105 (11): 1684–92. doi:10.1038/bjc.2011.450. PMC 3242607. PMID 22045184.
  4. Smith, Alexandra; Roman, Eve; Howell, Debra; Jones, Richard; Patmore, Russell; Jack, Andrew; Haematological Malignancy Research Network (2010). “The Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN): A new information strategy for population based epidemiology and health service research”. British Journal of Haematology. 148 (5): 739–53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.08010.x. PMC 3066245. PMID 19958356.


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Risk Factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anila Hussain, MD [2] Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [3]

Overview

There are several factors including family history, old age, male gender, white ethnicity, geography, certain viruses, exposure to certain drugs and chemicals, radiation exposure, autoimmune diseases, and weak immune system that can increase the chances of getting Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma ((DLBC) is the most common sub-type[1][2][3][4].On the other hand, factors that are associated with a decreased risk of DLBCL include blood transfusion, alcohol consumption, vegetables consumption, sun exposure, and allergies.

Risk factors:

Factors that increase the risk:

Family History:

Genetic susceptibility is an important risk factor. TNF/LTA; 6p25.3; 6p21.33; 2p23.3; 8q24-21 loci have been identified.

Age:

Old age is a strong risk factor for lymphoma with the majority of cases occurring at age 60 or more; however, some cases can be seen in young population depending upon the type of Lymphoma

Gender:

The overall risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is higher in men than in women, but there are certain types that are more commonly seen in women. Reasons for this finding are unknown.

Race, Ethnicity and Geography:

In the USA, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is most commonly seen in white population than African-Americans or Asian-Americans

Worldwide, it is more common in developed countries with USA and Europe having the highest prevalence.

Viruses:

Some viruses can increase the risk such as HIV, EBV, HHV-8, HBV, and HCV.

Drug and Chemical Exposure:

Some chemicals like Benzene and Herbicides and Insecticides may be associated with an increased risk of NHL but research is in progress to clarify these links. Some chemotherapeutic drugs might be associated as a treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma increases the risk of NHL but it is unclear whether it is treatment related or related to disease itself.

Radiation:

There is an increased risk of many types of cancers in people exposed to high intensity. It has been reported that survivors of several nuclear reactor accidents and atomic bombs tend to have certain types of cancers including NHL, Leukemia and Thyroid cancer. Also, people with Hodgkin Lymphoma who get treated with radiotherapy have a slightly increased incidence to develop NHL later in life.

Immunodeficiency:

There is an increased risk of NHL in people with immunodeficiency. Examples include organ transplant recipients who are on immunosuppressive drugs, HIV Infection. Some genetic conditions in which children are born with weak immune system like Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome and Ataxia-telengectasia(AT) also have a higher risk of NHL. However, type 2 diabetes mellitus has no significant effect.

Autoimmune:

Some autoimmune diseases also increase the risk slightly such as Sjogren syndrome, celiac disease, and SLE.

Factors that decrease the risk:

Blood transfusion, alcohol consumption, vegetables consumption, sun exposure, and allergies are associated with decreased risk of developing DLBCL.[5]

References

  1. DeVita, Vincent T., Theodore S. Lawrence, and Steven A. Rosenberg. Devita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s cancer : principles & practice of oncology. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2011. Print.
  2. Hartge P, Smith MT. Environmental and behavioral factors and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007;16:367-368.
  3. Roschewski MJ, Wilson WH. Chapter 106: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2014.
  4. Kushi LH, Doyle C, McCullough M, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention: Reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. CA Cancer J Clin. 2012;62:30-67.
  5. Sehn LH, Salles G (2021). “Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma”. N Engl J Med. 384 (9): 842–858. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2027612. PMID 33657296 Check |pmid= value (help).


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Screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2]

Overview

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

References


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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anila Hussain, MD [2] Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [3]

Overview

The prognosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) depends on the stage of the disease. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is associated with a 5 year survival rate ranging from 70% to more than 90% among children. There are several biologic factors a that are associated with the outcomes in patients with DLBCL

Prognosis

Several subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma have been identified, each having a different clinical presentation and prognosis. However, the usual treatment for each of these is chemotherapy, often in combination with an antibody targeted at the tumor cells. The IPI (International Prognostic Index) score is used in prognosis in clinical practice.[1][2]

INTERNATIONAL PROGNOSTIC INDEX (IPI)
Interantional Prognostic Index Estimated 3 year Overall Survival (95% CI)
Risk Factors Age >60 years
Serum LDH >Normal
Stage III-IV
Performance Status 2-4
Extranodal Sites >1
Risk categories Low 0-1 91(89-94)
Low Intermediate 2 81(73-86)
High Intermediate 3 65(58-73)
High 4-5 59(49-69)
AGE ADJUSTED INTERNATIONAL PROGNOSTIC INDEX (aaIPI) In Patients < or equal to 60 years
Risk Factors Serum LDH >Normal
Stage III-IV
Performance Status 2-4
Risk Categories Low 0 98(96-100)
Low Intermediate 1 92(87-95)
High Intermediate 2 75(66-82)
High 3
  • Through the treatments, more than half of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma can be cured[3] and overall survival for older adults at five years is around 58%.[4]
  • For children with diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, most studies have found 5-year survival rates ranging from about 70% to more than 90%.[5]
  • The Germinal-center subtype has the best prognosis, with 66.6% of treated patients surviving more than five years.[6]
  • Lenalidomide has been recently shown to improve outcomes in the Non-germinal center subtype.[7]

Biologic Factors Associated with Outcomes in Patients with DLBCL[8]

Cell-of-origin molecular classification

  • ABC subtype may be associated with an increased risk of CNS relapse

Cell-of-origin IHC-based algorithms

  • Non-GCB subtype is associated with poor prognosis, although this is not confirmed in some studies
  • Dichotomizes patients into GC and non-GCB subgroups and represents an approximation of molecular subtype as assessed by GEP

Double- or triple-hit rearrangement involving MYC and either BCL2 or BCL6 or both

  • FISH is used primarily in clinical practice; the use of break-apart probes is recommended; GEP-based assays may identify additional cases with double-hit signature undetected by FISH with similar biologic features and outcome
  • Double- or triple-hit cases are associated with poor prognosis; poor prognosis may be limited to cases in which the MYC translocation partner is an immunoglobulin gene locus
  • Now classified by the WHO as high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements; majority of cases are GCB subtype; may benefit from more intensive therapies

MYC and BCL2 protein expression

  • IHC measurement to estimate the percentage of cells expressing MYC or BCL2 protein or both; 40% cutoff threshold for MYC and 50% for BCL2
  • Double expression of MYC and BCL2 or expression of BCL2 alone is associated with worse prognosis
  • May have prognostic significance mainly in GCB-type DLBCL; MYC-BCL2 double expression may be associated with an increased risk of CNS relapse

Proliferation index

  • IHC measurement of proliferation marker Ki67; no established cutoff threshold
  • Higher proliferation may be associated with poorer prognosis, although it has not consistently been shown to be an independent prognostic marker
  • High proliferation rate (>80%) may increase suspicion that patient has high-grade B-cell lymphoma (with or without double- or triple-hit rearrangements)

TP53

CDKN2A

  • Gene array, FISH, or PCR for detection of deletion of the CDKN2A locus or loss of the 9p21 region
  • Deletion of the CDKN2A locus or loss of the 9p21 is associated with poor prognosis
  • May cluster with some genetic subsets of DLBCL

MHC class II

Lymphocyte count and lymphocyte:monocyte ratio

Host genetics

Complications

Complications can be disease associated or treatment related. some of the complications included are[9]:

References

  1. “A Predictive Model for Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”. New England Journal of Medicine. 329 (14): 987–94. 1993. doi:10.1056/NEJM199309303291402. PMID 8141877.
  2. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL):ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis,treatment and follow-up Annals of Oncology 26(Supplement 5):v116–v125,2015 doi:10.1093/annonc/mdv304
  3. Akyurek, Nalan; Uner, Aysegul; Benekli, Mustafa; Barista, Ibrahim (2012). “Prognostic significance ofMYC,BCL2, andBCL6rearrangements in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone plus rituximab”. Cancer. 118 (17): 4173–83. doi:10.1002/cncr.27396. PMID 22213394.
  4. Feugier, P.; Van Hoof, A; Sebban, C; Solal-Celigny, P; Bouabdallah, R; Fermé, C; Christian, B; Lepage, E; Tilly, H; Morschhauser, F; Gaulard, P; Salles, G; Bosly, A; Gisselbrecht, C; Reyes, F; Coiffier, B (2005). “Long-Term Results of the R-CHOP Study in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Study by the Groupe d’Etude des Lymphomes de l’Adulte”. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 23 (18): 4117–26. doi:10.1200/JCO.2005.09.131. PMID 15867204.
  5. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Non-HodgkinLymphomainChildren/OverviewGuide/non-hodgkin-lymphoma-in-children-overview-survival-rates
  6. http://abstract.asco.org/AbstView_114_99225.html
  7. Nowakowski, G. S.; Laplant, B.; Macon, W. R.; Reeder, C. B.; Foran, J. M.; Nelson, G. D.; Thompson, C. A.; Rivera, C. E.; Inwards, D. J.; Micallef, I. N.; Johnston, P. B.; Porrata, L. F.; Ansell, S. M.; Gascoyne, R. D.; Habermann, T. M.; Witzig, T. E. (2014). “Lenalidomide Combined with R-CHOP Overcomes Negative Prognostic Impact of Non-Germinal Center B-Cell Phenotype in Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase II Study”. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 33 (3): 251–7. doi:10.1200/JCO.2014.55.5714. PMID 25135992.
  8. Sehn LH, Salles G (2021). “Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma”. N Engl J Med. 384 (9): 842–858. doi:10.1056/NEJMra2027612. PMID 33657296 Check |pmid= value (help).
  9. Yun Hwa Jung, In Sook Woo & Chi Wha Han (2015). “Clinical characteristics and outcomes in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients aged 70 years and older: a single-center experience with a literature review”. The Korean journal of internal medicine. 30 (5): 684–693. doi:10.3904/kjim.2015.30.5.684. PMID 26354063. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)


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Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Staging | History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Biopsy | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case #1

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