High familial risk in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Germline variants of DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma from lymphoma-cancer families

The genetic predisposition to lymphoma is not fully understood. We identified 13 lymphoma-cancer families (2011-2021), in which 27 individuals developed lymphomas and 26 individuals had cancers. Notably, male is the predominant gender in lymphoma patients, whereas female is the predominant gender in cancer patients (p = .019; OR = 4.72, 95% CI, 1.30-14.33). We collected samples from 18 lymphoma patients, and detected germline variants through exome sequencing. We found that germline protein truncating variants (PTVs) were enriched in DNA repair and immune genes. Totally, we identified 31 heterozygous germline mutations (including 12 PTVs) of 25 DNA repair genes and 19 heterozygous germline variants (including 7 PTVs) of 14 immune genes. PTVs of ATM and PNKP were found in two families, respectively. We performed whole genome sequencing of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), translocations at IGH locus and activation of oncogenes (BCL6 and MYC) were verified, and homologous recombination deficiency was detected. In DLBCLs with germline PTVs of ATM, deletion and insertion in CD58 were further revealed. Thus, in lymphoma-cancer families, we identified germline defects of both DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma patients.

Role of non-chromosomal birth defects on the risk of developing childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: A Children's Oncology Group study

BACKGROUND

Non-chromosomal birth defects are an important risk factor for several childhood cancers. However, these associations are less clear for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Therefore, we sought to more fully elucidate the association between non-chromosomal birth defects and HL risk.

PROCEDURE

Information on cases (n = 517) diagnosed with HL (ages of 0-14) at Children's Oncology Group Institutions for the period of 1989-2003 was obtained. Control children without a history of cancer (n = 784) were identified using random digit dialing and individually matched to cases on sex, race/ethnicity, age, and geographic location. Parents completed comprehensive interviews and answered questions including whether their child had been born with a non-chromosomal birth defect. To test the association between birth defects and HL risk, conditional logistic regression was applied to generate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Children born with any non-chromosomal birth defect were not more likely to be diagnosed with HL at 0-14 years of age (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.69-1.21). No associations were detected between major or minor birth defects and HL (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.67-2.67 and aOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.57-1.34, respectively). Similarly, no association was observed for children born with any birth defect and EBV-positive HL (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.25-1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous assessments of HL in children with non-chromosomal birth defects have been limited. Using data from the largest case-control study of HL in those <15 years of age, we did not observe strong associations between being born with a birth defect and HL risk.

Genetic lesions and targeted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a special type of lymphoma in which tumor cells frequently undergo multiple genetic lesions that are associated with accompanying pathway abnormalities. These pathway abnormalities are dominated by active signaling pathways, such as the JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway and the NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-B) pathway, which usually result in hyperactive survival signaling. Targeted therapies often play an important role in hematologic malignancies, such as CAR-T therapy (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy) targeting CD19 and CD22 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, while in Hodgkin lymphoma, the main targets of targeted therapies are CD30 molecules and PD1 molecules. Drugs targeting other molecules are also under investigation. This review summarizes the actionable genetic lesions, current treatment options, clinical trials for Hodgkin lymphoma and the potential value of those genetic lesions in clinical applications.

Plasticity in Classical Hodgkin Composite Lymphomas: A Systematic Review

The co-occurrence of several lymphomas in a patient defines composite/synchronous lymphoma. A common cellular origin has been reported for both contingents of such entities. In the present review, we aimed to gather the available data on composite lymphomas associating a classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) with another lymphoma, to better understand the plasticity of mature B and T-cells. This review highlights that >70% of patients with a composite lymphoma are ≥55 years old, with a male predominance. The most reported associations are cHL with follicular lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with over 130 cases reported. The cHL contingent is often of mixed cellularity type, with a more frequent focal/weak CD20 expression (30% to 55.6%) compared to de novo cHL, suggesting a particular pathophysiology. Moreover, Hodgkin cells may express specific markers of the associated lymphoma (e.g., BCL2/BCL6 for follicular lymphoma and Cyclin D1 for mantle cell lymphoma), sometimes combined with common BCL2/BCL6 or CCND1 rearrangements, respectively. In addition, both contingents may share similar IgH/IgK rearrangements and identical pathogenic variants, reinforcing the hypothesis of a common clonal origin. Finally, cHL appears to be endowed with a greater plasticity than previously thought, supporting a common clonal origin and a transdifferentiation process during lymphomagenesis of composite lymphomas.

3D analyses reveal T cells with activated nuclear features in T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) can show variable histological growth patterns and present remarkable overlap with T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL). Previous studies suggest that NLPHL histological variants represent progression forms of NLPHL and THRLBCL transformation in aggressive disease. Since molecular studies of both lymphomas are limited due to the low number of tumor cells, the present study aimed to learn if a better understanding of these lymphomas is possible via detailed measurements of nuclear and cell size features in 2D and 3D sections. Whereas no significant differences were visible in 2D analyses, a slightly increased nuclear volume and a significantly enlarged cell size were noted in 3D measurements of the tumor cells of THRLBCL in comparison to typical NLPHL cases. Interestingly, not only was the size of the tumor cells increased in THRLBCL but also the nuclear volume of concomitant T cells in the reactive infiltrate when compared with typical NLPHL. Particularly CD8⁺ T cells had frequent contacts to tumor cells of THRLBCL. However, the nuclear volume of B cells was comparable in all cases. These results clearly demonstrate that 3D tissue analyses are superior to conventional 2D analyses of histological sections. Furthermore, the results point to a strong activation of T cells in THRLBCL, representing a cytotoxic response against the tumor cells with unclear effectiveness, resulting in enhanced swelling of the tumor cell bodies and limiting proliferative potential. Further molecular studies combining 3D tissue analyses and molecular data will help to gain profound insight into these ill-defined cellular processes.

Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: Review of Current Literature and Case Discussion

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subset of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It has a distinct clinical and pathological presentation. Unlike classic HL, where the predominant malignant cells are Reed Sternberg cells, the malignant cells in NLPHL are known as lymphocyte predominant (LP) cells, with their own unique immunohistochemistry antigen expression and staining pattern. Based on risk stratification and staging of the disease, treatment can range from active surveillance in asymptomatic patients with no organ compromise or bulky disease, to aggressive chemotherapeutic agents in advanced disease. Guidelines on which of these chemotherapy regimens would offer the most benefit to our patients are limited due to lack of randomized-controlled studies. Majority of the current prospective data on treatment were inclusive of both HL and NLPHL. Thus, the regimens employed in treatment of NLPHL are similar to the ones used in HL, though NLPHL is often viewed as its own distinct entity. This article aims to review the current literature and future advances on treatment of this rare disease.

Clinical Characteristics and Histopathological Patterns of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Treatment Outcomes at a Tertiary Cancer Center in Ethiopia

PURPOSE

In developing countries, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) affects the young population. In Ethiopia, nearly 70% of the population are < 35 years of age. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the age distribution, histopathologic patterns, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of HL in Ethiopia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from clinical records of 133 consecutive patients with HL between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed and collected. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of HL cases were collected and used for subtype classification.

RESULTS

A total of 68.4% (91) of the patients were male; male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1. The median age was 22 years. The age distribution was 57.1% (76), 30.8% (41), and 2.3% (3) for the age groups (10-29), (30-59), and (60-69) years, respectively. Thirteen percent (12) were associated with HIV. The majority of the cases, 50.4% (67), were of the mixed-cellularity (MCCHL) subtypes and 30% (40) nodular-sclerosis (NSCCHL). Most HIV-associated cases (60%, 6) were of the MCHL subtype. The 4-year overall survival (OS) was 83.1%. The 4-year OS of early-stage patients was 100% and advanced-stage patients with low-risk (International Prognostic Score [IPS] ≤ 2) and high-risk (IPS ≥ 3) were 94.1% and 62.9%, respectively. All patients who received combined-therapy survived, whereas those who received doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine only showed a 4-year OS rate of 77.9%.

CONCLUSION

HL affects the youngest and most productive population in Ethiopia. The treatment outcome is favorable in both HIV-associated and non-HIV-associated HL. However, the study population was likely a highly selected group as the majority of the Ethiopian population do not have access to specialized care.

Pitfalls in the Diagnosis of Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: Variant Patterns, Borderlines and Mimics

Simple Summary

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma containing infrequent tumor cells (LP cells) in a background of non-neoplastic cells. Some cases of NLPHL can recur or progress to a more aggressive lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Awareness of the different appearances of NLPHL and its overlap with other lymphomas are important for the appropriate diagnosis, classification and research. This article discusses the conceptual framework and guidelines for the diagnosis of NLPHL, and how NLPHL can be best separated from its mimics. Emerging data in the field point to genetic changes in LP cells that are shaped by immune mechanisms. In addition, non-neoplastic cells in the background of LP cells also appear to play an important role. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the biology of NLPHL and personalize cancer care for patients affected by this lymphoma.

Abstract

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) represents approximately 5% of Hodgkin lymphoma and typically affects children and young adults. Although the overall prognosis is favorable, variant growth patterns in NLPHL correlate with disease recurrence and progression to T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma or frank diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The diagnostic boundary between NLPHL and DLBCL can be difficult to discern, especially in the presence of variant histologies. Both diagnoses are established using morphology and immunophenotype and share similarities, including the infrequent large tumor B-cells and the lymphocyte and histiocyte-rich microenvironment. NLPHL also shows overlap with other lymphomas, particularly, classic Hodgkin lymphoma and T-cell lymphomas. Similarly, there is overlap with non-neoplastic conditions, such as the progressive transformation of germinal centers. Given the significant clinical differences among these entities, it is imperative that NLPHL and its variants are carefully separated from other lymphomas and their mimics. In this article, the characteristic features of NLPHL and its diagnostic boundaries and pitfalls are discussed. The current understanding of genetic features and immune microenvironment will be addressed, such that a framework to better understand biological behavior and customize patient care is provided.

Familial aggregation of early-onset haematological malignancies

Population-based studies on familial aggregation of haematological malignancies (HM) have rarely focused specifically on early-onset HMs. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and cumulative risks of relatives with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (ALL/LBL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) when index persons and relatives were diagnosed with early-onset HM. A total of 8791 patients aged ≤40 years and diagnosed with primary HM in Finland from 1970 to 2012 were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry and their 75 774 family members were retrieved from the population registry. SIRs for concordant HMs were elevated among first-degree relatives in all of the most common HMs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA). The risk was highest among siblings with HL (SIR 9·09, 95% confidence interval 5·55-14·04) and AML (8·29, 1·00-29·96). HL also had the highest cumulative risk for siblings at ≤40 years of age (0·92% vs. 0·11% in the population). In conclusion, significantly elevated SIRs indicate a role of shared aetiological factors in some families, which should be noted in the clinical setting when caring for patients with early-onset HMs.

Evolutionary clonal trajectories in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with high transformation risk

The B cell architecture of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is complex since it is composed of malignant lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells along with a B cell rich bystander environment. To gain insight into molecular determinants of transformation, we studied B cell evolutionary trajectories in lymphoma tissue from diagnosis to relapse or transformation to non-Hodgkin lymphoma by immunoglobulin heavy chain next-generation sequencing. NLPHL cases that later transformed showed higher age, IgD negativity, absence of the characteristic IGHV3/IGHD3/IGHJ6 LP rearrangement and high repertoire clonality. We constructed phylogenetic trees within the compartment of the malignant clone to investigate clonal evolution. In all relapsing cases, the LP rearrangement was identical at diagnosis and relapse. NLPHL cases with transformation showed more complex trajectories with strong intraclonal diversification. The dominant founder clone in transformations showed clonal evolution, if derived from the same cell of origin, or originated from a different cell of origin. Together, our data point to a significant role of antigenic drive in NLHPL transformations and identify high B cell repertoire clonality with dominant intraclonal LP cell diversification as a hallmark of transformation. Sequencing of the initial paraffin-embedded tissue may therefore be diagnostically applied to identify NLPHL cases with high transformation risk.

Risk of hematological malignancies in the families of patients treated for nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Familial clustering of lymphoid and/or hematological malignancies (FHM) provides an opportunity to study the responsible genes. The data is limited in patients with lymphoid and hematological malignancies.

METHODS

The lymphoma database was used to identify patients seen in our institution from 1998 to 2019 with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). We studied FHM by collecting detailed history of any malignancy in the family (FM).

RESULTS

Two hundred NLPHL patients were identified. Contacting was not possible in 30 patients due to no response to the phone calls (22) and death [1]. 170/200 patients were interviewed; represented 167 families (3 patients with a family member with NLPHL). These 170 patients provided information about 8225 family members. These 167 families had a total of 329 family members with 334 malignancies (including 167 NLPHL patients and 5 members with 2 malignancies each). Of these 167 patients, 77 (46.1%) had no FM while 90 (53.9%) patients had a positive FM; 162 family members with 167 malignancies. Among these 167 families, 31 families (18.6%) had members with FHM +/- solid cancers. These 31 families had 35 family members (25 males:10 females) with 16 lymphomas: diffuse large B cell lymphoma [2], follicular center cell lymphoma [3], chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma [3], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [2], classical HL [2], and NLPHL [4]. Total of 8 leukemia: acute lymphoblastic leukemia [4], acute myeloid leukemia [3], and leukemia - no subtyping [5]. These 35 FHM members are 1st [6], 2nd (16), and 3rd [7] degree relatives of 31 NLPHL patients. There are 4 families with NLPHL in family members; all these 8 NLPHL patients are male and are alive. The median total number of 1st + 2nd +3rd degree members are 81. The decrease in the age of diagnosis from 1st generation to the 2nd generation (anticipation) was noted in 13/17 patients; 2nd generation median age at diagnosis was 29.7 years vs 1st generation age 53 years (developed malignancy 23.3 years earlier).

CONCLUSION

FHM is frequent in NLPHL. This study provided us many important insights for planning future studies in terms of interviewing technique, time, and resource allocation and genetic testing.

A system for classifying cancers diagnosed in adolescents and young adults

Cancer types in adolescents and young adults form a unique distribution. A system for classifying them is presented.

Lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, antigen-driven after all?

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) was suggested as an entity separate from other types of Hodgkin lymphoma 40 years ago and recognized in the WHO classification in 2001. Based on its relatively benign course with late distant relapses, relation with lymph node hyperplasia with progressively transformed germinal centers, presence of clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements with somatic hypermutations and ongoing mutations, and relation with a number of inherited defects affecting the immune system, it has been suspected that NLPHL might be antigen-driven. Recent evidence has shown that cases of IgD-positive NLPHL are associated with infection by Moraxella catarrhalis, a common bacterium in the upper respiratory tract and in lymph nodes. This review summarizes the evidence for NLPHL as a B-cell lymphoma involving follicular T-lymphocytes normally found in germinal centers, its molecular features and relation to inherited immune defects, and its relation and differential diagnosis from similar entities. Finally, it discusses the evidence that in many cases a watch and wait policy might be a viable initial management strategy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B cell lymphoma characterized by few malignant cells and numerous immune effector cells in the tumour microenvironment. The incidence of HL is highest in adolescents and young adults, although HL can affect elderly individuals. Diagnosis is based on histological and immunohistochemical analyses of tissue from a lymph node biopsy; the tissue morphology and antigen expression profile enable classification into one of the four types of classic HL (nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-depleted or lymphocyte-rich HL), which account for the majority of cases, or nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. Although uncommon, HL remains a crucial test case for progress in cancer treatment. HL was among the first systemic neoplasms shown to be curable with radiation therapy and multiagent chemotherapy. The goal of multimodality therapy is to minimize lifelong residual treatment-associated toxicity while maintaining high levels of effectiveness. Recurrent or refractory disease can be effectively treated or cured with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and prospective trials have demonstrated the potency of immunotherapeutic approaches with antibody-drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors. This Primer explores the wealth of information that has been assembled to understand HL; these updated observations verify that HL investigation and treatment remain at the leading edge of oncological research.

Lymphocyte predominant cells detect Moraxella catarrhalis-derived antigens in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare lymphoma of B-cell origin with frequent expression of functional B-cell receptors (BCRs). Here we report that expression cloning followed by antigen screening identifies DNA-directed RNA polymerase beta’ (RpoC) from Moraxella catarrhalis as frequent antigen of BCRs of IgD⁺ LP cells. Patients show predominance of HLA-DRB1*04/07 and the IgVH genes encode extraordinarily long CDR3s. High-titer, light-chain-restricted anti-RpoC IgG1/κ-type serum-antibodies are additionally found in these patients. RpoC and MID/hag, a superantigen co-expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis that is known to activate IgD⁺ B cells by binding to the Fc domain of IgD, have additive activation effects on the BCR, the NF-κB pathway and the proliferation of IgD⁺ DEV cells expressing RpoC-specific BCRs. This suggests an additive antigenic and superantigenic stimulation of B cells with RpoC-specific IgD⁺ BCRs under conditions of a permissive MHC-II haplotype as a model of NLPHL lymphomagenesis, implying future treatment strategies.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with IgD+ lymphocyte-predominant (LP) cells is a rare clinical distinct lymphoma subset of B-cell origin. Here the authors show that antigens expressed by Moraxella catarrhalis are recognized by B cell receptors of IgD+ LP cells, suggesting the contribution of chronic antigen stimulation to lymphomagenesis.

Epidemiology of classic and nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin lymphoma in Finland in 1996-2015

Background: The aim was to describe the incidence and mortality of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in Finland in 1996-2015 including classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) subtypes and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL).Material and Methods: This study included 2851 HL cases registered in the population-based Finnish Cancer Registry between 1996 and 2015. All not otherwise specified (NOS) morphology codes were manually checked and re-coded into cHL subtypes or NLPHL according to the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology 2011, if possible. Thereafter, we analyzed the incidence and mortality of HL by age, gender and time trends and by subtypes.Results: According to our registry-based study, the incidence of HL was increasing with a 5-year rate of change of 0.3% (95% confidence interval 0.2-0.5), and the mortality was decreasing with -2.8% (95%CI -3.8 to -1.8) correspondingly. The incidence of nodular sclerosis (NS) was 1.57/100 000 person years (n = 1529) and the incidence and mortality remained constant over 1996-2015. The incidence of mixed cellularity (MC) was 0.32/100 000 (n = 453) and it was decreasing with -2.2% (95%CI -3.7 to -0.5), yet the mortality was increasing with 2.7% (95%CI 1.9-3.6). The incidence of NLPHL was 0.29/100 000 accounting for 13% of all HL diagnoses (n = 374), and the incidence and mortality remained constant over the study period. The incidence of lymphocyte-rich (LR) subtype was 0.20/100 000 (n = 252) and remained constant while the mortality decreased. There were only 30 cases of lymphocyte depletion (LD) HL. In this study, 36% of all HL patients were over 50 years old.Conclusion: The incidence of HL is slightly increasing and the mortality is decreasing in Finland. NLPHL represents 13% of all HL cases in Finland. Over one third of HL patients are over 50-year-old.

Clinical features and survival of patients with T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma: analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

Using data from the National Cancer Data Base, 2010-2015, we examined characteristics and outcomes of T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL, N = 622) relative to unspecified diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL-NOS, N = 91,588) and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL, N = 2240). Socio-demographic characteristics of patients with THRLBCL resembled more NLPHL than DLBCL-NOS. Five-year overall survival in THRLBCL was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60-71%). Adjusting for clinical and socio-economic covariates, THRLBCL was associated with better survival than DLBCL-NOS (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95%CI, 0.67-0.94). This association was similar in academic and community hospitals and consistent in a model stratified by the revised International Prognostic Index. Prognostic factors in THRLBCL included age, comorbidity index, and extranodal primary site, but not stage. Adjusted odds of prior NLPHL were 18.2 higher for THRLBCL (95%CI, 7.2-45.7) than DLBCL-NOS. These large-scale epidemiologic data support the relationship between THRLBCL and NLPHL, and suggest improved prognosis with modern rituximab-based immunochemotherapy.

Hodgkin lymphoma: A review and update on recent progress

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a unique hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by cancerous Reed-Sternberg cells in an inflammatory background. Patients are commonly diagnosed with HL in their 20s and 30s, and they present with supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy, often with systemic B symptoms. Even in advanced-stage disease, HL is highly curable with combination chemotherapy, radiation, or combined-modality treatment. Although the same doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine chemotherapeutic regimen has been the mainstay of therapy over the last 30 years, risk-adapted approaches have helped de-escalate therapy in low-risk patients while intensifying treatment for higher risk patients. Even patients who are not cured with initial therapy can often be salvaged with alternate chemotherapy combinations, the novel antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab, or high-dose autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The programmed death-1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab have both demonstrated high response rates and durable remissions in patients with relapsed/refractory HL. Alternate donor sources and reduced-intensity conditioning have made allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation a viable option for more patients. Future research will look to integrate novel strategies into earlier lines of therapy to improve the HL cure rate and minimize long-term treatment toxicities. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:116-132. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma in daily practice: A multicenter experience

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subtype of Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of patients with NLPHL who were diagnosed at different institutes in Turkey. We retrospectively reviewed the records of the patients diagnosed with NLPHL. Adult patients who were diagnosed after 2005 with histological confirmation were selected for the study. Forty-three patients were included in the study. Median age of patients was 37.5 years (18-70) at the time of diagnosis. About 60.5% patients were diagnosed as stage I and II NLPHL, and remaining 39.5% had stage III and IV disease. Median follow-up was 46 months. During follow-up, none of the patients died. Seven patients relapsed or progressed after initial therapy at a median of 12 months. Five of 7 relapsed/refractory patients (71.4%) were salvaged with chemotherapy only (DHAP, ICE), and the remaining 2 (28.6%) were salvaged with chemoimmunotherapy. All of relapsed/refractory patients were able to achieve complete remission after salvage therapy. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in patients with progressive disease compared with nonprogressive disease. Our study showed an excellent outcome with all patients alive at last contact with a median follow up of 46 months despite a wide range of different therapeutic approaches. All relapsed and refractory patients were successfully salvaged despite a low frequency of patients received immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy. Our results suggest that immunotherapy may be reserved for further relapses.

The Pathobiology and Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma. Where do We go from Gianni Bonadonna's Lesson?

This article reviews the evolution of the diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) since its discovery in 1832. The morphological, phenotypic and molecular characteristics of both nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL and classical HL are revised in the light of recent molecular information and possible impact on the identification of risk groups as well as the use of targeted therapies. The seminal contribution of Gianni Bonadonna to developing new treatment strategies for both advanced and early-stage HL is highlighted.

[Update on nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma and related lesions]

The present article gives an overview of novel developments in the diagnosis of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma with reference to the revised WHO classification from 2016. Differential diagnoses that are discussed are progressively transformed germinal centers, T cell/histiocyte-rich large B cell lymphoma as well as transformation into a diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Race-specific features and outcomes of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND

The incidence of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is higher among African Americans than among other races, but to the authors' knowledge, the characteristics of NLPHL in this population have not been evaluated. The authors compared clinical features, treatments, and survival of black and white patients with NLPHL using the National Cancer Data Base.

METHODS

The authors extracted the records of 602 black and 1950 white patients with NLPHL who were diagnosed between 1998 and 2011. Overall survival (OS) was compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Black patients were on average younger than white patients (median age, 42 years vs 45 years; P =.0001), more often female (49% vs 29%; P<.0001), and more likely to have the axillary lymph nodes as the primary disease site (25% vs 17%; P =.0002). They also had unfavorable socioeconomic characteristics, a higher rate of no treatment in patients with early-stage disease, and a longer time to therapy initiation (median, 53.5 days vs 47 days; P<.0001). Despite this, the authors found no significant difference between the races with regard to stage distribution or survival (P =.39). OS at 7 years was 90.1% in patients with early-stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IA/B, IIA) and 79.4% in patients with advanced stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IIB, III/IV) NLPHL. Survival in the early stage of disease was not found to be significantly different after various treatment strategies (stratified log-rank P = .18), except that the administration of chemotherapy was associated with a better outcome in black patients (log-rank P =.011 vs P =.81 for white patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in clinical presentation suggest the interaction of race-specific and sex-specific susceptibility factors for NLPHL. Further research is needed to elucidate these factors, and to investigate possible heterogeneous effects of treatments by race. Clinical trials comparing standard treatment strategies are unlikely to detect differences in OS among patients with early-stage NLPHL.

Increased risk of additional cancers among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered nonhereditary or sporadic. However, single-institution studies suggest that GIST patients develop additional malignancies at increased frequencies. It was hypothesized that greater insight could be gained into possible associations between GISTs and other malignancies with a national cancer database inquiry.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with GISTs (2001-2011) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were included. Standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to quantify cancer risks incurred by GIST patients before and after GIST diagnoses, respectively, in comparison with the general US population.

RESULTS

There were 6112 GIST patients, and 1047 (17.1%) had additional cancers. There were significant increases in overall cancer rates: 44% (SPR, 1.44) before the GIST diagnosis and 66% (SIR, 1.66) after the GIST diagnosis. Malignancies with significantly increased occurrence both before and after diagnoses included other sarcomas (SPR, 5.24; SIR, 4.02), neuroendocrine-carcinoid tumors (SPR, 3.56; SIR, 4.79), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SPR, 1.69; SIR, 1.76), and colorectal adenocarcinoma (SPR, 1.51; SIR, 2.16). Esophageal adenocarcinoma (SPR, 12.0), bladder adenocarcinoma (SPR, 7.51), melanoma (SPR, 1.46), and prostate adenocarcinoma (SPR, 1.20) were significantly more common only before the GIST diagnosis. Ovarian carcinoma (SIR, 8.72), small intestine adenocarcinoma (SIR, 5.89), papillary thyroid cancer (SIR, 5.16), renal cell carcinoma (SIR, 4.46), hepatobiliary adenocarcinoma (SIR, 3.10), gastric adenocarcinoma (SIR, 2.70), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (SIR, 2.03), uterine adenocarcinoma (SIR, 1.96), non-small cell lung cancer (SIR, 1.74), and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (SIR, 1.65) were significantly more common only after the GIST diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first population-based study to characterize the associations and temporal relations between GISTs and other cancers by both site and histological type. These associations may carry important clinical implications for future cancer screening and treatment strategies.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma derived from nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma presents with variable histopathology

Background

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) usually presents in middle aged men and shows an indolent clinical behavior. However, up to 30% of the patients present a secondary transformation into aggressive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of the present study was to characterize morphology and immunophenotype of this kind of DLBCL in detail and compare it with conventional DLBCL.

Methods

Morphology and immunophenotype of 33 cases of NLPHL with simultaneous or sequential transformation into DLBCL were investigated. These cases were compared with 41 de novo DLBCL in Finnish men.

Results

The majority of cases exhibited different immunophenotypes in the NLPHL and the DLBCL components. The immunophenotype of the DLBCL secondary to NLPHL was heterogeneous. However, BCL6, EMA, CD75 and J-chain were usually expressed in both components (≥73% positive). Overall, the NLPHL component was more frequently positive for EMA, CD75 and J-chain than the DLBCL component. In contrast, B cell markers, CD10 and BCL2, were more frequently expressed and were expressed at higher levels in the DLBCL component than in the NLPHL component. In the independent series of de novo DLBCL 4 cases could be identified with a growth pattern and immunophenotype that suggested that they had arisen secondarily from NLPHL.

Conclusions

The morphology and immunophenotype of DLBCL arisen from NLPHL is heterogeneous. Further characterization of the particular molecular features of this subgroup is warranted to be able to better identify these cases among conventional DLBCL.

The prognostic impact of variant histology in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a report from the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG)

Histopathologic variants of nodular lymphocyte–predominant Hodgkin lymphoma are associated with advanced stage and increased relapse rate. A prognostic score combining histopathologic and clinical features can allocate patients to 3 defined risk groups.

How I treat nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon entity that, in contrast to classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), universally expresses CD20, a hallmark of the disease. The majority of the patients present with early-stage disease, and treatment with local radiation provides excellent disease control and overall survival (OS). For locally extensive or advanced stages, paradigms used for cHL have been employed, with similar outcomes. Unlike cHL, late relapses may occur, as well as a propensity to transform to an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that underscores the importance of long-term follow-up and rebiopsy at the time of relapse. Deaths caused by NLPHL are uncommon, and in older series, secondary malignancies and other treatment-related toxicities contributed appreciably to overall mortality. Expression of CD20 in NLPHL has led to the evaluation of rituximab as a therapeutic option. Although results with single-agent rituximab in the front-line setting are inferior to conventional therapy, rituximab is a reasonable choice for relapsed disease because of the high overall response rate and excellent tolerability. Most patients have a long OS; therefore, overall goals of therapy should be to minimize the risk for relapse and long-term toxicity.

Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: what is the optimal treatment?

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a unique diagnostic entity, with only ∼500 new cases in the United States per year with a similar infrequent incidence worldwide. NLPHL also has distinctive pathobiology and clinical characteristics compared with the more common classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), including CD20 positivity of the pathognomic lymphocytic and histiocytic cells and an overall more indolent course with a higher likelihood of delayed relapses. Given the limited numbers of prospective NLPHL-focused trials, management algorithms historically have typically been centered on retrospective data with guidelines often adopted from cHL and indolent B-cell lymphoma treatment approaches. Key recent publications have delineated that NLPHL has a higher level of pathological overlap with cHL and the aggressive B-cell lymphomas than with indolent B-cell lymphomas. Over the past decade, there has been a series of NLPHL publications that evaluated the role of rituximab in the frontline and relapsed setting, described the relative incidence of transformation to aggressive B-cell lymphomas, weighed the benefit of addition of chemotherapy to radiation treatment for patients with early-stage disease, considered what should be the preferred chemotherapy regimen for advanced-stage disease, and even assessed the potential role of autologous stem cell transplantation for the management of relapsed disease. General themes within the consensus guidelines include the role for radiation treatment as a monotherapy for early-stage disease, the value of large B-cell lymphoma-directed regimens for transformed disease, the utility of rituximab for treatment of relapsed disease, and, in the pediatric setting, the role of surgical management alone for patients with early-stage disease.