Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Elaine S Jaffe

Publications and source records attributed to Elaine S Jaffe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The International Consensus Classification of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms: a report from the Clinical Advisory Committee.

Since the publication of the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms in 1994, subsequent updates of the classification of lymphoid neoplasms have been generated through iterative international efforts to achieve broad consensus among hematopathologists, geneticists, molecular scientists, and clinicians. Significant progress has recently been made in the characterization of malignancies of the immune system, with many new insights provided by genomic studies. They have led to this proposal. We have followed the same process that was successfully used for the third and fourth editions of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematologic Neoplasms. The definition, recommended studies, and criteria for the diagnosis of many entities have been extensively refined. Some categories considered provisional have now been upgraded to definite entities. Terminology for some diseases has been revised to adapt nomenclature to the current knowledge of their biology, but these modifications have been restricted to well-justified situations. Major findings from recent genomic studies have impacted the conceptual framework and diagnostic criteria for many disease entities. These changes will have an impact on optimal clinical management. The conclusions of this work are summarized in this report as the proposed International Consensus Classification of mature lymphoid, histiocytic, and dendritic cell tumors.

Advisory Committees↗

NPM-ALK-dependent expression of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) is one of a 6-member family of C/EBPs. These transcription factors are involved in the regulation of various aspects of cellular growth and differentiation. Although C/EBPbeta has important functions in B- and T-cell differentiation, its expression has not been well studied in lymphoid tissues. We, therefore, analyzed its expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in normal lymphoid tissues and in 248 well-characterized lymphomas and lymphoma cell lines. Nonneoplastic lymphoid tissues and most B-cell, T-cell, and Hodgkin lymphomas lacked detectable levels of C/EBPbeta. In contrast, most (40 of 45; 88%) cases of ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) strongly expressed C/EBPbeta. Western blot analysis confirmed C/EBPbeta expression in the ALK-positive ALCLs and demonstrated elevated levels of the LIP isoform, which has been associated with increased proliferation and aggressiveness in carcinomas. Transfection of Ba/F3 and 32D cells with NPM-ALK and a kinase-inhibitable modified NPM-ALK resulted in the induction of C/EBPbeta and demonstrated dependence on NPM-ALK kinase activity. In conclusion, we report the constitutive expression of C/EBPbeta in ALK-positive ALCL and show its relationship to NPM-ALK. We suggest that C/EBPbeta is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis and unique phenotype of this lymphoma.

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase↗

Constitutive activation of Akt contributes to the pathogenesis and survival of mantle cell lymphoma.

To determine whether the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), we investigated the phosphorylation status of Akt and multiple downstream targets in primary MCL cases and cell lines. Akt was phosphorylated in 12 of 12 aggressive blastoid MCL variants and in 4 of 4 MCL cell lines. In contrast, phosphorylated Akt was present in only 5 of 16 typical MCL, 3 at comparable levels to the blastoid cases, and 2 at low levels. The presence of p-Akt was accompanied by the phosphorylation of p27(kip1), FRKHL-1, MDM2, Bad, mTOR, and p70S6K. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the MCL cell lines abrogated or reduced the phosphorylation of Akt, p27(kip1), FRKHL-1, MDM2, Bad, mTOR, GSK-3beta, IkappaB, and led to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Six MCL cases (5 with activated Akt and 1 with inactive Akt) and 3 of 4 cell lines showed loss of PTEN expression. PIK3CA mutations were not detected. We conclude that constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of MCL and preferentially occurs in blastoid variants. One possible mechanism of activation is loss of PTEN expression. These data suggest that PI3K/Akt inhibitors may be effective in the treatment of Akt-activated MCL.

Cell Cycle↗

Mutation and genomic deletion status of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 confer specific gene expression profiles in mantle cell lymphoma.

Although mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) frequently harbors inactivated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 alleles, little is known about the molecular phenotypes caused by these genetic changes. We identified point mutations and genomic deletions in these genes in a series of cyclin D1-positive MCL cases and correlated genotype with gene expression profiles and overall survival. Mutated and/or deleted ATM and p53 alleles were found in 56% (40/72) and 26% (21/82) of the cases examined, respectively. Although MCL patients with inactive p53 alleles showed a significant reduction in median overall survival, aberrant ATM status did not predict for survival. Nevertheless, specific gene expression signatures indicative of the mutation and genomic deletion status of each gene were identified that were different from wild-type cases. These signatures were comprised of a select group of genes related to apoptosis, stress responses, and cell cycle regulation that are relevant to ATM or p53 function. Importantly, we found the molecular signatures are different between cases with mutations and deletions, because the latter are characterized by loss of genes colocalized in the same chromosome region of ATM or p53. This information on molecular phenotypes may provide new areas of investigation for ATM function or may be exploited by designing specific therapies for MCL cases with p53 aberrations.

Apoptosis↗

BCL2 expression is a prognostic marker for the activated B-cell-like type of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: The role of BCL2 as a predictor of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is controversial. DLBCL is heterogeneous, and the expression of BCL2 is variable within the two major subgroups of DLBCL, germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) and activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL, as well as primary mediastinal DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, we investigated the correlation of BCL2 expression with survival in the two major subgroups of DLBCL, as well as the mechanisms of BCL2 expression. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between BCL2 protein expression and overall survival within the GCB subgroup, but BCL2 expression had a significant adverse effect on overall survival within the ABC subgroup (P = .008). This correlation was also observed at the mRNA level (P < .04). The difference remained significant when the analyses were performed at different cutoff values. The t(14;18) was frequently observed in the GCB subgroup and was highly associated with BCL2 expression. Patients with ABC DLBCL did not exhibit t(14;18) but had a markedly higher frequency of chromosome 18q21 amplification, on which BCL2 resides. Thus, alternative mechanisms such as 18q21 amplification or activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, as reported previously, seem to be mainly responsible for the upregulation of BCL2 expression in the ABC subgroup. CONCLUSION: Treating all DLBCL as a single entity ignores the mechanistic differences in BCL2 upregulation and obscures the prognostic significance of BCL2 expression. Hence, the significance of BCL2 and other biomarkers should be assessed in the context of DLBCL subgroups in future studies.

Aged↗

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for monitoring lymphadenopathy in the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS).

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is associated with mutations that impair the activity of lymphocyte apoptosis proteins, leading to chronic lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, autoimmunity, and an increased risk of lymphoma. We investigated the utility of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in discriminating benign from malignant lymphadenopathy in ALPS. We report that FDG avidity of benign lymph nodes in ALPS can be high and, hence, by itself does not imply presence of lymphoma; but FDG-PET can help guide the decision for selecting which of many enlarged nodes in ALPS patients to biopsy when lymphoma is suspected.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

Atypical NK-cell proliferation of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient with antigliadin antibodies but not celiac disease.

We describe a unique case of atypical natural killer (NK)-cell proliferation likely related to gluten sensitivity, mimicking NK-cell lymphoma. The patient, a 32-year-old man, has had persistent multiple erythematous bull-eye lesions in the stomach, small bowel, and large bowel for 3 years. Histologically, the lesions were well circumscribed and relatively superficial, composed of atypical medium-sized to large-sized lymphocytes with slightly irregular nuclear contours, a dispersed chromatin pattern, and clear cytoplasm. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry showed that the cells were NK cells expressing CD56 (aberrantly bright), T-cell intracellular antigen (TIA)-1, cytoplasmic CD3, and CD94, but not surface CD3, with bright aberrant expression of CD7 and a lack of other NK cell-associated markers. Polymerase chain reaction for rearrangement of the T-cell receptor-gamma chain gene showed no evidence of a clonal T-cell population, and in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA was negative. There was no evidence of the involvement of peripheral blood or bone marrow. Although a diagnosis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma was considered because of the atypical morphology and immunophenotypic aberrancy, no chemotherapy was given because of the relatively superficial nature of the infiltrates, lack of significant symptoms, and negativity for Epstein-Barr virus. Two years after initial presentation, the patient was found to have high titers of antigliadin antibodies with no other evidence of celiac disease. After instituting a gluten-free diet, many of the lesions regressed, suggesting that this atypical NK-cell proliferation may be driven by an anomalous immune response. Awareness of this case may prevent pathologists from misdiagnosing similar lesions as NK/T-cell lymphomas. It is as yet unknown whether this process occurs more commonly in patients with gluten sensitivity, or in other settings, and the pathogenesis is as yet undetermined.

Adult↗

IgD positive L&H cells identify a unique subset of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare B-cell lymphoma considered to be of germinal center (GC) derivation. Studies on immunoglobulin expression have been few, and post-switch immunoglobulin (IgG) has been identified in the majority of cases examined thus far. We reviewed 180 cases of NLPHL and observed the unexpected expression of IgD in 27% of cases. IgD is usually coexpressed with IgM in naive B cells but can also be seen as IgD-only in centroblasts (CD38-positive) or memory B cells (CD27-positive). We asked whether IgD-positive NLPHL differed from cases of NLPHL negative for IgD. Clinically, the IgD-positive cases presented at a younger median age (21 vs. 44 years) and had a striking male predominance (male-to-female ratio, 23:1 vs. 1.5:1). Cervical lymph nodes were more frequently involved (56% vs. 18.2%). L&H cells were localized in a predominantly extrafollicular distribution in the majority of IgD-positive cases (69%). The IgD-positive cases did not coexpress IgM or CD27 (a marker associated with memory B cells), and nearly all (93%) were weakly positive for CD38, supporting a GC derivation. The expression of Bcl-6, BOB.1, Oct2, and SWAP-70 was similar in the two groups. However, PU.1 expression was seen in 60% of the IgD-positive cases in contrast to 86% of the IgD-negative cases. The absence of PU.1 staining correlated with more L&H cells in an extrafollicular distribution, weakening the use of this marker in the differential diagnosis with T-cell rich/histiocyte rich B-cell lymphomas. To study IgD expression in "de-novo" T-cell rich/histiocyte rich B-cell lymphomas, we analyzed 20 cases and all but one were negative. In conclusion, cases of IgD-positive NLPHL do not differ from IgD-negative cases regarding cellular derivation and most other immunophenotypic characteristics. However, IgD-positive NLPHL exhibits distinctive clinical features, and more often involves the interfollicular region in a background relatively rich in T cells. IgD positivity may represent an additional useful marker in the diagnosis of NLPHL.

Adolescent↗

Loss of major histocompatibility class II expression in non-immune-privileged site diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is highly coordinated and not due to chromosomal deletions.

Decreased major histocompatibility class II (MHCII) expression is associated with poor survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Immune-privileged site DLBCL (IP-DLBCL) patients reportedly have frequent large deletions at the MHCII locus whereas the mechanism of decreased expression in non-IP-DLBCL is unknown. Gene expression profiling data were used for correlation analyses between expression levels of MHCII genes with each other and their transcriptional regulator, CIITA. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) assessed chromosomal alterations at MHCII-related loci. Finally, a map was created of expression of genes that are telomeric, within, or centromeric to the MHCII locus. Correlation coefficients among MHCII genes ranged from 0.73 to 0.92, whereas those between adjacent and intervening genes were lower (-0.12 to 0.49). Correlations between MHCII and CIITA expression were higher (0.53 to 0.60) than between CIITA and neighboring genes (-0.05 to 0.22). In 23 MHCII(-) cases, CGH detected 2 losses and 2 gains at MHCII loci. Expression of genes telomeric, within, and centromeric to MHCII loci were near normal in most MHCII(-) cases. Large deletions of the MHCII locus are uncommon in non-IP-DLBCL, implicating altered transcription as the operative mechanism for decreased expression.

Centromere↗

Cyclin D1-negative mantle cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study based on gene expression profiling.

Cyclin D1 overexpression is believed to be essential in the pathogenesis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Hence, the existence of cyclin D1-negative MCL has been controversial and difficult to substantiate. Our previous gene expression profiling study identified several cases that lacked cyclin D1 expression, but had a gene expression signature typical of MCL. Herein, we report the clinical, pathologic, and genetic features of 6 cases of cyclin D1-negative MCL. All 6 cases exhibited the characteristic morphologic features and the unique gene expression signature of MCL but lacked the t(11;14)(q13; q32) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. The tumor cells also failed to express cyclin D1 protein, but instead expressed either cyclin D2 (2 cases) or cyclin D3 (4 cases). There was good correlation between cyclin D protein expression and the corresponding mRNA expression levels by gene expression analysis. Using interphase FISH, we did not detect chromosomal translocations or amplifications involving CCND2 and CCND3 loci in these cases. Patients with cyclin D1-negative MCL were similar clinically to those with cyclin D1-positive MCL. In conclusion, cases of cyclin D1-negative MCL do exist and are part of the spectrum of MCL. Up-regulation of cyclin D2 or D3 may substitute for cyclin D1 in the pathogenesis of MCL.

Cyclin D1↗

Vaccine-induced tumor-specific immunity despite severe B-cell depletion in mantle cell lymphoma.

The role of B cells in T-cell priming is unclear, and the effects of B-cell depletion on immune responses to cancer vaccines are unknown. Although results from some mouse models suggest that B cells may inhibit induction of T cell-dependent immunity by competing with antigen-presenting cells for antigens, skewing T helper response toward a T helper 2 profile and/or inducing T-cell tolerance, results from others suggest that B cells are necessary for priming as well as generation of T-cell memory. We assessed immune responses to a well-characterized idiotype vaccine in individuals with severe B-cell depletion but normal T cells after CD20-specific antibody-based chemotherapy of mantle cell lymphoma in first remission. Humoral antigen- and tumor-specific responses were detectable but delayed, and they correlated with peripheral blood B-cell recovery. In contrast, vigorous CD4(+) and CD8(+) antitumor type I T-cell cytokine responses were induced in most individuals in the absence of circulating B cells. Analysis of relapsing tumors showed no mutations or change in expression of target antigen to explain escape from therapy. These results show that severe B-cell depletion does not impair T-cell priming in humans. Based on these results, it is justifiable to administer vaccines in the setting of B-cell depletion; however, vaccine boosts after B-cell recovery may be necessary for optimal humoral responses.

Adult↗

Proteomic analysis of apoptotic pathways reveals prognostic factors in follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and generally is incurable. Reliable prognostic markers to differentiate patients who progress rapidly from those who survive for years with indolent disease have not been established. Most cases overexpress Bcl-2, but the pathogenesis of FL remains incompletely understood. To determine whether a proteomic approach could help overcome these obstacles, we procured lymphoid follicles from 20 cases of FL and 15 cases of benign follicular hyperplasia (FH) using laser capture microdissection. Lysates were spotted on reverse-phase protein microarrays and probed with 21 antibodies to proteins in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, including those specific for posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation. A panel of three antibodies [phospho-Akt(Ser473), Bcl-2, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase] segregated most cases of FL from FH. Phospho-Akt(Ser473) and Bcl-2 were significantly increased in FL (P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, the Bcl-2/Bak ratio completely segregated FL from FH. High ratios of Bcl-2/Bak and Bcl-2/Bax were associated with early death from disease with differences in median survival times of 7.3 years (P = 0.0085) and 3.8 years (P = 0.018), respectively. Using protein microarrays, we identified candidate proteins that may signify clinically relevant molecular events in FL. This approach showed significant changes at the posttranslational level, including Akt phosphorylation, and suggested new prognostic markers, including the Bcl-2/Bak and Bcl-2/Bax ratios. Proteomic end points should be incorporated in larger, multicenter trials to validate the clinical utility of these protein microarray findings.

Adult↗

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis: abnormalities of the brain at MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of lymphomatoid granulomatosis in the brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study, including retrospective analysis of data, was approved by the institutional review board of the National Cancer Institute and complied with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. All patients gave written informed consent. Thirty-one patients with pathologically confirmed lymphomatoid granulomatosis were enrolled in a natural history and treatment study at the National Institutes of Health. Twenty-five patients (median age, 50 years; range, 18-62 years; 18 men, seven women) were evaluated with MR imaging of the brain at study entry for the presence of brain lesions and enhancing characteristics. Patients with abnormal findings were reexamined at intervals ranging from 2 to 19 months, as medically indicated. Cytologic analysis and flow cytometry of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were performed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare neurologic and CSF findings in patients with brain MR imaging abnormalities and in patients without abnormalities. The sensitivity of brain MR imaging was compared with that of CSF studies. RESULTS: Thirteen (52%) of 25 patients evaluated with MR imaging had a variety of brain abnormalities. Multiple focal intraparenchymal lesions, which exhibited T2 prolongation and commonly punctate or linear enhancement, were the most frequent abnormalities, and they were encountered in seven patients. The second most common finding was involvement of leptomeninges and cranial nerves, which manifested as abnormal enhancement on MR images obtained after contrast agent administration. This abnormality was seen in six patients. Involvement of dura mater was noted in another. Four patients had brain masses. Two had abnormal engorgement and intense enhancement of the choroid plexus. Most lesions resolved after treatment, but seven resulted in lacunar infarctions. Abnormal B cells were detected in the CSF with either cytologic techniques or flow cytometry in five patients. CONCLUSION: Lymphomatoid granulomatosis has a high rate of central nervous system involvement and a variable spectrum of lesions at MR imaging. Findings in this study suggest that MR imaging is more sensitive than CSF cytologic analysis or flow cytometry for detection of central nervous system involvement from lymphomatoid granulomatosis.

Adolescent↗

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subgroups have distinct genetic profiles that influence tumor biology and improve gene-expression-based survival prediction.

Gene-expression profiling has identified 3 major subgroups of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and primary mediastinal DLBCL (PMBCL). Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we investigated the genetic alterations of 224 cases of untreated DLBCL (87 GCB-DLBCL, 77 ABC-DLBCL, 19 PMBCL, and 41 unclassified DLBCL) previously characterized by gene-expression profiling. The DLBCL subgroups differed significantly in the frequency of particular chromosomal aberrations. ABC-DLBCL had frequent trisomy 3, gains of 3q and 18q21-q22, and losses of 6q21-q22, whereas GCB-DLBCL had frequent gains of 12q12, and PMBCL had gains of 9p21-pter and 2p14-p16. Parallel analysis of CGH alterations, locus-specific gene-expression profiles, and global gene-expression signatures revealed that DNA amplifications and gains had a substantial impact on the expression of genes in the involved chromosomal regions, and some genes were overexpressed in a DLBCL subgroup-specific fashion. Unexpectedly, specific chromosomal alterations were associated with significant changes in gene-expression signatures that reflect various aspects of lymphoma cell biology as well as the host response to the lymphoma. In addition, gains involving the chromosomal region 3p11-p12 provided prognostic information that was statistically independent of the previously defined gene-expression-based survival model, thereby improving its predictive power.

Chromosomes, Human↗

Primary cutaneous CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in childhood: report of 4 cases and review of the literature.

We present the clinicopathologic findings in 4 children with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL). The patients ranged in age from 13 months to 8 years, with 3 females and 1 male. All presented with a rapidly enlarging mass involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Histologic evaluation showed sheets of large pleomorphic lymphoid cells that were diffusely and strongly CD30(+). Tumor cells were CD45(+) in 1 of 4 cases. Cells were of T-cell phenotype, with variable positivity for CD3 (3 of 4 cases) and CD5 (2 of 4 cases). All 4 cases were positive for CD4 and clusterin. Staining for anaplastic lymphoma kinase was negative in all cases. No evidence of systemic involvement was noted at initial presentation or over a follow-up of 5 to 78 months, although 3 patients had cutaneous recurrences. Primary C-ALCL has only rarely been described in the pediatric population. The high-grade histologic appearance of this lymphoma belies its generally favorable clinical course and prognosis. Recognition of this entity and its differentiation from other T-cell lymphomas that secondarily involve the skin is important to avoid unnecessarily aggressive therapy in these children.

Adolescent↗

WHO-EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are currently classified by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification or the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, but both systems have shortcomings. In particular, differences in the classification of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, and the group of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders and the classification and terminology of different types of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas have resulted in considerable debate and confusion. During recent consensus meetings representatives of both systems reached agreement on a new classification, which is now called the WHO-EORTC classification. In this paper we describe the characteristic features of the different primary cutaneous lymphomas and other hematologic neoplasms frequently presenting in the skin, and discuss differences with the previous classification schemes. In addition, the relative frequency and survival data of 1905 patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas derived from Dutch and Austrian registries for primary cutaneous lymphomas are presented to illustrate the clinical significance of this new classification.

Humans↗

Flow cytometric immunophenotypic profiles of mature gamma delta T-cell malignancies involving peripheral blood and bone marrow.

BACKGROUND: In this study we compared clinical findings with flow cytometric immunophenotypic results in a series of patients with aggressive and indolent gamma delta T-cell malignancies with peripheral blood and/or bone marrow involvement. METHODS: Gamma delta T-cell malignancies were detected based on flow cytometric demonstration of an abnormal T-cell population staining positive with T-cell receptor gamma delta and confirmed by morphologic and clinical reviews. Clinical data were obtained through chart review and discussion with the patients' physicians. RESULTS: Blood or bone marrow involvement was present in all patients. Hepatosplenic and cutaneous gamma delta T-cell lymphomas had an aggressive clinical course, whereas the gamma delta T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemias had an indolent course. Expressions of CD5, CD8, CD16, and CD57 differed in gamma delta T-cell LGL leukemia compared with hepatosplenic and cutaneous gamma delta T-cell lymphomas. CONCLUSIONS: Gamma delta T-cell malignancies have a poor prognosis with the exception of gamma delta T-cell LGL leukemia (indolent process). Because CD57 expression is specific for gamma delta T-cell LGL leukemias, expression of this antigen may be associated with a more indolent clinical course. Because cutaneous gamma delta T-cell lymphoma can present with peripheral blood involvement, flow cytometric evaluation of peripheral blood is important in staging these patients.

Adolescent↗