Peripheral T-cell lymphoma: Aggressive disease with heterogeneous immunotypes

T. M. Grogan, K. Fielder, C. Rangel, C. J. Jolley, D. P. Wirt, M. J. Hicks, T. P. Miller, R. Brooks, B. Greenberg, S. Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

136 Scopus citations

Abstract

Eleven patients with mature or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTL), other than mycosis fungoides, were identified using an extensive battery of T- and B-cell markers. Eight cases had a histologic diagnosis of either diffuse large cell or mixed lymphoma, three of small cell type. All cases had one or more 'mature' T-antigens and an absence of B- and immature T- antigens. Assessment of T-antigens included E-rosettes (Er), anti-Leu 1-7 and Tdt. The authors delineated striking heterogeneity of T-antigen expression: 9 different immunotypes in 11 cases. Subset T-antigen assessment indicated T-helper neoplastic cells in five cases and T-suppressor in two. The remaining four had universal T-antigens alone. Seven cases appeared to have 'novel' T-phenotypes not corresponding to normal T-ontogeny phenotypes. Novel or idiosyncratic phenotypes may be a key characteristic of PTL. Since no single T-antigen, including E(r) and E(r) receptor (Leu-5), was expressed in all cases, a battery of monoclonal antibodies is necessary to detect PTL. Clinically, the authors found PTL unexpectedly aggressive, despite mature immunotype. Most patients were elderly (median age 69); all had extranodal disease with cutaneous involvement (six cases) most frequent. Responses to chemotherapy frequently proved transient, with median survival of nine months. A fulminant course was noted even with localized presentation. Clinical outcome suggests PTL requires new therapeutic strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)279-288
Number of pages10
JournalAmerican journal of clinical pathology
Volume83
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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