Long term clinical outcomes of adult hematolymphoid malignancies treated at Tata Memorial Hospital: An institutional audit

Introduction: There is paucity of data from India about the outcomes of patients with various hematological malignancies. Since its formation in 2009, the adult hematolymphoid disease management group of the Tata Memorial Centre is dedicated to the treatment of hematological malignancies alone. In this report, we present the outcomes of patients treated at our centre over a 5 year period for various haematological malignancies in both transplant and non-transplant setting. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients registered in adult hematolymphoid disease management group between 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2014. Patients not treated at our centre were excluded from survival analysis. The cut off date for survival analysis was 31st January 2016. Results: Overall, 1869, 3633 and 544 patients with acute leukemias, various lymphomas and myeloma respectively were registered at our centre from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2014. Of these, 1178 (63%), 3091 (85%) and 454 (83%) respectively received treatment at our centre. The cumulative probability of 5 year overall survival for patients with acute leukemias, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma treated at our centre is 40%, 85%, 78% and 40% respectively. Four hundred and fifteen stem cell transplants were done between 14th November 2007 to 31st December 2014 with 46% being allogeneic and 54% being autologous. The 5 year overall survival of patients with allogenic and autologous transplant was 52% and 63% respectively. Conclusions: This is the largest single centre data on outcomes of various haematological malignancies from India. This real world data identifies areas which need further attention to improve outcomes.

Lymphoblastic leukemia with surface light chain restriction: A diagnostic dilemma.

Surface light chain expression is a feature of mature B‑cell neoplasms. Light chain restriction in precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia is infrequently seen. We report a case of a 28‑year‑old female with non‑FAB L3 morphology blasts and immunophenotypic features showing overlap between a precursor and mature B‑cell neoplasm.

‘Childhood systemic mastocytosis associated with t (8; 21) (q22; q22) acute myeloid leukemia’.

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with associated clonal nonmast cell lineage disease is seen in up to 20% cases of SM. SM is uncommon in the pediatric population. T (8; 21) (q22; q22) is a good prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the presence of SM confers poor prognosis in t (8; 21) (q22; q22) associated AML. We report the case of a child with t (8; 21) (q22; q22) associated AML with SM and her minimal residual disease status over the course of her treatment. In our case, the abnormal mast cells, showing co‑expression of CD25 and CD2, persisted even after the marrow showed no evidence of residual AML.

Unusual immunophenotype of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia: Report of two cases.

Large granular lymphocytes (LGL) leukemias are commonly of the T-cell or NKcell type. T-cell LGL leukemia is typically a disorder of mature CD3, CD8 and T-cell receptor TCR (TCR — T cell receptor)-αβ positive cytotoxic T-cells. Rare variants include TCRγδ+ variants and CD4+ TCRαβ+ cases. We report a case of each of these rare variants. An 83-year-old female presented with anemia and lymphocytosis with LGLs on peripheral smear. Six-color multiparametric fl owcytometric analysis showed expression of CD3, heterogeneous CD7, dim CD2 and TCRγδ and lacked expression of CD5, TCRαβ, CD56, CD4 and CD8. A fi nal diagnosis of TCRγδ+ T-cell LGL leukemia was made. Differentiation between TCRγδ+ T-cell LGL leukemia and other γδ+ T-cell malignancies is of utmost importance due to the indolent nature of the former as compared to the highly aggressive behavior of the latter. An 85-year-old male diagnosed with liposarcoma was identifi ed to have lymphocytosis during preoperative evaluation. Peripheral smear showed presence of LGLs. Flowcytometric immunophenotyping showed expression of TCRαβ, CD3, CD2, CD5, CD4, dim CD8, CD56 with aberrant loss of CD7 expression. Vβ repertoire analysis by fl owcytometry showed 97% cells with Vβ14 clonality. A fi nal diagnosis of TCRαβ+ CD4+ T-cell LGL leukemia was made. CD4+ T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemias have an indolent, less aggressive course when compared to their CD8+ counterparts and are not necessarily associated with cytopenias. However, their association with secondary neoplasia (29% of the cases) warrants a high degree of suspicion in the diagnosis as also noted in the index case. Use of a wide panel of antibodies and newer modalities such as Vβ repertoire analysis helps in accurate subtyping of LGL leukemia

Immunophenotypic profile of plasma cell leukemia: A retrospective study in a reference cancer center in India and review of literature.

Background: Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare but aggressive subtype of plasma cell dyscrasia. It is known to present with highly variable morphological features and may mimic with other lymphoid neoplasms. Multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) with availability of newer markers is highly useful in the diagnosis of the plasma cell leukemia. We present an immunophenotypic profile in ten cases of PCL along with their clinical and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied immunophenotypic profile of 10 cases of plasma cell leukemia (out of 4615 cases of hematolymphoid neoplasms) using five parameter, three color flow cytometric analysis. We also studied their clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. Results: Common clinical features at presentation were weakness, bone pain, anemia, thrombocytopenia and osteolytic lesions. Plasma cell population was identified on strong expression of CD38 and co-expression of CD38 and CD138. CD56 was expressed in 44% cases. CD19 and CD20 were negative in all cases. Surface light chain restriction was seen in 50% cases and in remaining 50% cases revealed cytoplasmic light chain restriction. CD117 was expressed in one out of two cases studied. Conclusions: MFC immunophenotyping is highly useful to differentiate Plasma cell leukemia from other chronic lymphoproliferative disorders with plasmacytoid morphology as well as from non-neoplastic reactive PC and co-expression of CD38 and CD138 is a best combination to identify the plasma cells by MFC.

Immunophenotypic profile of plasma cell leukemia: A retrospective study in a reference cancer center in India and review of literature.

Background: Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare but aggressive subtype of plasma cell dyscrasia. It is known to present with highly variable morphological features and may mimic with other lymphoid neoplasms. Multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) with availability of newer markers is highly useful in the diagnosis of the plasma cell leukemia. We present an immunophenotypic profile in ten cases of PCL along with their clinical and laboratory findings. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied immunophenotypic profile of 10 cases of plasma cell leukemia (out of 4615 cases of hematolymphoid neoplasms) using five parameter, three color flow cytometric analysis. We also studied their clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. Results: Common clinical features at presentation were weakness, bone pain, anemia, thrombocytopenia and osteolytic lesions. Plasma cell population was identified on strong expression of CD38 and co-expression of CD38 and CD138. CD56 was expressed in 44% cases. CD19 and CD20 were negative in all cases. Surface light chain restriction was seen in 50% cases and in remaining 50% cases revealed cytoplasmic light chain restriction. CD117 was expressed in one out of two cases studied. Conclusions: MFC immunophenotyping is highly useful to differentiate Plasma cell leukemia from other chronic lymphoproliferative disorders with plasmacytoid morphology as well as from non-neoplastic reactive PC and co-expression of CD38 and CD138 is a best combination to identify the plasma cells by MFC.

Flow cytometric analysis of erythrocytes in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria reveals superiority of CD59 as a diagnostic marker compared to CD55.

Context: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal stem cell disorder characterized by complement-mediated hemolysis due to reduced expression of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-anchored complement deactivating proteins such as CD55 and CD59 on RBC. Flow cytometric analysis of CD55 and CD59 expression by RBC is a reliable tool for the diagnosis of PNH. Aims: Detection and quantification of PNH clone and comparison of the relative role of CD55 and CD59 expression by RBC in the diagnosis of PNH. Materials and Methods: Flow cytometric analysis of RBC was performed in blood samples of 239 patients by direct immunofluorescence using monoclonal anti-CD55 and anti-CD59 antibodies. CD55 and CD59 expressions by RBC were compared in 54 cases in which PNH clones were detected. Results: Out of 54 cases, 85% and 72% revealed CD59 and CD55 negative populations, respectively. Various combinations of type II and III erythrocytes could be identified in all cases having CD59 deficient RBC. In contrast, distinct populations of CD55-deficient RBC were seen in only 33% cases. In the remaining (67%) cases, CD55 negative RBC caused sloping of the ascending limb of the histogram resulting in difficulties in interpretation. Fifteen percent cases had false CD55-deficient RBC and in 23% cases anti-CD55 antibody failed to identify PNH clones which were detected by CD59. Conclusion: CD59 is a better marker for the diagnosis of PNH. Although CD55 negativity supported the diagnosis of PNH in cases with CD59-deficient RBC, its role as an independent diagnostic marker for PNH is questionable due to its lower sensitivity and specificity.

Hypergranular precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 16-year-old boy.

Presence of cytoplasmic granules in the blasts is a well known feature of myeloid leukemia. ALL presenting with the numerous cytoplasmic granules in blasts is a rarity and may be misdiagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia. We describe a rare case of hypergranular precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in an adolescent male expressing CD10, CD19, CytoCD22, CD34, as well as CD13 and CD117. The blasts were cytochemically negative for myeloperoxidase (MPO), and acid phosphatase (ACP) but were positive for non-specific esterase (NSE). In centers where immunophenotypic panel is usually decided on the basis of morphology with limited antibodies may result in an erroneous typing of such rare diseases. Hence it is important to be aware of this rare entity and to confirm the lineage of acute leukemia by using a comprehensive panel of antibodies for immunophenotypic analysis.

Intracytoplasmic antigen study by flow cytometry in hematolymphoid neoplasm.

Flow cytometric detection of intracellular antigens has become a standard method in establishing proper leukemic cell lineage affiliation. It has a non-debatable contribution to the diagnosis of hematolymphoid neoplasm as well as in minimal residual disease. Combination of analysis of fluorescence labeling and light scatter properties of cells allows rapid and better determination of target cell antigens. Regarding the detection of intracellular antigens, standardization of the procedure remains, however, a real challenge. Detection of intracellular antigens by flow cytometry (FCM) requires effective fixation and permeabilization of the cell membrane. In the available literature, some reports describe methodologies to achieve satisfactory results for detection of either cytoplasmic or nuclear antigens; however, no methodological consensus has yet been achieved among the laboratories. This article is an attempt to describe different approaches to detect intracellular molecules by FCM.

Exflagellated microgametes of Plasmodium vivax in human peripheral blood: a case report and review of the literature.

Peripheral blood smear examination is the most specific as well as the most common test performed for the diagnosis of malaria. Schizonts, ring forms (trophozoites) and gametocytes are the stages of malarial parasite that are commonly seen in the peripheral blood smear of a patient. Here, we report an extremely rare case of a 40-year-old male patient who presented with Plasmodium vivax infection with multiple exflagellated microgametes in the peripheral blood smear with review of the literature. Exflagellation of microgametes in malarial parasites is only seen in the definitive host, mosquito, and is very unusual to see during the developmental phases in the intermediate host, human. It is important to recognize these exflagellated microgametes in the peripheral blood smear as they may lead to diagnostic confusion with organisms such as spirochetes and trypanosomes.

Report of proceedings of the national meeting on "Guidelines for Immunophenotyping of Hematolymphoid Neoplasms by Flow Cytometry".

BACKGROUND: Immunophenotyping of hematolymphoid neoplasms is being done in many laboratories in India. The first national meeting on "Guidelines for Immunophenotyping of Hematolymphoid Neoplasms by Flow Cytometry" was held on 14 March 2008 in Mumbai, India. AIM: To achieve uniformity in the laboratory practice regarding antibody panel selection in diagnosing hematolymphoid neoplasms. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Members of the Inter-Laboratory Comparison Program (ILCP) group in Mumbai prepared a draft regarding immunophenotypic panel selection for acute leukemias (ALs) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (CLPDs), which was further circulated among national and international cytometrists, hematopathologists, and oncologists for their written inputs, suggestions, proposed modifications; as well as their indications, if any, of the recommendations not being acceptable. Practice-based questionnaire was circulated among all the participants. RESULTS: Consensus was attained, and the panel recommended the use of a minimal screening panel, followed by a secondary directed panel. The aim of the minimal screening panel would be to provide a diagnosis of all commonly occurring hematolymphoid neoplasms without the need of additional antibodies in most cases. CONCLUSION: Thus we could attain a consensus for our guidelines in selecting panels for ALs and CLPDs. The guideline is an attempt to formulate a minimal panel for immunophenotyping of hematolymphoid neoplasms. Laboratories are encouraged to add additional antibodies to the above panel to increase the sensitivity; however, they should refrain from immunophenotyping with fewer antibodies. This national guideline hopefully brings about uniformity and comparability in reporting of leukemia and lymphoma and bridges the divide between low-cost reporting and an accurate diagnosis.