Transdifferentiation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to a poorly differentiated neoplasm following CAR T-cell therapy.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a recent advancement in precision medicine with promising results for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. However, rare post-therapy morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genomic alterations can occur. This study is to present a case of a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who underwent anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy with disease in the uterus that showed transdifferentiation to a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm that failed to express any lineage specific markers. In immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) were utilized to fully characterize the diagnostic DLBCL sample in comparison to the poorly differentiated neoplasm of the uterus. Analysis of the diagnostic DLBCL and the poorly differentiated neoplasm demonstrated evidence of a clonal relationship as well as revealing acquisition of mutations associated with CAR-T resistance. Furthermore, downregulation of B-cell associated antigens was observed, underscoring a mechanistic link to CAR-T evasion as well as demonstrating diagnostic confusion. This case illustrates the utility of employing multiple diagnostic modalities in elucidating a pathologic link between a B-cell lymphoma and poorly differentiated neoplasm following targeted therapy.

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms.

The upcoming 5th edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours is part of an effort to hierarchically catalogue human cancers arising in various organ systems within a single relational database. This paper summarizes the new WHO classification scheme for myeloid and histiocytic/dendritic neoplasms and provides an overview of the principles and rationale underpinning changes from the prior edition. The definition and diagnosis of disease types continues to be based on multiple clinicopathologic parameters, but with refinement of diagnostic criteria and emphasis on therapeutically and/or prognostically actionable biomarkers. While a genetic basis for defining diseases is sought where possible, the classification strives to keep practical worldwide applicability in perspective. The result is an enhanced, contemporary, evidence-based classification of myeloid and histiocytic/dendritic neoplasms, rooted in molecular biology and an organizational structure that permits future scalability as new discoveries continue to inexorably inform future editions.

Cytogenetically cryptic PML::RARA fusion in acute promyelocytic leukemia: Testing strategies in the modern era.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a unique leukemia that is characterized by the PML::RARA fusion. This fusion is often detected by conventional karyotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH); however, rare cases are cryptic and require molecular techniques to identify the PML::RARA fusion. Furthermore, as the incidence of these cases is rare, analysis by a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of myeloid associated genes has never been reported. Herein, a clinical APL case is reported where the PML::RARA fusion was detected only by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), thus underscoring the necessity of utilizing complementary techniques when suspicion for APL is present.

Primary Central Nervous System Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, ALK Positive.

OBJECTIVES: Primary central nervous system anaplastic large cell lymphoma, anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (primary CNS ALCL, ALK+) is a rare CNS lymphoma whose description is limited to case reports. These tumors have a variable clinical course, and prognosis is primarily determined by age. We present the largest case series to date of primary CNS ALCL, ALK+, with observational data. METHODS: A retrospective search of multiple academic centers was performed to identify cases of primary CNS ALCL, ALK+. We also performed a review of published cases of primary CNS ALCL, ALK+. Clinical history, radiography, pathology, and genetic testing data were obtained to determine the prognostic implications in the context of clinical course. RESULTS: We identified three cases of primary CNS ALCL, ALK+ from our databases. A literature review identified 30 published reports of 31 individual cases. Clinical features for the combined 34 cases included a median age of 18.5 years, with a male to female ratio of 4.7:1, and the most common symptom was headache. Genetic studies demonstrated an ALK rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and a gene fusion assay confirmed an NPM1-ALK gene fusion in one case. CONCLUSIONS: We present the largest case series to date of a rare primary CNS lymphoma with additional diagnostic and clinical information.

Emerging patterns in clonal haematopoiesis.

Clonal haematopoiesis (CH) is defined by the presence of acquired mutations and/or cytogenetic abnormalities in haematopoietic cells. By definition, these premalignant clones do not meet criteria for haematopoietic neoplasms listed in the Revised Fourth Edition of the WHO classification. CH is fairly common in elderly individuals and is associated with higher risks for haematological cancers, in particular myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), as well as cardiovascular events. Similar small clones have also been detected during follow-up in patients with AML in morphological remission, in individuals with aplastic anaemia, and in pre-chemotherapy blood samples from patients with other types of cancers. In each of these contexts, the presence of mutations carries different clinical implications, and sometimes demonstrates unique genetic profiles. Emerging research suggests that the number and identity of mutations, the size of the mutant clones and various other factors, including age, immune status and history of exogenous drugs/toxins, are important for disease biology and progression. This review focuses specifically on the subset of CH with gene mutations detected by sequencing, and includes discussions of nomenclature and molecular technologies that detect and quantify gene mutations.

Design, synthesis, and biological action of 20R-hydroxyvitamin D3.

The non-naturally occurring 20R epimer of 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 is synthesized based on chemical design and hypothesis. The 20R isomer is separated by semipreparative HPLC, and its structure is characterized. A comparison of 20R isomer to its 20S counterpart in biological evaluation demonstrates that they have different behaviors in antiproliferative and metabolic studies.