Primary CNS T-cell Lymphomas: A Clinical, Morphologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Analysis

Am J Surg Pathol. 2015 Dec;39(12):1719-1729. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0000000000000503.

Abstract

Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are relatively rare with the most common subtype being diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Primary CNS T-cell lymphomas (PCNSTL) account for <5% of CNS lymphomas. We report the clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular characteristics of 18 PCNSTLs. Fifteen cases were classified as peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, 2 of which were of γδ T-cell derivation and 1 was TCR silent; there was 1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive and 2 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-negative. Median age was 58.5 years (range, 21 to 81 y), with an M:F ratio of 11:7. Imaging results showed that 15 patients had supratentorial lesions. Regardless of subtype, necrosis and perivascular cuffing of tumor cells were frequently observed (11/18 cases). CD3 was positive in all cases but 1; 10/17 were CD8-positive, and 5/17 were CD4-positive. Most cases studied had a cytotoxic phenotype with expression of TIA1 (13/15) and granzyme-B (9/13). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of T-cell receptor γ rearrangement confirmed a T-cell clone in 14 cases with adequate DNA quality. Next-generation sequencing showed somatic mutations in 36% of cases studied; 2 had >1 mutation, and none showed overlapping mutations. These included mutations in DNMT3A, KRAS, JAK3, STAT3, STAT5B, GNB1, and TET2 genes, genes implicated previously in other T-cell neoplasms. The outcome was heterogenous; 2 patients are alive without disease, 4 are alive with disease, and 6 died of disease. In conclusion, PCNSTLs are histologically and genomically heterogenous with frequent phenotypic aberrancy and a cytotoxic phenotype in most cases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / genetics
  • Biopsy
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / genetics
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / immunology
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / mortality
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, delta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunophenotyping*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / chemistry
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / immunology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / mortality
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes* / chemistry
  • T-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes* / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta