Analysis of mutation profiles in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: clinical and prognostic correlations.

The molecular pathogenesis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains obscured despite the next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies explored on ever larger cohorts in the last decade. We addressed the highly variable mutation frequencies reported among previous studies with comprehensive amplicon coverage and enhanced sequencing depth to achieve higher genomic resolution for novel genetic discovery and comparative mutational profiling of the oncogenesis of NKTCL. Targeted exome sequencing was conducted to interrogate 415 cancer-related genes in a cohort of 36 patients with NKTCL, and a total of 548 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 600 Copy number variances (CNVs) were identified. Recurrent amplification of the MCL1 (67%) and PIM1 (56%) genes was detected in a dominant majority of patients in our cohort. Functional mapping of genetic aberrations revealed that an enrichment of mutations in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, including the cytokine receptor LIFR (copy number loss) upstream of JAK3, STAT3 (activating SNVs), and downstream effectors of MYC, PIM1 and MCL1 (copy number gains). RNA in situ hybridization showed the significant consistence of MCL1 RNA level and copy number of MCL1 gene. We further correlated molecular and clinical parameters with overall survival (OS) of these patients. When correlations were analyzed by univariate followed by multivariate modelling, only copy number loss of LIFR gene and stage (III-IV) were independent prognostic factors of reduced OS. Our findings identified that novel loss of LIFR gene significantly correlated with the adverse clinical outcome of NKTCL patients and provided therapeutic opportunities for this disease through manipulating LIFR.

Primary ophthalmic natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Ophthalmic lymphomas, a subgroup of extra-nodal lymphomas, have seen an increase in incidence in recent decades. Of these, the NK/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) subtype is particularly aggressive. Though prevalent mostly in Asian patients, data on ophthalmic NKTL is still limited, especially in the western population. This study aimed to provide an additional analysis of primary ophthalmic NKTL using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the SEER database covering records from 2000 to 2020. Patients diagnosed with extranodal NKTL originating primarily from an ophthalmic structure were identified. RESULTS: Out of 4540 ophthalmic lymphomas registered in the SEER database between 2000 and 2020, 9 cases (0.2%) corresponded to ophthalmic NKTL, occurring in patients with a median age of 67 years. The majority of these patients underwent chemotherapy (88.8%) and radiotherapy (66.6%). The 6-month overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were both at 50.8%, dropping significantly at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Primary orbital NKTL has a notably severe prognosis. An early diagnosis is important due to the aggressive nature of NKTL.

Genomic features reveal potential benefit of adding anti-PD-1 immunotherapy to treat non-upper aerodigestive tract natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a highly heterogeneous disease with a poor prognosis. However, the genomic characteristics and proper treatment strategies for non-upper aerodigestive tract NKTCL (NUAT-NKTCL), a rare subtype of NKTCL, remain largely unexplored. In this study, 1589 patients newly diagnosed with NKTCL at 14 hospitals were assessed, 196 (12.3%) of whom had NUAT-NKTCL with adverse clinical characteristics and an inferior prognosis. By using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) data, we found strikingly different mutation profiles between upper aerodigestive tract (UAT)- and NUAT-NKTCL patients, with the latter group exhibiting significantly higher genomic instability. In the NUAT-NKTCL cohort, 128 patients received frontline P-GEMOX chemotherapy, 37 of whom also received anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The application of anti-PD-1 significantly improved progression-free survival (3-year PFS rate 53.9% versus 17.0%, P = 0.009) and overall survival (3-year OS rate 63.7% versus 29.2%, P = 0.01) in the matched NUAT-NKTCL cohort. WES revealed frequent mutations involving immune regulation and genomic instability in immunochemotherapy responders. Our study showed distinct clinical characteristics and mutational profiles in NUAT-NKTCL compared with UAT patients and suggested adding anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in front-line treatment of NUAT-NKTCL. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy and related biomarkers for immunochemotherapy proposed in this study.

The CNS relapse in T-cell lymphoma index predicts CNS relapse in patients with T- and NK-cell lymphomas.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about risk factors for central nervous system (CNS) relapse in mature T-cell and natural killer cell neoplasms (MTNKNs). We aimed to describe the clinical epidemiology of CNS relapse in patients with MTNKN and developed the CNS relapse In T-cell lymphoma Index (CITI) to predict patients at the highest risk of CNS relapse. We reviewed data from 135 patients with MTNKN and CNS relapse from 19 North American institutions. After exclusion of leukemic and most cutaneous forms of MTNKNs, patients were pooled with non-CNS relapse control patients from a single institution to create a CNS relapse-enriched training set. Using a complete case analysis (n = 182), including 91 with CNS relapse, we applied a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model to select weighted clinicopathologic variables for the CITI score, which we validated in an external cohort from the Swedish Lymphoma Registry (n = 566). CNS relapse was most frequently observed in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (25%). Median time to CNS relapse and median overall survival after CNS relapse were 8.0 and 4.7 months, respectively. We calculated unique CITI risk scores for individual training set patients and stratified them into risk terciles. Validation set patients with low-risk (n = 158) and high-risk (n = 188) CITI scores had a 10-year cumulative risk of CNS relapse of 2.2% and 13.4%, respectively (hazard ratio, 5.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-18.26; P = .018). We developed an open-access web-based CITI calculator (https://redcap.link/citicalc) to provide an easy tool for clinical practice. The CITI score is a validated model to predict patients with MTNKN at the highest risk of developing CNS relapse.

Counterproductive effects of anti-CD38 and checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of NK/T cell lymphoma.

Introduction: Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTL) is an aggressive malignancy associated with poor prognosis. This is largely due to limited treatment options, especially for relapsed patients. Immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and anti-CD38 therapies have shown promising but variable clinical efficacies. Combining these therapies has been suggested to enhance efficacy. Methods: We conducted a case study on a relapsed NKTL patient treated sequentially with anti-CD38 followed by ICI (anti-PD1) using cytometry analyses. Results and Discussion: Our analysis showed an expected depletion of peripheral CD38+ B cells following anti-CD38 treatment. Further analysis indicated that circulating anti-CD38 retained their function for up to 13 weeks post-administration. Anti-PD1 treatment triggered re-activation and upregulation of CD38 on the T cells. Consequently, these anti-PD1-activated T cells were depleted by residual circulating anti-CD38, rendering the ICI treatment ineffective. Finally, a meta-analysis confirmed this counterproductive effect, showing a reduced efficacy in patients undergoing combination therapy. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that sequential anti-CD38 followed by anti-PD1 therapy leads to a counterproductive outcome in NKTL patients. This suggests that the treatment sequence is antithetic and warrants re-evaluation for optimizing cancer immunotherapy strategies.

An Unexpected Presentation of a Maxillary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in an Elderly Hispanic Patient.

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type and aggressive NK cell leukemia are rare in Western World been less than 1% in USA to 8% in Asia among Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. It is aggressive, with poor outcome and optimal treatment is unclear. A combination therapy that includes Peg-Asparaginase (SMILE) has been employed in young patients. An 85-year-old Puerto Rican male presented with anorexia, epistaxis, vertigo and involuntary facial movements. He was treated with injectable Onabotulinum toxin A due to suspicion of a hemifacial spasm. However, a CT scan demonstrated a left maxillary sinus lesion extending into the left middle turbinate with biopsy consistent with ENKTL. We adjusted therapy to patient's age and performance receiving Gemcitabine-Oxaliplatin (Gemox) with radiation obtaining a complete response with persistent negative Epstein Barr DNA titers. ENKTL is a rare disease initially misdiagnosed in our elderly patient, who demonstrated adequate response with a modified therapeutic regime.

SMILE en linfoma de células NK/T extranodal en recaída / SMILE in relapsed extranodal NK / T cell lymphoma

Introducción: El linfoma extranodal de células NK/T, tipo nasal es una variedad agresiva que se presenta con mayor frecuencia en Asia Oriental y América Latina. El régimen de tratamiento SMILE, basado en dexametasona, metotrexato, ifosfamida, L-asparaginasa y etopósido, mostró tasas de respuestas objetivas adecuadas en estudios de fase 1/2. Objetivo: presentar el primer reporte de la aplicación del protocolo SMILE en Cuba. Presentación del caso: paciente de 47 años de edad, blanca que presentó recaída temprana de linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal en partes blandas de la pared anterior izquierda del tórax. Recibió quimioterapia SMILE por 4 ciclos y en la evaluación al final del tratamiento se comprobó que hubo una respuesta completa de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Extranodal lymphoma of NK / T cells, nasal type is an aggressive variety that occurs most frequently in East Asia and Latin America. The SMILE treatment regimen, based on dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase and etoposide, showed adequate objective response rates in phase 1/2 studies. Objective: to present the first report of the application of the SMILE protocol in Cuba. Case presentation : 47-year-old white patient who presented early relapse of extranodal lymphoma of nasal NK / T cells in soft parts of the left anterior wall of the thorax. He received SMILE chemotherapy for 4 cycles and the evaluation at the end of the treatment showed that there was a complete response of the disease(AU)

Linfoma nasal de células T/NK (granuloma letal de la línea media), una neoplasia agresiva: reporte de un caso / Nasal T/NK-cell lymphoma (lethal midline granuloma), an aggressive neoplasia: report of a case

RESUMEN El linfoma nasal de células T/NK es una neoplasia agresiva, infrecuente, con predilección por el sexo masculino. Representa el 1,5% del total de linfomas no Hodgkin, el grupo etáreo más afectado es entre 40 a 80 años. Su etiología es desconocida, pero se ha asociado con el virus de Epstein Barr. Se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 40 años, con dolor e induración de fosa nasal derecha asociado a secreción fétida, seropurulenta de 3 meses de evolución. Estudio histopatológico, reporta linfoma nasal de células T/NK. La paciente recibe quimioterapia, con mejoría clínica sustancial. El linfoma T/NK es una neoplasia con sintomatologia inespecífica, predominio que afecta nasofaringe, amígdalas y base de la lengua. Entre las manifestaciones encontramos dolor de garganta, obstrucción nasal, rinorrea, epistaxis y cefalea. El diagnóstico se sospecha con imágenes, pero es necesaria la confirmación histológica con marcadores de inmunohistoquímica CD45Ro, CD43, CD3, CD2, CD45Ro entre otros. Muchos casos suelen detectarse en fase tardía, cuando ya son evidentes los signos radiológicos de destrucción ósea. El diagnóstico diferencial incluye lesiones infecciosas o inflamatorias, la bola fúngica fue el diagnóstico inicial realizado en esta paciente. El tratamiento suele realizarse con radioterapia y quimioterapia.

ABSTRACT Nasal T-cell / NK lymphoma is an uncommon aggressive neoplasm with male predilection. It represents 1.5% of the total number of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, the most affected age group is 40-80 years. Its etiology is unknown but has been associated with the Epstein Barr virus. We present the case of a female patient of 40 years, with pain and induration of the right nostril associated with fetid secretion, seropurulent of 3 months of evolution. Histopathological study, reports T-cell / NK nasal lymphoma. The patient receives chemotherapy, with substantial clinical improvement. T / NK lymphoma is a neoplasm with predominant non-specific symptomatology, affecting the nasopharynx, tonsils and base of the tongue. Among the manifestations we find sore throat, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis and headache. Diagnosis is suspected with imaging, but histological confirmation with immunohistochemical markers CD45Ro, CD43, CD3, CD2, CD45Ro, among others is required. Many cases are usually detected in the late phase, when radiological signs of bone destruction are already visible. The differential diagnosis includes infectious or inflammatory lesions, the fungal ball was the initial diagnosis made in this patient. Treatment is usually done with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Clinical and otorhinolaryngological aspects of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type / Aspectos clínicos e otorrinolaringológicos do linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal,

INTRODUCTION: Extranodal NK/T-Cell lymphoma, nasal type (NKTLN) is a disease that mainly affects the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. Early nasal symptoms are nonspecific, simulating sinus infection. With disease progression, necrosis of the nasal mucosa increases, hindering histological diagnosis. Thus, multiple biopsies may be necessary until definitive diagnosis. Most studies on NKTLN address the hematological and immunological aspects of the disease. OBJECTIVES: To present data from a Brazilian quaternary hospital, with emphasis on the clinical aspects of the disease, and to correlate the findings with the most recent literature data. METHODS: Case study of seven patient files. RESULTS: Patients were evaluated on their medical history, number of biopsies necessary, association with Epstein-Barr virus, treatment, and outcome. All patients had nonspecific nasal complaints and underwent at least three cycles of antibiotic therapy. The earlier a biopsy was performed, the fewer biopsies were required to diagnose the disease and start treatment. However, this fact did not translate into better prognosis. CONCLUSION: The otolaryngologist plays a fundamental role in the prognosis of NKTLN and can shorten time between symptom onset and treatment of the patient. .

INTRODUÇÃO: O linfoma extranodal de células NK/T tipo nasal (LNKTN) é uma doença que acomete preferencialmente a cavidade nasal e os seios paranasais. Os sintomas nasais iniciais são inespecíficos, mimetizando um quadro de infecção nasossinusal. Com a progressão da doença, aumenta a necrose da mucosa nasossinusal, dificultando o diagnóstico histológico e podendo ser necessárias múltiplas biópsias até o diagnóstico definitivo. A maioria dos estudos sobre o LNKTN aborda aspectos imunológicos e hematológicos da doença. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a casuística de um hospital quaternário brasileiro, destacando os aspectos clínicos dos pacientes e correlacionando aos achados mais recentes da literatura. MÉTODO: Estudo de casos de sete pacientes. RESULTADOS: Pacientes foram avaliados quanto a aspectos de sua história clínica, número de biópsias necessárias, associação ao EBV, tratamento e evolução. Todos iniciaram o quadro com queixas inespecíficas nasais e foram submetidos a pelo menos três ciclos de antibióticos. Quanto mais precocemente a biópsia foi realizada, menos biópsias foram necessárias para se obter o diagnóstico e iniciar o tratamento. Entretanto, esta situação não refletiu num melhor prognóstico dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: O otorrinolaringologista tem papel fundamental no prognóstico do LNKTN, podendo encurtar o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e o tratamento do paciente. .