Artificial intelligence for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of natural killer/T cell lymphoma using magnetic resonance imaging.

Accurate diagnosis and prognosis prediction are conducive to early intervention and improvement of medical care for natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL). Artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems are developed based on nasopharynx magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnostic systems achieve areas under the curve of 0.905-0.960 in detecting malignant nasopharyngeal lesions and distinguishing NKTCL from nasopharyngeal carcinoma in independent validation datasets. In comparison to human radiologists, the diagnostic systems show higher accuracies than resident radiologists and comparable ones to senior radiologists. The prognostic system shows promising performance in predicting survival outcomes of NKTCL and outperforms several clinical models. For patients with early-stage NKTCL, only the high-risk group benefits from early radiotherapy (hazard ratio = 0.414 vs. late radiotherapy; 95% confidence interval, 0.190-0.900, p = 0.022), while progression-free survival does not differ in the low-risk group. In conclusion, AI-based systems show potential in assisting accurate diagnosis and prognosis prediction and may contribute to therapeutic optimization for NKTCL.

Mandibular Osteomyelitis as the Earliest Clinical Manifestation of Maxillary Sinus Lymphoma.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates from natural killer cells or cytotoxic T cells. Its diagnosis is challenging due to the rarity and lack of awareness, especially in cases where osteomyelitis of the jawbone is the initial symptom. This paper reports a case of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma presenting primarily with oral ulcers. Through analyzing the clinical and pathological characteristics, differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and reasons for misdiagnosis of the disease, this study aims to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of P-GemDOx regimen and stratified prognosis in patients with early extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma].

Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and related prognostic factors associated with the P-GemDOx regimen as a first-line treatment for patients with early-stage extranodal natural killer (NK) /T cell lymphoma (ENKTL) . Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on sixty early-stage ENKTL patients treated with the P-GemDOx regimen who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2015 and May 2021. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare group differences, and the Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival. Survival outcomes and prognostic factors were examined. Results: After completing 4 to 6 cycles of P-GemDOx chemotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) was 88.3%, with forty-six patients (76.7% ) achieving complete response (CR). The 4-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were (66.3±7.1) % and (79.5±6.0) %, respectively. According to the PINK/PINK-E model, there was no significant difference in survival outcomes among risk groups. 23.3% of patients experienced progression of disease within 24 months (POD<24). OS estimates differed significantly (P<0.001) between the POD<24 group (n=14) and the POD≥24 group (n=46). Analysis showed that SUVmax > 12.8 at diagnosis, non-single nasal cavity infiltration, and response less than CR after 4-6 cycles all had a significant association with POD24. We used these data as the basis for predicting POD<24 international prognostic index (POD24-IPI). Patients were stratified into low-risk (no risk factors), intermediate-risk (one risk factor), or high risk (two or three risk factors). These groups were associated with 4-year OS rate of 100%, (85.6±9.7) %, and (65.0±10.2) %, respectively (P=0.014). The P-GemDOx regimen was well tolerated, with hematological toxicity being the main side effect. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the P-GemDOx regimen is effective and safe in the first-line treatment of early-stage ENKTL, and POD24-IPI is a promising prognostic model.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma coexisting with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified.

We report the case of a 52-year-old male who presented to our hospital with cervical lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy revealed small atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD3 and CD5 and negative for CD56 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNA (EBER) by in situ hybridization. CD4-positive cells and CD8-positive cells were mixed in almost equal numbers. He was diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). The patient received one cycle of chemotherapy, resulting in severe sepsis. While undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit with an antimicrobial agent and prednisone, ascitic fluid appeared. Abdominal aspiration revealed neutrophil-predominant ascites and microbiological studies revealed Candida albicans. However, ascites did not improve when treated with micafungin for Candida peritonitis. Abdominal aspiration was re-performed, and atypical lymphoid cells that were positive for CD3 and CD56 were detected. EBV-DNA levels in whole blood were significantly elevated. Atypical lymphoid cells were positive for EBER by in situ hybridization and Southern blot analysis showed EBV terminal repeat monoclonal patterns. Bone marrow examination revealed the same atypical lymphoid cells. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) with bone marrow involvement 3 months after the diagnosis of PTCL-NOS. Complications associated with PTCL-NOS and ENKTL are rare. PTCL-NOS, chemotherapy, sepsis, and prednisone might have led to immunodeficiency and reactivation of EBV, which might be one of the pathophysiologies for developing ENKTL. Our case indicates that measuring EBV-DNA in the blood is a simple and prompt examination to detect complications of EBV-associated lymphoma.

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.

Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma nasal type simulating osteoradionecrosis with metachronic B lymphoma in the pelvis: Case report.

Extranodal Natural Killer/T Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type (EN-NK/T-CL-NT) is a non-Hodgkin extranodal lymphoma of unfavorable prognosis due to its aggressive nature. This neoplasm mainly affects the paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity, palate, and rarely intestinal, gastric and skin regions. 50-year-old female with a history of lymphoma in nasal and pelvic region. At four years of tumors-free, has facial asymmetry, accompanied by sub-palpebral, nasal and lip edema. Intraoral examination revealed a large ulceration suggestive of osteoradionecrosis. Gum biopsy shows Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma Nasal Type (EN-NK/T-CL-NT). In this case we highlight the characteristics of EN-NK/T-CL-NT with a presentation of osteoradionecrosis-like. Unfortunately, the nature of this tumor led to the patient's death. Clinical follow-up of patients with cancer is imperative to mend and/or decrease treatment complications, as well as to identify second primary tumors or the spread of the underlying disease.

Characterization of T-/natural killer cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms associated with systemic, chronic, active Epstein-Barr virus in adults: A report of 5 cases in a Western population.

OBJECTIVES: Because of its low frequency in adult populations and clinical and laboratory overlap with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and other T-cell lymphomas, T-cell/natural killer (NK) cell systemic, chronic, active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (T/NK sCAEBV) infection remains underdiagnosed, preventing critical, prompt therapeutic interventions. METHODS: We report a 5-case series that included 2 adult patients with T/NK sCAEBV and 3 additional adult patients with T/NK lymphomas with concomitant systemic EBV infection to review these entities' overlapping diagnostic and clinical features. RESULTS: Approximately 95% of the world population has been infected with EBV during their lifetime, and infection is usually asymptomatic, with symptomatic cases eventually resolving spontaneously. A small subset of immunocompetent patients develops CAEBV, a life-threatening complication resulting from EBV-infected T-cell or NK cell neoplastic lymphocytes. The sites of end-organ damage in T/NK sCAEBV demonstrate pathologic findings such as reactive lymphoid proliferations, making the diagnosis difficult to establish, with the only curative option being an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. CONCLUSIONS: This diagnosis is most prevalent in Asia, with few cases reported in Western countries. Adult age is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes, and most cases are diagnosed in pediatric populations.

Primary extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma of stomach: A case report and review of literature.

ABSTRACT: Extranodal Natural killer/T (NK/T) cell lymphoma nasal type is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has a constant association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Approximately more than 75% cases are located in upper aero-digestive tract, of which stomach is a very rare site. Very few cases of gastric extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma have been reported in the literature. A 22-year-old male patient presented with complaints of abdominal pain and hematemesis. Endoscopy showed a large ulcer in the stomach. Partial gastrectomy done and histopathology showed transmural infiltration by intermediate size atypical lymphoid cells which are immunopositive for CD3, CD56, TIA, EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) and negative for CD4, CD8, CD20. A diagnosis of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma nasal type was made.

Extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma with CD20 positive: A case report and review of literature.

ABSTRACT: Extranodal nasal-type natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neoplastic lymphocytes are positive for CD4, CD56, and CD20, a specific B-cell marker. CD20 positive NK/T-cell lymphoma is rare, with only nine reported cases. This paper reports a case of nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphoma with CD20 positivity in a 47-year-old woman. The patient presented with bilateral nasal congestion and bloody nasal cavity secretions for 2 months. Computed tomography revealed thickening of the nasal mucosa and posterior wall of the nasopharyngeal crest, and the left and right cervical lymph nodes were enlarged. On histopathology, the lesion was composed of medium-sized atypical lymphoid cells and vascular infringement. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor cells were positive for CD20, CD3, CD56, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA in situ hybridization. The patient was treated with radiotherapy for 2 months and is currently well.

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.

Comparative analysis of upper aerodigestive tract and non-upper aerodigestive tract in NK/T-cell lymphoma

Objective Nasal or extranasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a very rare aggressive lymphoma, but it is increasingly diagnosed. To evaluate some specificity by comparative analysis between primary upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) and non-upper aerodigestive tract (NUAT)NKTCL. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on NKTCL patients from January 2013 to November 2022 in our cancer center. Results The majority of the lesions were UAT-NKTCL 70 cases (92.1%), the primary NUAT occurred in 6 cases. Patients in the UAT group were mainly in the early stage and in the low and medium risk, while those in the NUAT group were late stage and in high risk (p = 0.000). The expressions of CD3 and TIA-1 in UAT group were higher than those in NUAT group (p = 0.031, p = 0.003), while CD7 was dominant in NUAT group (p = 0.009). For early stage NKTCL, multivariate analysis suggested that gender and PINK score were independent factors affecting PFS and OS (p < 0.05). The 3 year OS rate in initial CR group was 90.1% versus 46.4% in non-CR group (p = 0.000). In advanced stage, KI67% and bone marrow involvement were independent factors affecting OS (p = 0.022, p = 0.038). Conclusion It was difficult to distinguish between UAT and NUAT-NKTCL from histopathology. NUAT-NKTCL patients did have advanced stage and poor outcome. The prognostic value of PINK score and bone marrow involvement was proposed. We aimed to improve initial CR rates, as well as to find new predictive models to predict the whole population (AU)

Comparative analysis of upper aerodigestive tract and non-upper aerodigestive tract in NK/T-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal or extranasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a very rare aggressive lymphoma, but it is increasingly diagnosed. To evaluate some specificity by comparative analysis between primary upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) and non-upper aerodigestive tract (NUAT)NKTCL. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on NKTCL patients from January 2013 to November 2022 in our cancer center. RESULTS: The majority of the lesions were UAT-NKTCL 70 cases (92.1%), the primary NUAT occurred in 6 cases. Patients in the UAT group were mainly in the early stage and in the low and medium risk, while those in the NUAT group were late stage and in high risk (p = 0.000). The expressions of CD3 and TIA-1 in UAT group were higher than those in NUAT group (p = 0.031, p = 0.003), while CD7 was dominant in NUAT group (p = 0.009). For early stage NKTCL, multivariate analysis suggested that gender and PINK score were independent factors affecting PFS and OS (p < 0.05). The 3 year OS rate in initial CR group was 90.1% versus 46.4% in non-CR group (p = 0.000). In advanced stage, KI67% and bone marrow involvement were independent factors affecting OS (p = 0.022, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: It was difficult to distinguish between UAT and NUAT-NKTCL from histopathology. NUAT-NKTCL patients did have advanced stage and poor outcome. The prognostic value of PINK score and bone marrow involvement was proposed. We aimed to improve initial CR rates, as well as to find new predictive models to predict the whole population.

Elevated serum IL-6 and total IgEAb are associated with poor survival in natural killer/T-cell lymphoma.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive and malignant condition with a high mortality rate. Prognostic factors may assist to evaluate the outcome of the disease and may also be useful in selecting appropriate therapeutic strategies for patients. The study aims to describe NKTCL in terms of its clinical features, laboratory examinations, and immunophenotypes and to analyze relevance affecting patient survival outcomes. The patients diagnosed as NKTCL in Jinling Hospital from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2022 were reviewed retrospectively in this study basing on histopathology. The analysis was performed to evaluate overall survival (OS). A total of 125 NKTCL patients were included, which mainly affected male more than female with the onset median age of 51.00 years old (range, 14 ~ 85 y). NKTCL commonly affects the nasopharynx and upper aerodigestive tract, intestines, and skin. The median overall survival was 13.00 months (range, 2-156 m), and the 5-year survival rate was 9.8%. Under univariable analysis revealed the following factors at diagnosis age: serum total IgEAb ≥ 54.6 IU/mL, IL-6 ≥ 32.445 ng/L, elevated PINK score, smoking, and extranasopharyngeal site were statistically significant predictors for OS. Compared to the patients who received radiotherapy alone or chemotherapy alone, the patients who received combined chemoradiotherapy had longer OS. We found that IL-6 and total IgEAb were significant prognostic factors in NKTCL patients. Also, extranasopharyngeal site was correlated with advanced disease.

A case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, diagnosed by scraping cytology of the maxillary gingiva.

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL), nasal type, is often seen in the head and neck region, but there have been rare instances of this disease with initial presentation as a lesion in the oral mucosa. The patient, a woman in her seventh decade of life, presented with an ulcer in the maxillary gingiva, and scraping cytology and biopsy were performed. Cytological specimens showed solitary or small aggregating cells with marked atypia in a necrotic background. Tumor cells were detected that had various nuclear shapes and azure granules in the cytoplasm. Biopsy showed that the tumor cells had diffusely infiltrated or interdigitated into the subepithelium. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells had T- and NK cell phenotypes and were Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) positive, leading to a diagnosis of ENKTL. Thus, when nonepithelial tumor cells in a necrotic background and prominent atypia are found, as in this case, it is important to carefully observe for azurophil granules in the cytoplasm for differential diagnosis considerations.

Clinical features, prognostic stratification, and treatment of advanced-stage non-nasal type extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a multi-institutional real-world study.

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical features, prognosis, and treatment of advanced-stage non-nasal type extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL). This real-world study retrospectively reviewed 56 newly diagnosed advanced-stage non-nasal type ENKTCL patients from two large-scale Chinese cancer centers in the last 10-15 years and screened 139 newly diagnosed advanced-stage nasal type ENKTCLs admitted during the same period for comparison. The non-nasal type ENKTCLs exhibited significantly higher Ki-67 expression levels compared to nasal type disease (P = 0.011). With a median follow-up duration of 75.03 months, the non-nasal group showed slightly inferior survival outcomes without statistically significant differences compared to the nasal group (median overall survival (OS): 14.57 vs. 21.53 months, 5-year OS: 28.0% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.120). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≥ 2 (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.18, P = 0.039) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation (HR = 2.44, P = 0.012) were significantly correlated with worse OS in the non-nasal group. First-line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimens showed a trend toward slightly improved efficacy and survival outcomes compared to non-gemcitabine-based ones in the present cohort of non-nasal ENKTCLs (objective response rate: 91.7% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.144; complete response rate: 50.0% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.502; median progression-free survival: 10.43 vs. 3.40 months, P = 0.106; median OS: 25.13 vs. 9.30 months, P = 0.125), which requires further validation in larger sample size studies. Advanced-stage non-nasal type patients could achieve comparable prognosis with nasal cases after rational therapy. The modified nomogram-revised index (including age, ECOG score, and LDH) and modified international prognostic index (including age, ECOG score, LDH, and number of extranodal involvement) functioned effectively for prognostic stratification in non-nasal type ENKTCLs.

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, a novel potential biomarker of prognosis in extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type.

BACKGROUND: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an indicator of liver cell damage, was related to the prognosis of certain malignant tumors. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the predictive value of AST in patients with extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). METHODS: We reviewed 183 cases diagnosed with ENKTL and selected 26 U/L as the optimum cut-off value of AST. We used the univariate and multivariate Cox regression to compare the different AST groups' overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Prior to propensity score matching (PSM), Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in the low AST subgroup had better OS and PFS than the high AST subgroup. Multivariate analysis revealed that AST was an independent indicator for prognosis. After PSM, the low AST subgroup maintained a significantly better OS and PFS than the high AST subgroup. CONCLUSION: AST might represent a significant prognostic marker for ENKTL patients.

NK/T-cell lymphoma.

In this case report, a 61-year-old male presented with odynophagia and ulceration in palatum durum after inhalating dust from machinery containing a weak acid. It was at first diagnosed as an acidic ulcer due to two biopsies verifying this. Because of progressing ulceration a third biopsy was taken - this time with the diagnosis extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. This illustrates the diagnostic challenges of the illness, typically requiring multiple biopsies, and one should have this differential diagnosis in mind in case of progressing ulceration.