CD30‐positive cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma: clinicopathological features and survival outcomes

Abstract

Background The prognostic value of CD30 expression in cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma is controversial. Methods Clinicopathological features, survival outcomes, and prognostic implications of CD30 were retrospectively analyzed in 55 patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma. We classified patients into (i) primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma and (ii) cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease depending on the primary tumor site. Results CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma was more common in patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease than in those with primary cutaneous disease. CD30+ cases were more likely to present nodular lesions or cellulitis‐like swelling than CD30− cases. Histologically, CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma predominantly comprised large tumor cells compared with CD30− cases. However, the clinical morphology and tumor cell size were not associated with survival outcomes. CD30 expression was associated with better survival outcomes in patients with cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma secondary to nasal disease. Conclusion CD30+ cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma presented peculiar clinicopathological features and had more favorable disease course in patients with cutaneous dissemination from nasal disease.

Primary cutaneous natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma presenting as sacrococcygeal and perianal ulcers

“…There are different clinical features of skin lesions (ulcerative lesions, subcutaneous nodules, abcess-like lesions, cellulitis, or patch lesions) frequently localized at the extremities, trunk, head, and neck. 2,5 Our case is original by its location at the sacrococcygeal and perianal regions below its clinical presentation as multiple ulcerated lesions. Skin biopsy classically demonstrates a heavy dermal lymphoid infiltrate.…”

“…Positive CD56 staining is found in 74%-76% of ENTKL but negative CD56 ENTKL are supposed to present more aggressively. 5 Positive expression of cytotoxic molecules (TIA1, granzyme B, perforin) is also helpful for the diagnosis. 7 CD30 expression is positive in 30% of all ENKTL.…”

“…7 CD30 expression is positive in 30% of all ENKTL. 5 The prognostic effect of CD30 positivity has been controversial regardless of its therapeutic impact through the use of anti-CD30 immunotherapy. 5,8 In our patient, we found positive staining for both CD56 and CD30.…”

“…5 The prognostic effect of CD30 positivity has been controversial regardless of its therapeutic impact through the use of anti-CD30 immunotherapy. 5,8 In our patient, we found positive staining for both CD56 and CD30. EBV is associated with a diverse range of lymphoproliferative disorders.…”

Towards Next Generation Biomarkers in Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma

“…For example, tumor expression of CD30, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, has been investigated in several studies. While some studies have correlated CD30 positivity with inferior survival outcomes [ 41 , 42 ], others have instead demonstrated favorable results [ 43 , 44 , 45 ] or no association [ 46 , 47 ]. CD38, a transmembrane glycoprotein strongly expressed in NKTCL, has been associated with poor prognosis in one study [ 48 ].…”