CD56-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: possible association with extranodal involvement and bcl-6 expression

Abstract

Among B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, neural cell adhesion molecule/CD56 expression is exceptional. In this study, seven cases of CD56-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are described. The frequency of CD56-positive DLBCL was 7% in our hospital. Four of seven (57.1%) cases expressed both CD10 and bcl-6 suggestive of a germinal center B-cell phenotype. Six of seven (85.7%) cases expressed bcl-6. Two cases expressed aberrant T cell-associated antigens, one each of CD7 and CD8. However, none of these seven cases showed CD5 expression. No significant difference was observed between CD56-positive and CD56-negative DLBCL in terms of the five international prognostic index risk factors. However, all seven cases had at least one extranodal involvement and showed a good response to initial treatment. The predominance of extranodal involvement in our series may be associated with the adhesion-related function of CD56. A high frequency of bcl-6 expression may be associated with a more favorable clinical course and prognosis.

Neural cell adhesion molecule (CD56)-positive B cell lymphoma of the urinary bladder

“…6–8 12 14 15 In contrast, our present case had a non-germinal centre B cell-like phenotype (ie, CD10 negative, with Bcl-6/MUM1 positivity). The expression of Bcl-6 protein in DLBCL is known to be associated with favourable chemotherapy outcomes in treated patients 15 18. In addition, patients with CD5-negative DLBCLs show significantly better survival than those with CD5-positive DLBCLs 19.…”

“…Furthermore, CD56-expressing DLBCLs show extranodal involvement in 20 (61%) of 33 patients (table 1). 6–8 10 11 15 16 These observations suggest CD56 to possibly play a role in extravasation allowing, via homophilic interaction, tumour growth and spreading 6 7. Interestingly, our current case presented with a tumour in the urinary system.…”

“…Although whether or not CD56 itself plays a key role in the outcomes of B cell lymphoma cases as well as the reasons for its occasional presence in B neoplasms remain to be determined,6 most CD56-expressing DLBCLs might be non-aggressive clinically, frequently showing a CR to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP) or CHOP-like regimens with molecular-targeted therapy (table 1). 7 12 15 16 …”

New developments in the pathology of malignant lymphoma. A review of the literature published from August 2010–October 2010

“…Gomyo et al [34] collect seven CD56-positive DLBL. The frequency of this expression profile is 7%, and these cases can have other aberrant expression, one had CD7, another CD8.…”

Flow cytometric detection and quantification of CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM) expression in diffuse large B cell lymphomas and review of the literature

“…CD56 expression has been reported to predict a higher risk for central nervous system disease in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 9 . To date, CD56 has rarely been reported on B cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) 10–18 . However, in an entity named microvillous B cell lymphoma (MVL), described as a subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 50% of cases have been reported to be CD56‐positive 19 .…”