Biphenotypic bigenotypic lymphoma with simultaneous expression of PAX5/BSAP and B- and T-cell markers

Eur J Haematol. 2007 Aug;79(2):159-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2007.00882.x.

Abstract

Lymphomas are currently categorized according to their origin from a B or T lymphocyte. Immature and less commonly mature (peripheral) lymphomas may harbor rearrangements of both the B- and T-cell antigen receptor genes (dual genotype or bigenotype). Rarely, cells in lymphoma with a single genotype simultaneously express both B- and T-cell markers (biphenotypic lymphomas). We discuss the diagnostic and clinical implications in the case of a 42-yr-old female with a peripheral CD30+ lymphoma that displayed both characteristic B- and T-cell surface antigens and clonal rearrangement of B- and T-cell antigen receptor gene loci. Simultaneous nuclear expression of the transcription factor gene PAX5 suggested that this major driver of B-cell differentiation did not preclude expression of CD3epsilon, generally assumed to be a T-cell associated antigen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma / genetics*
  • Lymphoma / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • PAX5 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • PAX5 Transcription Factor