The expression of myeloid antigens CD13 and/or CD33 is a marker of ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas

Am J Clin Pathol. 2008 Oct;130(4):628-34. doi: 10.1309/PLN1NA4QB2PC1CMQ.

Abstract

We retrospectively studied the immunophenotype by flow cytometry of 20 anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs) (9 anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK]+ and 11 ALK-) with a particular emphasis on the aberrant expression of the myeloid associated antigens CD13 and/or CD33. All ALCLs expressed CD45, HLA-DR, and CD30. Most (8/9) ALK+ ALCLs expressed at least 1 surface T-cell antigen (CD4, 6/9 [67%]; CD7, 6/9 [67%]; CD2, 5/9 [56%]; CD5, 2/9 [22%]; CD8, 2/9 [22%]; CD3, 1/9 [11%]). All ALK-ALCLs expressed at least 1 surface T-cell antigen (CD3, 7/11 [64%]; CD4, 6/11 [55%]; CD2, 6/11 [55%]; CD7, 2/11 [18%]; CD5, 1/11 [9%]; CD8, 1/11 [9%]). CD13 and/or CD33 were expressed in all (9/9) ALK+ ALCLs compared with 1 of 11 ALK-ALCLs (9%) (P < .0001). Surface CD3 was more likely expressed in ALK-ALCLs (7/11) compared with ALK+ ALCLs (1/9) (P .03). The myeloid-associated antigens CD13 and/or CD33 are sensitive but not entirely specific markers of ALK+ ALCLs and should not be misinterpreted as indicating myeloid sarcoma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis*
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / biosynthesis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • CD13 Antigens / biosynthesis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Infant
  • Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD33 protein, human
  • Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 3
  • ALK protein, human
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • CD13 Antigens