Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Micrograph of a lymph node biopsy showing nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, with the Reed–Sternberg cell variant that has a popcorn-shaped nucleus (left-bottom of image). H&E stain.
Specialty| Hematology and oncology
Frequency| 0.1-0.2 cases / 100000 per year

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a slow-growing CD20 positive form of Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system's B cells.[1][2]

NLPHL is an uncommon sub-type of Hodgkin lymphoma, making up 5-10% of Hodgkin lymphomas.[3] It is distinguished from classic Hodgkin lymphoma by the presence of CD20 positive lymphocyte predominant cells, also known as popcorn cells due to their polylobated nuclei, which look like popcorn.[3][4][5]

There are small but clear differences in prognosis between the various forms. Lymphocyte predominant HL is an uncommon subtype composed of vague nodules of numerous reactive lymphocytes admixed with large popcorn-shaped RSC. Unlike classic RSC, the non-classic popcorn-shaped RS cells of NLPHL are CD15 and CD30 negative while positive for the B cell marker CD20. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Rituximab has been used in lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma with encouraging results.[6]

BCL6 gene rearrangements have been frequently observed.[7][8]

## Contents

* 1 Signs and symptoms
* 2 Diagnosis
* 2.1 Sex
* 2.2 Early detection
* 3 Management
* 3.1 Watchful waiting
* 3.2 Surgical excision
* 3.3 Radiation therapy
* 3.4 Immunotherapy
* 3.5 Chemotherapy
* 3.6 Combined treatment
* 4 Prognosis
* 4.1 Ethnicity
* 4.2 Histological transformation
* 5 See also
* 6 References
* 7 External links

## Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

B symptoms are uncommon.[9][4]

## Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

* a-e)Clinicopathologic features of cervical nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

* Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant (low power view). Notice the nodular architecture and the areas of "mottling". (H&E)

* Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte predominant (high power view). Notice the presence of LP cells, also known as "popcorn cells". (H&E)

The characteristics of NLPHL differ from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).[9] Lymphocyte predominant (LP) ("popcorn") cells are present embedded in nodules consisting of B cells[10] and other reactive cells (mainly reactive T cells).[9] Reed-Sternberg and Hodgkin (RSH) cells are rarely seen, and immunohistochemistry shows a different pattern on the malignant cells; RSH cells typically express CD15 and CD30, whereas LP cells lack expression of these markers, but express B cell markers like CD20, CD22, and CD79a and also express the common leukocyte antigen CD45, which is uncommon on RSH cells.[9] The LP cells have scant cytoplasm and one folded or multilobated nuclei with prominent, mostly basophilic nucleoli.[10] Expert pathology review of multiple morphologic and immunophenotypic features[10] including the use of immunohistochemistry is essential.[11][12]

Tumors generally located in the peripheral lymph nodes,[13] which can be detected via PET scan and CT scan.

Ann Arbor staging is used to classify tumors and symptoms. Stage IV disease is very rare.[14]

### Sex[edit | edit source]

There is a male predominance of NLPHL diagnosis.[9][15][14]

### Early detection[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis usually occurs at an early stage of disease progression.[9][15][14]

## Management[edit | edit source]

A treatment guide provided by NCCN Guidelines for Patients is available,[16] while the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology provides a reference for clinicians.[17] Any proposed therapeutic strategy must have minimal acute and long-term toxicities.[15]

### Watchful waiting[edit | edit source]

Watchful waiting (watch and wait) is defined as a period of observation of at least 3 months without any treatment.[18]

### Surgical excision[edit | edit source]

Surgical lymph node excision may be carried out at the time of diagnosis in certain cases such in children diagnosed at an early stage of progression.[15] One study found sustained complete remission in half of the cases with a watch-and-wait strategy after surgical lymph node excision at the time of diagnosis.[15]

### Radiation therapy[edit | edit source]

Studies indicate that radiation therapy (radio therapy) may reduce the risk of progression in adults.[18][11] In one study, stage I-II patients treated with radiation therapy showed 10-year cause-specific survival of 98%, and the rate of developing radiotherapy-related second malignancies was not increased by the treatment (1% after 10 years).[19] A study published in 2013 on large group of patients with early-stage NLPHL indicated support for using limited-field radiation therapy as the sole treatment of early-stage disease.[11] In a study of 1,162 NLPHL patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registry program, radiation therapy improved overall survival and disease specific survival.[20]

### Immunotherapy[edit | edit source]

An example antibody for use in immunotherapy is Rituximab. Rituximab has specific use in treatment of NLPHL as it is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20.[18] Studies indicate Rituximab offers potential in relapsed or refractory patients,[21] and also in front-line treatment[4] especially in advanced stages.[15] Because of a tendency for relapse, maintenance treatment such as every 6 months for 2 years is suggested.[14] Rituximab has been shown to improve patient outcomes after histological transformation.[22]

### Chemotherapy[edit | edit source]

Possible options such as anthracycline-containing regimens include ABVD, BEACOPP and CHOP.[18] Results of a trial with COPP/ABV in children suggested positive results with chemotherapy alone are possible without the need for radiation therapy.[23] Optimal chemotherapy is a topic for debate, for example there is evidence of support for treatment with R-CHOP instead of ABVD, results showing high rates (40%) of relapse after 10 years since ABVD chemotherapy.[14] BEACOPP has higher reported toxicity risk.[24]

### Combined treatment[edit | edit source]

One study reported combined radiation therapy (radio therapy) and antibody Rituximab.[18] R-CHOP optionally followed by radiation therapy is recommended in newly diagnosed late stage disease, while for early stage disease radio therapy alone (stage IA without risk factors) or a brief ABVD-based chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy (early stages other than stage IA without risk factors) was advised.[24]

## Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Prognosis is favourable in comparison with classic HL[20] despite a tendency for disease recurrence requiring long term followup.[15][14] Relapse can occur at a comparatively late stage in comparison to classic HL.[14] There is limited information regarding the outcome for patients with advanced-stage progression.[14]

### Ethnicity[edit | edit source]

One study in the United States has suggested improved overall survival in response to chemotherapy for African Americans.[25]

### Histological transformation[edit | edit source]

Histologic transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can occur in up to 12% of cases.[15] After transformation, neoplastic cells carry monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements.[15] Histological transformation may lead to poor prognosis[14] and therefore repeat biopsy is required at relapse.[15] One study found a transformation rate of 7.6%, and suggested that prior exposure to chemotherapy and a presentation with splenic involvement were associated with increased risks of transformation.[22]

## See also[edit | edit source]

* Progressive transformation of germinal centers

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ Renné C, Martín-Subero JI, Hansmann ML, Siebert R (August 2005). "Molecular Cytogenetic Analyses of Immunoglobulin Loci in Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reveal a Recurrent IGH-BCL6 Juxtaposition". J Mol Diagn. 7 (3): 352–6. doi:10.1016/S1525-1578(10)60564-8. PMC 1867541. PMID 16049307.
2. ↑ Achten R, Verhoef G, De Wolf-Peeters C (December 2003). "The importance of follow-up biopsies of clinically suspicious lymphadenopathy in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma". Haematologica. 88 (12): 1431–2. PMID 14688002. Archived from the original on 2019-12-14. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Wang, Hao-Wei; Balakrishna, Jayalakshmi P; Pittaluga, Stefania; Jaffe, Elaine S. (January 2019). "Diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Modern Era". British Journal of Haematology. 184 (1): 45–59. doi:10.1111/bjh.15614. ISSN 0007-1048. PMC 6310079. PMID 30407610.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Stier JR, Vasquez RJ (2015). "Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Disease in Children: A Case Study and Review of the Literature". Case Reports in Oncological Medicine. 2015: 351431. doi:10.1155/2015/351431. PMC 4388010. PMID 25878913.
5. ↑ Eichenauer, Dennis A.; Engert, Andreas (2020-12-24). "How I treat nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma". Blood. 136 (26): 2987–2993. doi:10.1182/blood.2019004044. ISSN 0006-4971. PMID 32877522. S2CID 221476874.
6. ↑ Saini KS, Azim HA Jr, Cocorocchio E, Vanazzi A, Saini ML, Raviele PR, Pruneri G, Peccatori FA (2011). "Rituximab in Hodgkin lymphoma: Is the target always a hit?". Cancer Treat Rev. 37 (5): 385–90. doi:10.1016/j.ctrv.2010.11.005. PMID 21183282. Archived from the original on 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
7. ↑ Wlodarska I, Stul M, De Wolf-Peeters C, Hagemeijer A (August 2004). "Heterogeneity of BCL6 rearrangements in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma". Haematologica. 89 (8): 965–72. PMID 15339680. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
8. ↑ Wlodarska I, Nooyen P, Maes B, et al. (January 2003). "Frequent occurrence of BCL6 rearrangements in nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin lymphoma but not in classical Hodgkin lymphoma". Blood. 101 (2): 706–10. doi:10.1182/blood-2002-05-1592. PMID 12393409.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Strobbe L, Valke LL, Diets IJ, van den Brand M, Aben K, Raemaekers KJ, Hebeda KM, van Krieken JH (2016). "A 20-year population-based study on the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma". Ann Hematol. 95 (3): 417–423. doi:10.1007/s00277-015-2578-6. PMC 4742486. PMID 26732883.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Rets AV, Gottesman SR (2014). "Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma versus T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge". Case Rep Pathol. 2014 (956217): 1–5. doi:10.1155/2014/956217. PMC 4109592. PMID 25110597.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Chen RC, Chin MS, Ng AK, et al. (2010). "Early-Stage, Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Patient Outcomes From a Large, Single-Institution Series With Long Follow-Up". Journal of Clinical Oncology. 1. 28 (1): 136–141. doi:10.1200/JCO.2009.24.0945. PMID 19933914.
12. ↑ Smith LB (2010). "Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma: Diagnostic Pearls and Pitfalls". Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. 134 (10): 1434–1439. doi:10.5858/2010-0207-OA.1. PMID 20923296. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
13. ↑ "Pathology Outline". pathologyoutlines.com. Archived from the original on 2017-09-02. Retrieved 2017-09-02.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 Xing KH, Connors JM, Lai A, et al. (2014). "Advanced-stage nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma compared with classical Hodgkin lymphoma: a matched pair outcome analysis". Blood. 123 (23): 3567–3573. doi:10.1182/blood-2013-12-541078. PMID 24713929. S2CID 25058.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 Biasoli I, Stamatoullas A, Meignin V, et al. (2010). "Nodular, lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma". Cancer. 116 (3): 631–639. doi:10.1002/cncr.24819. PMID 20029973. S2CID 25570848.
16. ↑ NCCN Guidelines for Patients : NCCN Quick Guide. Hodgkin Lymphoma (Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant HL Treatment) https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/quick_guides/hodgkin/nodular_treatment/index.html#[permanent dead link]
17. ↑ NCCN Guidelines v2.2014 Hodgkin Lymphoma http://williams.medicine.wisc.edu/hodgkins.pdf Archived 2020-07-09 at the Wayback Machine
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 Lazarovici J, Dartigues P, Brice P, et al. (December 2015). "Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a Lymphoma Study Association retrospective study". Haematologica. 100 (12): 1579–1586. doi:10.3324/haematol.2015.133025. PMC 4666334. PMID 26430172.
19. ↑ Solanki AA, LeMieux MH, Chiu BC, et al. (2013). "Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with Early Stage Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treated with Radiotherapy". PLOS ONE. 8 (9): e75336. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...875336S. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0075336. PMC 3776776. PMID 24058675.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Gerber NK, Atoria CL, Elkin EB, Yahalom J (2015). "Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients With Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma Versus Those With Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Population-Based Analysis". Int J Radiation Oncol Biol Phys. 92 (1): 76–83. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.02.012. PMID 25863756. Archived from the original on 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
21. ↑ Schulz H, Rehwald U, Morschhauser F, et al. (2008). "Rituximab in relapsed lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: long-term results of a phase 2 trial by the German Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group (GHSG)". Blood. 111 (1): 109–11. doi:10.1182/blood-2007-03-078725. PMID 17938252. S2CID 9934281.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Kenderian SS, Habermann TM, Macon WR, et al. (2016). "Large B-cell transformation in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: 40-year experience from a single institution". Blood. 127 (16): 1960–1966. doi:10.1182/blood-2015-08-665505. PMC 4841039. PMID 26837698.
23. ↑ Appel BE, Chen L, Buxton A, Wolden SL, Hodgson DC, Nachman JB (2012). "Impact of Low-Dose Involved-Field Radiation Therapy on Pediatric Patients with Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group". Pediatr Blood Cancer. 59 (7): 1284–1289. doi:10.1002/pbc.24258. PMC 3468707. PMID 22847767.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Eichenauer DA, Engert A (2017). "R-CHOP in NLPHL: who should receive it?". Blood. 130 (4): 387–388. doi:10.1182/blood-2017-05-786301. PMID 28751354.
25. ↑ Olszewski AJ, Shrestha R, Cook NM (2015). "Race-specific features and outcomes of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: Analysis of the National Cancer Data Base". Cancer. 121 (19): 3472–80. doi:10.1002/cncr.29527. PMID 26149294. S2CID 45005554.

## External links[edit | edit source]

Classification|

* ICD-10: C81.0
* ICD-9-CM: 201.9
* ICD-O: M9659/3

|

* v
* t
* e

Leukaemias, lymphomas and related disease

| B cell
(lymphoma,
leukemia)
(most CD19

* CD20)

| By
development/
marker|

| TdT+|

* ALL (Precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma)

|

CD5+|

* naive B cell (CLL/SLL)
* mantle zone (Mantle cell)

CD22+|

* Prolymphocytic
* CD11c+ (Hairy cell leukemia)

CD79a+|

* germinal center/follicular B cell (Follicular
* Burkitt's
* GCB DLBCL
* Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma)

* marginal zone/marginal zone B-cell (Splenic marginal zone
* MALT
* Nodal marginal zone
* Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma)

RS (CD15+, CD30+)|

* Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (Nodular sclerosis)
* CD20+ (Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma)

PCDs/PP
(CD38+/CD138+)|

* see immunoproliferative immunoglobulin disorders

By infection|

* KSHV (Primary effusion)
* EBV
* Lymphomatoid granulomatosis
* Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder
* Classic Hodgkin lymphoma
* Burkitt's lymphoma
* HCV
* Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
* HIV (AIDS-related lymphoma)
* Helicobacter pylori (MALT lymphoma)

Cutaneous|

* Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
* Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma
* Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma
* Primary cutaneous immunocytoma
* Plasmacytoma
* Plasmacytosis
* Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma

T/NK|

| T cell
(lymphoma,
leukemia)
(most CD3

* CD4
* CD8)

| By
development/
marker|

* TdT+: ALL (Precursor T acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma)

* prolymphocyte (Prolymphocytic)

* CD30+ (Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma
* Lymphomatoid papulosis type A)

|

Cutaneous|

| MF+variants|

* indolent: Mycosis fungoides
* Pagetoid reticulosis
* Granulomatous slack skin

aggressive: Sézary disease

* Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

|

Non-MF|

* CD30-: Non-mycosis fungoides CD30− cutaneous large T-cell lymphoma
* Pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma
* Lymphomatoid papulosis type B

* CD30+: CD30+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
* Secondary cutaneous CD30+ large-cell lymphoma
* Lymphomatoid papulosis type A

Other
peripheral|

* Hepatosplenic
* Angioimmunoblastic
* Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma
* Peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (Lennert lymphoma)
* Subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma

By infection|

* HTLV-1 (Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma)

NK cell/
(most CD56)|

* Aggressive NK-cell leukemia
* Blastic NK cell lymphoma

T or NK|

* EBV (Extranodal NK-T-cell lymphoma/Angiocentric lymphoma)
* Large granular lymphocytic leukemia

Lymphoid+
myeloid|

* Acute biphenotypic leukaemia

Lymphocytosis|

* Lymphoproliferative disorders (X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
* Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome)
* Leukemoid reaction
* Diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome

Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia|

* Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia
* with bandlike and perivascular patterns
* with nodular pattern
* Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin

General|

* Hematological malignancy
* leukemia
* Lymphoproliferative disorders
* Lymphoid leukemias

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