Clinicopathologic Study of Chromosomal Aberrations in Ocular Adnexal Lymphomas of Korean Patients

Abstract

Purpose

The incidence and clinical correlation of MALT1 translocation and chromosomal numerical aberrations in Korean patients with ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma have not yet been reported. We investigated the incidence and clinicopathologic relationship of these chromosomal aberrations in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas in a Korean population.

Methods

Thirty ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas were investigated for the t(11;18) API2-MALT1, t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocations and chromosomes 3 and 18 aneuploidies using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Patient medical records were reviewed retrospectively for information on demographics and clinical characteristics, including treatment response.

Results

The MALT1 gene rearrangement was found in one out of 30 cases. The t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocation was demonstrated in only one case (3.3%), and the t(11;18) API2-MALT1 translocation was not found in any of the cases. Trisomy 3 was observed in three ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas (10.0%), and five cases showed trisomy 18 (16.7%). Translocation positive cases also showed trisomy 18. One case of tumor relapse showed trisomy 18 only in the recurrent biopsies. There were no statistically significant correlations between chromosomal aberrations and clinical characteristics and treatment responses.

Conclusions

Translocations involving the MALT1 gene are not common in Korean ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas. The t(14;18) translocation was detected in only one out of 30 cases, and the t(11;18) translocation was not found at all. Furthermore, the chromosomal aberrations found in this study had no prognostic implications.

Extra-nodal marginal zone lymphoma is the most frequent lymphoma subtype found in the orbit and ocular adnexa [1,2,3], and the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ocular adnexa has steadily increased, especially in Asian-Pacific Islanders [4]. Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) constitutes three-fourths of lymphoproliferative disease of the ocular adnexa in Korea [5], a higher proportion than that found in Western countries. Although the clinical course of most marginal zone lymphoma of MALT types is indolent, the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of this disease are largely unknown. However, it is generally thought that both chronic antigenic stimulation of infectious agents and acquired genetic or epigenetic alterations are involved [6,7,8]. Several recurrent structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations have been described in MALT lymphomas, but their incidence is quite variable depending on their primary site and geographical location [9,10].

The known balanced translocations in MALT lymphomas include t(11;18)(q21;q21) API2-MALT1, t(14;18)(q32;q21) IgH-MALT1, t(1;14)(p22;q32) BCL10-IgH, and t(3;14) (p14.1;q32) FOXP1-IgH [11]. Among these four translocations, t(11;18)(q21;q21) harboring the API2-MALT1 fusion is the most common chromosomal aberration reported in MALT lymphoma, and several reports have found that translocation-positive groups are associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication failure, local aggressiveness and advanced clinical stage [12,13]. Another translocation involving MALT1, t(14;18)(q32;q21) IGH-MALT1, which is frequent in pulmonary or ocular type MALT lymphomas, is rarely observed in gastric MALT lymphomas [11,14]. Recently, numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 3, 7, 12, and 18 have been reported to be specific to marginal zone lymphoma of MALT types [15,16].

Ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas have not been studied genetically-except in a few studies with conflicting results-mainly because material for diagnostic biopsies is scarce and fresh tissue is not readily available [17,18,19].

To date, the incidence of translocation involving MALT1 in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma has not been studied in the Korean population in spite of the relatively high prevalence of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma compared to Western countries. Furthermore, the clinicopathologic relationship of these genetic abnormalities in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma is not well-known.

In this study, we used two-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the incidence of chromosomal aberrations involving MALT1 and numerical aberrations of chromosomes 3 or 18 in a cohort of ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas from Korean patients. We further analyzed the clinicopathologic relationship of these chromosomal aberrations to determine their prognostic relevance.

Materials and Methods

Materials

We collected 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas, including one case of tumor recurrence, between 2002 and 2005 at Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital. Tissues were obtained from the orbit, lacrimal gland or conjunctiva of patients. Cases were reviewed and confirmed by hematopathologist (YAK) based on the criteria of the World Health Organization classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues [20]. The relevant clinical information was taken from the medical records. This study was approved by the institutional review board of Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization

FISH analysis was used to investigate genetic aberrations such as MALT1 rearrangements and numerical aberrations of chromosomes 3 and 18. MALT1 rearrangements were detected using two-color interphase FISH and numerical aberrations were detected using one-color FISH.

Two-color interphase FISH for the detection of MALT1 translocation was performed on sections from paraffin blocks, as previously described [21]. Briefly, 4-µm-thick sections were deparaffinized, dehydrated, immersed in 0.2N HCl, boiled in a microwave in citrate buffer (pH 6.0), and incubated in 1M NaSCN for 35 minutes at 80℃. Sections were then immersed in pepsin solution, and tissues were fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin. The probe mixture was applied to the slides, which were then incubated in a humidified atmosphere with Hybrite (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL, USA) at 73℃ for 5 minutes to simultaneously denature the probe and target DNA and subsequently at 37℃ for 19 hours for hybridization. The slides were then immersed in 0.4× SSC/0.3% NP-40 for 2 minutes at room temperature, followed by 2× SSC/0.1% NP-40 for 5 minutes at 73℃. The nuclei were counterstained with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and anti-fade compound (p-phenylenediamine). FISH signals for each locus-specific FISH probe were assessed under an Olympus BX51TRF microscope (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) equipped with a triple-pass filter (DAPI/Green/Orange; Vysis).

To determine the specific type of MALT1 translocation, FISH analysis was performed in two steps. The first step was to detect any MALT1 translocation using LSI MALT1 dual color break-apart probe (Vysis). Interphase nuclei of normal cells showed two yellow fusion signals (red+green). Rearrangement was defined as any splitting, i.e., red and green signal, on nuclei. To clarify the specific counterpart of MALT1 translocation, two fusion translocation probes were used in second step FISH. LSI API2/MALT1 dual color, dual fusion probe (Vysis) to detect t(11;18) (q21;q21) API2-MALT1 translocation and LSI IgH/MALT1 dual color, dual fusion probe (Vysis) to detect t(14;18) (q32;q21) IgH-MALT1 translocation. Interphase nuclei of normal cells showed two green signals for API2 or IgH and two red signals for MALT1. The presence of a translocation produced any one yellow fusion signals per nuclei.

To assess numerical aberrations, one-color FISH using centromeric repetitive α-satellite DNA probes specific for chromosomes 3 and 18 (Oncor, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) was performed. Interphase nuclei of normal cells showed two red signals respresenting two copies of chromosomes. Numerical gains of chromosomes, such as trisomy or polysomy, were defined as increased red signals on nuclei.

FISH signals were counted by previously described guidelines in the literature to reduce false positives and false negatives [22]. These guidelines are as follows: (1) only 'intact' (=spherical), non-overlapping nuclei with a clear counterstain were counted; (2) nuclei with paired spots (split spots) were not counted; (3) signals within one nucleus should have approximately the same size and intensity (thus excluding non-specific signals such as minor binding sites); and (4) parallel-cut sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were evaluated simultaneously to identify cell types and tissue areas [21]. The number of FISH signals were counted on at least 100 nuclei per hybridized paraffin section. The cutoff levels for each probe were the mean percentage of cells with false positive signals plus 3 standard deviations, which were determined by analyzing 3 reactive tonsil tissues [23]. Cases showing poor FISH signals were reexamined, or examined using other available samples from the same patient.

Treatment response

Objective lymphoma response to therapy was assessed in all patients by biomicroscopic examination or orbital imaging study (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) by experienced oculoplasty specialists. Objective response was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria. Complete remission was defined as the disappearance of all clinical evidence of the disease. Partial response was defined as more than 50% reduction in size of all measurable lesions. Stable disease was defined as regression of any measurable lesion by ≤50% (minimal response) or no change for the measurable lesions. Progressive disease was defined as the appearance of any new lesion or an increase in the size of a tumor of ≥25% at a previously involved site. Treatment failure was defined as conversion of treatment modality due to minimal response, local or systemic progression of lymphoma, or relapse (lymphoma recurrence after initial response).

Statistical analysis

Correlations between clinicopathologic parameters and genetic rearrangements were assessed by Fisher's exact test after transformation into categorical values. Overall survival was measured from the date of diagnosis to the date of death or last follow-up visit. Two-sided p-values <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 14.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Clinical features of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma patients

The clinical characteristics and FISH results of all 30 ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma patients are listed in Table 1. The mean patient age was 51.0 years (range, 20 to 72 years), and women were more affected than men (M : F = 9 : 21). Of the 30 cases, 15 (50%) were conjunctival MALT lymphomas and 15 (50%) orbital MALT lymphomas. Bilaterality was observed in 8 patients (26.7%).

Table 1. Summary of clinical characteristics and fluorescence in situ hybridization data of ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma patients.

Tx = treatment; FU =follow up; Rt =right; conj = conjunctiva; R = radiotherapy; CR = complete remission; B =bilateral; Lt = left; C = chemotherapy; A = antibiotic treatment (Doxycyline); PR = partial remission; O = observation.

Incidence of chromosomal aberrations in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas

Using FISH analysis with break-apart probes, MALT1 rearrangement was noted in one out of 30 cases (3.4%). In a second step analysis to demonstrate the partner gene of this translocation, the t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocation was found in this case (Fig. 1A). The t(11;18) API2-MALT1 translocation was not observed.

Fig. 1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detection of IgH-MALT1 translocation, trisomy 3 and 18 in ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. (A) Green signal represents IgH and red signal MALT1 gene. Yellow fusion signals (red+green) were detected in a t(14;18)-positive case of ocular MALT lymphoma using dual color dual fusion translocation probe. (B,C) Red signals represent centromeric regions of chromosome 3 (B) or 18 (C). Three red signals were shown in trisomy 3 or 18 of ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas, respectively.

Numerical aberrations involving chromosome 3 or 18 were all trisomies. Trisomy 3 was observed in three ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas (10.0%) (Fig. 1B), and five cases showed trisomy 18 (16.7%) (Fig. 1C). Trisomy 3 and trisomy 18 were mutually exclusive. Overall, 8 of 30 cases (26.7%) showed trisomy 3 or 18. The one translocation positive case also showed trisomy 18. One recurrent case showed trisomy 18 only in recurrent biopsies.

Relationship between chromosomal aberrations and clinicopathologic features in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas

There were no statistically significant differences in clinicopathologic parameters between trisomy or translocation-positive and negative groups (Table 2).

Table 2. Correlation between chromosomal aberrations and clinicopathologic features in ocular adnexal mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas.

Values are presented as number (%).

Prognostic correlation of chromosomal aberrations in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas

The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 64 months (22.7 ± 16.2, median 21.0 months). All ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma patients survived with 100% overall survival rate. Seventeen cases (60.7%) showed complete remission at the last follow-up visit. Two cases had bone marrow involvement at the time of initial diagnosis, and both cases showed no chromosomal aberrations. One of these cases recurred after chemotherapy and showed trisomy 18 only in recurrent biopsies. There were no statistically significant differences in prognosis between trisomy or translocation-positive and negative groups (Table 2).

Discussion

Ocular adnexal lymphoma represents a significant proportion (approximately 12%) of all MALT lymphomas [20], and MALT lymphoma is the most common lymphoma of the ocular adnexa [24], occurring principally in the conjunctiva, orbital soft tissue, and lacrimal gland. The increasing incidence of ophthalmic lymphoma-and especially of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma-calls for studies clarifying its pathogenesis. Indeed, the pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma is largely unknown, and there are currently no generally accepted prognostic factors for primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma.

The putative etiologic agent of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma is thought to be Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) in the same way that H. pylori is thought to cause gastric MALT lymphoma [25,26]. The high proportion of gastric MALT lymphoma is likely due to the high prevalence of H. pylori in Korea, which is estimated to infect 75% of all adults [27]. Likewise, the infection rate for Cp has been reported to be very high in Korea, positing one explanation for the high prevalence of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in this population [8,28]. However, in contrast to the remark-able success of H. pylori eradication in gastric MALT lymphoma, ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma has shown inconsistent association with the purported pathogens and variable response to antibiotic treatment [29,30]. Therefore, ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma may have other etiologic factors that underlie its pathogenesis, such as genetic or epigenetic alterations, in addition to infection by Cp, that make the Korean population uniquely vulnerable [8,31,32,33,34]. In a study of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Asian Americans using SEER data from 1988 to 2004, Clarke et al. [35] report that the incidence of follicular lymphoma, CLL/SLL, and nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma are significantly higher in US-born Asians (second-generation immigrants or beyond) than in foreign-born Asians (first-generation immigrants), which supports the role of environmental factors in lymphomagenesis. A similar trend was observed in studies of resident Koreans [36,37]. Therefore the influence of cancer-causing behavior of a particular ethnic group within a certain environment cannot be excluded.

Recently, various genetic changes specific to MALT lymphoma, including numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 3, 7, 12, 18, and chromosomal translocations t(1;14) (p22;q14), t(11;18)(q21;q21), have been reported [15,16]. These genetic changes has also harbor clinical significance; for example, t(11;18)-positive cases are resistant to H. pylori eradication therapy [38,39]. The reported incidence of these chromosomal abnormalities have been inconsistent, which seems to be related to variety of the initial anatomic site of involvement [9,10].

In this study, we analyzed the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of 30 Korean ocular MALT lymphoma patients. In contrast to previous reports, we found that ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas in this population are not located solely in the orbit, but rather occur with an even distribution in the conjunctiva and orbit [17,40]. We also found that the ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas in this Korean population were rarely disseminated, in contrast to those in other reports which showed more disseminated disease at presentation, more frequent relapses at extraocular sites, and lower overall survival rates with a 5-year overall survival of 75% and 10% of patients dying from their lymphoma [17]. Based on these clinical differences, we hypothesized that the frequencies of genetic aberrations also may differ according to the geographic location or ethnic groups.

We found that the t(14;18) IgH-MALT1 translocation was rare (3.3%), concordant with others reports showing frequencies ranging from 0% to 10% [9,17,41,42,43,44,45]. In contrast, the t(11;18)(q21;q21) API2-MALT translocation was not detected in any cases in our study, although this translocation has been reported in up to 13% in two studies conducted in Europe and Japan [20,22]. This finding is in line with the lower frequencies of this translocation in gastric MALT lymphomas of East Asians; although previous studies reported that approximately 30% of MALT lymphomas in western countries harbor the t(11;18) translocation [46,47], the incidence of this translocation in gastric MALT lymphomas is only 7.5% to 12.5% in East Asians [48,49]. Thus, the difference in frequencies of these aberrations suggest that not only site, but also geographical and environmental conditions, may play an important role in the type of genetic abnormalities in ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma.

One translocation positive case in this study was accompanied by trisomy 18, which is not common in gastric MALT lymphoma with t(11;18) API2-MALT 1 translocation [49,50]. In fact, numeric aberrations and the API2-MALT1 translocation have been reported to be mutually exclusive. This conflicting result might be explained by the different anatomical sites of origin or by different translocation partner genes. Future studies with more cases will be needed to clarify this result.

Interestingly, one case of patient relapse in this study showed trisomy 18 only in the relapsed specimen. There have been some reports that chromosomal aneuploidy such as trisomy 3, 18 are associated with high grade transformation of low grade MALT lymphoma [49,50]. Though a microscopically high grade component was not observed in this case, the trisomy 18 we detected might ref lect the treatment-resistant nature of the tumor.

In conclusion, chromosomal translocations involving the MALT1 gene are not a common finding in Korean ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas. The t(14;18) translocation was detected in only one case, and the t(11;18) translocation was not found at all. Therefore, chromosomal aberrations may have no prognostic implications in this patient population.