CD20 positive T-cell lymphoma/leukemia: a rare entity with potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Abstract

Mature T-cell neoplasms are relatively uncommon, accounting for approximately 10% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. This category of hematopoietic neoplasms is clinically aggressive and shows a poor response to therapy and shortened survival. The antigen CD20 has long been thought to be a specific marker for B-cell lineage and has been used to help differentiate T-cell and B-cell neoplasms. We present two cases of a rare subset of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma having a unique immunophenotype, both being CD20+. The significance of CD20 antigen in T-cell lymphomas is yet to be determined, but may allow treatment with novel therapeutic agents (eg, rituximab, a recombinant anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody).

• Authors: Carl L Buckner, Lydia R Christiansen, Danyel Bourgeois, John J Lazarchick, John Lazarchick
• Journal: Annals of clinical and laboratory science (Ann Clin Lab Sci) Vol. 37 Issue 3 Pg. 263-7 ( 2007) ISSN: 0091-7370 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17709692 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, CD20
• Biomarkers, Tumor

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Antigens, CD20 (immunology)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (immunology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Fatal Outcome
• Flow Cytometry
• Humans
• Immunophenotyping
• Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell (diagnosis, immunology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Staging