EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma

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Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO Classification, 5th ed.)

(General Instructions – The focus of these pages is the clinically significant genetic alterations in each disease type. This is based on up-to-date knowledge from multiple resources such as PubMed and the WHO classification books. The CCGA is meant to be a supplemental resource to the WHO classification books; the CCGA captures in a continually updated wiki-stye manner the current genetics/genomics knowledge of each disease, which evolves more rapidly than books can be revised and published. If the same disease is described in multiple WHO classification books, the genetics-related information for that disease will be consolidated into a single main page that has this template (other pages would only contain a link to this main page). Use HUGO-approved gene names and symbols (italicized when appropriate), HGVS-based nomenclature for variants, as well as generic names of drugs and testing platforms or assays if applicable. Please complete tables whenever possible and do not delete them (add N/A if not applicable in the table and delete the examples); to add (or move) a row or column in a table, click nearby within the table and select the > symbol that appears. Please do not delete or alter the section headings. The use of bullet points alongside short blocks of text rather than only large paragraphs is encouraged. Additional instructions below in italicized blue text should not be included in the final page content. Please also see Author_Instructions and FAQs as well as contact your Associate Editor or Technical Support.)

Primary Author(s)*

FNU Monika, MBBS; Andrew Siref, MD

Creighton University, Omaha, NE

WHO Classification of Disease

(Will be autogenerated; Book will include name of specific book and have a link to the online WHO site)

Structure Disease
Book
Category
Family
Type
Subtype(s)

WHO Essential and Desirable Genetic Diagnostic Criteria

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WHO Essential Criteria (Genetics)*
WHO Desirable Criteria (Genetics)*
Other Classification

*Note: These are only the genetic/genomic criteria. Additional diagnostic criteria can be found in the WHO Classification of Tumours.

Related Terminology

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Acceptable
Not Recommended

Gene Rearrangements

Put your text here and fill in the table (Instructions: Details on clinical significance such as prognosis and other important information can be provided in the notes section. Please include references throughout the table. Do not delete the table.)

Driver Gene Fusion(s) and Common Partner Genes Molecular Pathogenesis Typical Chromosomal Alteration(s) Prevalence -Common >20%, Recurrent 5-20% or Rare <5% (Disease) Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Significance - D, P, T Established Clinical Significance Per Guidelines - Yes or No (Source) Clinical Relevance Details/Other Notes
EXAMPLE: ABL1 EXAMPLE: BCR::ABL1 EXAMPLE: The pathogenic derivative is the der(22) resulting in fusion of 5’ BCR and 3’ABL1. EXAMPLE: t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) EXAMPLE: Common (CML) EXAMPLE: D, P, T EXAMPLE: Yes (WHO, NCCN) EXAMPLE:

The t(9;22) is diagnostic of CML in the appropriate morphology and clinical context (add reference). This fusion is responsive to targeted therapy such as Imatinib (Gleevec) (add reference). BCR::ABL1 is generally favorable in CML (add reference).

EXAMPLE: CIC EXAMPLE: CIC::DUX4 EXAMPLE: Typically, the last exon of CIC is fused to DUX4. The fusion breakpoint in CIC is usually intra-exonic and removes an inhibitory sequence, upregulating PEA3 genes downstream of CIC including ETV1, ETV4, and ETV5. EXAMPLE: t(4;19)(q25;q13) EXAMPLE: Common (CIC-rearranged sarcoma) EXAMPLE: D EXAMPLE:

DUX4 has many homologous genes; an alternate translocation in a minority of cases is t(10;19), but this is usually indistinguishable from t(4;19) by short-read sequencing (add references).

EXAMPLE: ALK EXAMPLE: ELM4::ALK


Other fusion partners include KIF5B, NPM1, STRN, TFG, TPM3, CLTC, KLC1

EXAMPLE: Fusions result in constitutive activation of the ALK tyrosine kinase. The most common ALK fusion is EML4::ALK, with breakpoints in intron 19 of ALK. At the transcript level, a variable (5’) partner gene is fused to 3’ ALK at exon 20. Rarely, ALK fusions contain exon 19 due to breakpoints in intron 18. EXAMPLE: N/A EXAMPLE: Rare (Lung adenocarcinoma) EXAMPLE: T EXAMPLE:

Both balanced and unbalanced forms are observed by FISH (add references).

EXAMPLE: ABL1 EXAMPLE: N/A EXAMPLE: Intragenic deletion of exons 2–7 in EGFR removes the ligand-binding domain, resulting in a constitutively active tyrosine kinase with downstream activation of multiple oncogenic pathways. EXAMPLE: N/A EXAMPLE: Recurrent (IDH-wildtype Glioblastoma) EXAMPLE: D, P, T

No chromosomal rearrangements are identified.

The combination of the 2 pieces of chromosome 9 formed the fusion of the promoter plus exon 1 of DOCK8 and exons 2-7 of PD-L1 (DOCK8/PD-L1 fusion). https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012019

Chromosomal Rearrangement Genes in Fusion (5’ or 3’ Segments) Pathogenic Derivative Prevalence Diagnostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Prognostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Therapeutic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Notes
NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Individual Region Genomic Gain/Loss/LOH

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Chr # Gain, Loss, Amp, LOH Minimal Region Cytoband and/or Genomic Coordinates [Genome Build; Size] Relevant Gene(s) Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Significance - D, P, T Established Clinical Significance Per Guidelines - Yes or No (Source) Clinical Relevance Details/Other Notes
EXAMPLE:

7

EXAMPLE: Loss EXAMPLE:

chr7

EXAMPLE:

Unknown

EXAMPLE: D, P EXAMPLE: No EXAMPLE:

Presence of monosomy 7 (or 7q deletion) is sufficient for a diagnosis of AML with MDS-related changes when there is ≥20% blasts and no prior therapy (add reference).  Monosomy 7/7q deletion is associated with a poor prognosis in AML (add references).

EXAMPLE:

8

EXAMPLE: Gain EXAMPLE:

chr8

EXAMPLE:

Unknown

EXAMPLE: D, P EXAMPLE:

Common recurrent secondary finding for t(8;21) (add references).

EXAMPLE:

17

EXAMPLE: Amp EXAMPLE:

17q12; chr17:39,700,064-39,728,658 [hg38; 28.6 kb]

EXAMPLE:

ERBB2

EXAMPLE: D, P, T EXAMPLE:

Amplification of ERBB2 is associated with HER2 overexpression in HER2 positive breast cancer (add references). Add criteria for how amplification is defined.

Put your text here and fill in the table (Instructions: Includes aberrations not involving gene fusions. Can include references in the table. Can refer to CGC workgroup tables as linked on the homepage if applicable. Do not delete table.)

Chr # Gain / Loss / Amp / LOH Minimal Region Genomic Coordinates [Genome Build] Minimal Region Cytoband Diagnostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Prognostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Therapeutic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Notes
3[1] Loss 3q26.1 3q26.1 No No No
22[1] Loss 22q11.23 22q11.23 No No No
14[1] Loss 14q11.2 14q11.2 May be No No Loss of chr14q11.2 is the most frequent CNA, consistent with this aberration as a marker of T-cell lineage.[1]
3[2] Gain 3p14.1 3p14.1 No No No Gain of 3p14.1 is found in 14.3% cases compared to 5.9% and 76.0% of ENKTL and PTCL-NOS cases, respectively
6[2] Gain 6p22.3 6p22.3 No No No Gain of 6p22.3 is found more frequently in ENKTL (20.6%) and PTCL-NOS (58.6%) than in PTCL-EBV (7.1%) (P=0.005).
6[2] Gain 6p22.1 6p22.1 No No No Gain of 6p22.1 is seen more in 21.4% of PTCL-EBV cases compared to 8.8% of ENKTL and 58.6% of PTCL-NOS cases
17[2] Gain 17q21.33 17q21.33 No No No

Characteristic Chromosomal or Other Global Mutational Patterns

No specific characteristic chromosomal patterns have been described in EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma.

Chromosomal Pattern Molecular Pathogenesis Prevalence -

Common >20%, Recurrent 5-20% or Rare <5% (Disease)

Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Significance - D, P, T Established Clinical Significance Per Guidelines - Yes or No (Source) Clinical Relevance Details/Other Notes

Gene Mutations (SNV/INDEL)

Put your text here and fill in the table (Instructions: This table is not meant to be an exhaustive list; please include only genes/alterations that are recurrent or common as well either disease defining and/or clinically significant. If a gene has multiple mechanisms depending on the type or site of the alteration, add multiple entries in the table. For clinical significance, denote associations with FDA-approved therapy (not an extensive list of applicable drugs) and NCCN or other national guidelines if applicable; Can also refer to CGC workgroup tables as linked on the homepage if applicable as well as any high impact papers or reviews of gene mutations in this entity. Details on clinical significance such as prognosis and other important information such as concomitant and mutually exclusive mutations can be provided in the notes section. Please include references throughout the table. Do not delete the table.)

Gene Genetic Alteration Tumor Suppressor Gene, Oncogene, Other Prevalence -

Common >20%, Recurrent 5-20% or Rare <5% (Disease)

Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Significance - D, P, T   Established Clinical Significance Per Guidelines - Yes or No (Source) Clinical Relevance Details/Other Notes
EXAMPLE:EGFR


EXAMPLE: Exon 18-21 activating mutations EXAMPLE: Oncogene EXAMPLE: Common (lung cancer) EXAMPLE: T EXAMPLE: Yes (NCCN) EXAMPLE: Exons 18, 19, and 21 mutations are targetable for therapy. Exon 20 T790M variants cause resistance to first generation TKI therapy and are targetable by second and third generation TKIs (add references).
EXAMPLE: TP53; Variable LOF mutations


EXAMPLE: Variable LOF mutations EXAMPLE: Tumor Supressor Gene EXAMPLE: Common (breast cancer) EXAMPLE: P EXAMPLE: >90% are somatic; rare germline alterations associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (add reference). Denotes a poor prognosis in breast cancer.
EXAMPLE: BRAF; Activating mutations EXAMPLE: Activating mutations EXAMPLE: Oncogene EXAMPLE: Common (melanoma) EXAMPLE: T

Note: A more extensive list of mutations can be found in cBioportal, COSMIC, and/or other databases. When applicable, gene-specific pages within the CCGA site directly link to pertinent external content.

Based on the recent published literature, the most commonly mutated genes in EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma identified in the Asian population are given below:

Gene; Genetic Alteration Presumed Mechanism (Tumor Suppressor Gene [TSG] / Oncogene / Other) Prevalence (COSMIC / TCGA / Other) Concomitant Mutations Mutually Exclusive Mutations Diagnostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Prognostic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Therapeutic Significance (Yes, No or Unknown) Notes
TET2 TSG 64%- 68%[2][3] DNMT3A[3] NA NA Yes No Both gene mutations are associated with clonal hematopoiesis and were found to have an overall poor survival in cohort of patients with concurrent mutations[3]
DNMT3A TSG 32%[3] TET2[3] NA NA Yes No Same as above
PIK3CD 33%[2] NA NA NA NA NA
STAT3 Oncogene 19%[2] NA NA NA NA NA
DDX3X TSG 20%[2] NA NA NA NA NA
PTPRD 18%[2] NA NA NA NA NA
SETD2 8%[4] NA NA NA NA NA


Epigenomic Alterations


Genes and Main Pathways Involved

Recent studies have demonstrated that EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma is characterized by low genomic instability, upregulation of immune pathways (NFκB and check point protein PD-L1) that promote immune evasion, downregulation of EBV miRNAS and T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality. Furthermore, gene expression profiling analysis has identified enriched expression of genes related to cytotoxic activation, IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling, cell cycle and genomic instability, immune-related pathways, and interferon-α/γ response. NF-κB pathway–associated genes and proteins (BIRC3, NFKB1, and CD27) are upregulated. PDL1 (CD274) is also upregulated and is thought to be correlated with IFN-γ, IL-6/JAK/STAT3, and NF-κB pathways upregulation, although there is no gain of 9p24.1. Some of these pathways may be considered as potential therapeutic targets for EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma as drugs targeting JAK-STAT, NFκB, STAT3, IFNγ, PD1/PD-L1 are either approved by FDA for different cancers or are being evaluated in clinical trials for lymphomas.[2]

Gene; Genetic Alteration Pathway Pathophysiologic Outcome
TET2; point mutations[3] DNA demethylation; epigenetic modifier
DNMT3 DNA methylation; epigenetic modifier
STAT3; gain-of-function mutation JAK-STAT Pathway Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis
PIK3CD IL-9 Signaling Pathways; Immune response
DDX3X Innate Immune System and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway
PTPRD Protein-protein interactions at synapses and Transmission across Chemical Synapses Cell growth, differentiation, mitotic cycle, and oncogenic transformation
SETD2 Key regulator of DNA mismatch repair in G1 and early S phase

Genetic Diagnostic Testing Methods

Diagnosis of EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, imaging studies, and genetic testing to identify diagnostic criteria.

T-cell clonality can be confirmed by PCR, NGS, or flow cytometry. Cytogenetics, FISH and NGS can be helpful in differentiating this lymphoma from other types of EBV-T/NK cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Familial Forms

None.

Additional Information

This disease is defined/characterized as detailed below:

  • EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma is a rare EBV-positive lymphoma of cytotoxic T- or NK-cell lineage, primarily involving lymph nodes in adults.[5]
  • Is a distinct entity in the 5th Edition of the WHO classification and as a provisional entity in the International Consensus Classification 2022.[6][7]

The epidemiology/prevalence of this disease is detailed below:

  • Rare lymphoma
  • Occurs mostly in eastern Asia
  • Affects mainly older adults (median age: 61–64 years) although cases in younger adults have been reported
  • The M:F ratio is 1.5–3.8:1 [5][8]

The clinical features of this disease are detailed below:

Signs and symptoms[5][9][10][11] - Lymphadenopathy; Advanced clinical stage III/IV disease at diagnosis (86–88% of cases); B symptoms (72–80%); High or high/intermediate International Prognostic Index (IPI) score (64–87%)

Laboratory findings - Anemia; Leukopenia; Thrombocytopenia; Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase

The sites of involvement of this disease are detailed below:

  • Primarily lymph nodes (most commonly cervical, inguinal, and axillary), although limited extranodal involvement can be seen[5]
  • Liver and/or bone marrow (24–60% of cases); other extranodal sites, such as the skin and gastrointestinal tract, are less commonly involved[9][10][12]
  • No nasal involvement has been reported[5]

The morphologic features of this disease are detailed below:

  • Architectural effacement of lymph node by a diffuse infiltrate of monotonous medium-sized to large lymphoid cells
  • The neoplastic cells have centroblastic appearance with vesicular chromatin
  • Less frequently, the neoplastic cells display large pleomorphic or mixed-cell morphology with abundant histiocytes and small lymphocytes in the background[5][13]
  • Lacks classic morphological findings of angioinvasion and necrosis seen in extranodal EBV+ T- and NK-cell lymphomas[9]

The immunophenotype of this disease is detailed below:

Positive (universal) - CD3, CD2, CD56 (7–22%), cytotoxic molecules (TIA1, granzyme B, and perforin), EBER (ISH)

CD4/CD8[5][8][9][10][12] - CD4-/CD8- (21%), CD4+/CD8- (8%), CD4-/CD8+ (63-72%)

TCR[5][8][9][10][12] - TCRβ (+, 43–64%), TCRγ (+, 0–13%), TCRβ and TCRγ (-, 25%)

Positive (subset) - CD30[6]

Negative (universal) – CD5

Links

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References

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Notes

*Primary authors will typically be those that initially create and complete the content of a page. If a subsequent user modifies the content and feels the effort put forth is of high enough significance to warrant listing in the authorship section, please contact the CCGA coordinators (contact information provided on the homepage). Additional global feedback or concerns are also welcome.

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ng, Siok-Bian; et al. (2018-02-01). "Epstein-Barr virus-associated primary nodal T/NK-cell lymphoma shows a distinct molecular signature and copy number changes". Haematologica. 103 (2): 278–287. doi:10.3324/haematol.2017.180430. ISSN 1592-8721. PMC 5792272. PMID 29097495.CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 Wai, Cho Mar Myint; et al. (2022-01-13). "Immune pathway upregulation and lower genomic instability distinguish EBV-positive nodal T/NK-cell lymphoma from ENKTL and PTCL-NOS". Haematologica. 107 (8): 1864–1879. doi:10.3324/haematol.2021.280003. ISSN 1592-8721. PMC PMC9335103 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 35021606 Check |pmid= value (help).CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Kato, Seiichi; et al. (2024-05-14). "EBV+ nodal T/NK-cell lymphoma associated with clonal hematopoiesis and structural variations of the viral genome". Blood Advances. 8 (9): 2138–2147. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012019. ISSN 2473-9529. PMC PMC11068532 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 38429084 Check |pmid= value (help).CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  4. Climent, Fina; et al. (2023-09-01). "Cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphomas and EBV-positive T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative diseases: emerging concepts, recent advances, and the putative role of clonal hematopoiesis. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop". Virchows Archiv. 483 (3): 333–348. doi:10.1007/s00428-023-03616-4. ISSN 1432-2307. PMC PMC10542298 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 37646869 Check |pmid= value (help).CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Siok-Bian Ng, et al. EBV-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma. In: WHO Classification of Tumours Editorial Board. Haematolymphoid tumours [Internet]. Lyon (France): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 6]. (WHO classification of tumors series, 5th ed.; vol. 11). Available from: BlueBooksOnline (who.int)
  6. 6.0 6.1 Yu, Fang; et al. (2024-04). "EBV-positive Nodal T-Cell and NK-Cell Lymphoma: A Study of 26 Cases Including a Subset With Strong CD30 Expression Mimicking Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma". American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 48 (4): 406–416. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000002184. ISSN 0147-5185. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. Kato, Seiichi; et al. (2024-05-14). "EBV+ nodal T/NK-cell lymphoma associated with clonal hematopoiesis and structural variations of the viral genome". Blood Advances. 8 (9): 2138–2147. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012019. ISSN 2473-9529. PMC PMC11068532 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 38429084 Check |pmid= value (help).CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Ha, Sang Yun; et al. (2013-07-01). "Epstein–Barr virus-positive nodal peripheral T cell lymphomas: Clinicopathologic and gene expression profiling study". Pathology - Research and Practice. 209 (7): 448–454. doi:10.1016/j.prp.2013.04.013. ISSN 0344-0338.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Jeon, Yoon Kyung; et al. (2015-07). "Epstein-Barr virus–positive nodal T/NK-cell lymphoma: an analysis of 15 cases with distinct clinicopathological features". Human Pathology. 46 (7): 981–990. doi:10.1016/j.humpath.2015.03.002. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Kato, Seiichi; et al. (2015-04). "T-cell Receptor (TCR) Phenotype of Nodal Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-positive Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma (CTL): A Clinicopathologic Study of 39 Cases". American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 39 (4): 462–471. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000000323. ISSN 0147-5185. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. Yu, Fang; et al. (2024-04). "EBV-positive Nodal T-Cell and NK-Cell Lymphoma: A Study of 26 Cases Including a Subset With Strong CD30 Expression Mimicking Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma". American Journal of Surgical Pathology. 48 (4): 406–416. doi:10.1097/PAS.0000000000002184. ISSN 0147-5185. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Yamashita, Daisuke; et al. (2018-08). "Reappraisal of nodal Epstein‐Barr Virus‐negative cytotoxic T‐cell lymphoma: Identification of indolent CD 5 + diseases". Cancer Science. 109 (8): 2599–2610. doi:10.1111/cas.13652. ISSN 1347-9032. PMC 6113510. PMID 29845715. Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  13. Attygalle, Ayoma D; et al. (2014-01). "Peripheral T‐cell and NK ‐cell lymphomas and their mimics; taking a step forward – report on the lymphoma workshop of the XVI th meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology". Histopathology. 64 (2): 171–199. doi:10.1111/his.12251. ISSN 0309-0167. PMC 6364972. PMID 24128129. Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: PMC format (link)