Follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma present a histopathological and molecular continuum lacking features of progression/transformation
The sole distinguishing feature of follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the growth pattern assessed by histopathology analysis. Diffuse growth defines diffuse large B-cell lymphoma but the clinical relevance of this finding when occurring in follicular lymphoma grade 3B is uncertain. To address this question, individual and coexisting follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were separated and analyzed for immunophenotype and molecular genetic features by fluorescence in situ hybridization, targeted sequencing and gene expression profiling. Clinical features of follicular lymphoma grade 3B with and without coexisting diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were studied in homogeneously treated patients from a prospective randomized trial. Follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma frequently show intermediate growth pattern and/or occurred simultaneously in the same tissue at the time of initial diagnosis. When occurring simultaneously follicular lymphoma grade 3B and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma do not differ significantly in genetic aberrations or phenotype but distinct features in gene expression reflect divergent microenvironment. Follicular lymphoma grade 3B with and without coexisting diffuse large B-cell lymphoma do not differ in major clinical parameters such as international prognostic index, response to immunochemotherapy, progression or overall survival. Follicular lymphoma grade 3B and simultaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are molecularly homogenous. Histological detection of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is not associated with features of a more aggressive disease and does not reflect transformation or progression of follicular lymphoma Grade 3B.