Immunophenotype evaluation of Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHLs) is known as a heterogeneous group of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders. NHLs are classified into B cell and T cell types. Immunophenotypical assessment of the biopsy specimens can help diagnose NHLs.

In this study, 77 patients with B cell and T cell lymphoma were selected from Shahid Sadoghi hospital during 2010 to 2013. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect biomarkers like CD2, CD3, CD20, and CD45.

In this study, 67 patients (87.01 %) had B cell lymphoma. Moreover, the most primary tissues in B cell group were lymph node and stomach, followed by bone marrow and neck. Positive co-expression of CD45 and CD20 was found in 61 patients (91.04%) with B cell lymphoma. However, 10 patients (12.98%) had T cell lymphoma, and the most primary tissue in T cell lymphoma group was the skin. Moreover, CD3 expression was seen in all patients with T cell lymphoma.

This study confirmed the main role of immunohistochemistry method in classifying and diagnosing NHLs. Moreover, the difference in CD marker expression and age in patients with B cell and T cell lymphoma, compared to other studies may be due to geographic area and genetic and ethnic differences.