title: NCAM (CD56)-positive malignant lymphoma.
abstract: CD56 has been found to identify an isoform of the neural cell adhesion (NCAM). NCAM is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules; it is related to a variety of leukocyte antigens and to several cell adhesion molecules believed relevant to malignant behavior in a variety of neoplasms. It contains polysialic acid, which appears to regulate binding avidity of NCAM and other cell adhesion processes. We have identified a group of NCAM-positive lymphomas. Compared to a group of NCAM-negative lymphomas, this group exhibited frequent involvement of unusual sites and a generally aggressive course. Another series of CD56-positive hematolymphoid malignancies has recently been described, from Hong Kong; this group also exhibited involvement of unusual sites and displayed a very aggressive course. Together these series suggest that NCAM on lymphoma is of biological and clinical significance in terms of tumor behavior and spread.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Kern
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Spier
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Grogan
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000032:analysis*; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D005810:Multigene Family
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal