title: Detection of the t(11;18) API2/MALT1 translocation associated with gastric MALT lymphoma in routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded small endoscopic biopsy specimens by robust real-time RT-PCR.
abstract: The t(11;18)(q21;q21) API2/MALT1 translocation is a specific chromosomal abnormality in extranodal marginal B-cell lymphomas of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type, particularly in those occurring in the stomach and lungs. Identification of t(11;18) may aid in the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma and strongly predicts resistance of gastric MALT lymphoma to Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. We developed a robust real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure to efficiently detect t(11;18) in virtually all types of specimens used in routine diagnostic workups. We blindly tested 40 samples from 38 patients with gastric MALT lymphoma; 10 (25%) of 40 samples, or 8 (21%) of 38 patients were positive for t(11;18). In contrast, t(11;18) was not detected in 8 cases of gastric large B-cell lymphoma, 11 cases of chronic active gastritis, and 16 samples unrelated to lymphoma. Our findings suggest that real-time RT-PCR for t(11;18) may be a valuable tool with much relevance in the current clinical management scheme.
authors.affiliation: Genzyme Genetics, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Weisu
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Garces
authors.forename: Henry Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Dong
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002880:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 / Q000235:genetics*; D002887:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / Q000235:genetics*; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D016612:Paraffin Embedding; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
chemical_list: C415943:API2-MALT1 fusion protein, human; D005404:Fixatives; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D005557:Formaldehyde