CD20 positivity in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma: Diagnostic challenge or targeting opportunity.
BACKGROUND
It is now well established that Hodgkin cells are clonal B cells with a CD30 and CD15 phenotype. However, on immunohistochemistry, in our experience and the experience of others, CD20 positivity in an otherwise typical classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma is not uncommon and if associated with CD15 negativity poses a potential diagnostic trap and is likely to be called B-NHL.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the frequency of B-cell related antigens CD20 and CD79a in classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma.


METHODS
A total of 91 consecutive cases of classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma were analyzed for co-expression of CD20 and CD79a. Both males and females of all ages were included in this study. All cases of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma were excluded. All the cases were stained with a panel of antibodies including LCA, CD20, CD79a, CD30, CD15, CD3, EMA and Alk. Protein.


RESULTS
All 91 cases of classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma showed negativity for LCA and positivity for CD30. Eighteen cases (19.8%) showed distinct membrane staining with CD20 in most of the large atypical cells. However, out of these, only 7 cases (7.7%) showed CD79a co-expression, which was largely focal. CD15 negativity with CD20 positivity was seen in 7 (7.7%) cases of otherwise typical classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma.


CONCLUSIONS
CD20 expression is frequent in classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma and our results are in consensus with reported literature on this subject. In these cases, LCA negativity of large cells was extremely useful in clinching the right diagnosis.
Barakzai
Muhammad Abrar
MA
Department of Pathology/Microbiology, Section of Histopathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. abrar.barakzai@aku.edu.
Pervez
Shahid
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000032:analysis*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D051925:CD79 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017730:Ki-1 Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016256:Lewis X Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
D018951:Antigens, CD20; D051925:CD79 Antigens; C497881:CD79A protein, human; D017730:Ki-1 Antigen; D016256:Lewis X Antigen; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; C516769:PTPRC protein, human