Mast cell infiltration correlates with poor prognosis in Hodgkin's lymphoma

Br J Haematol. 2002 Oct;119(1):122-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03768.x.

Abstract

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is characterized by a few Hodgkin, Reed-Sternberg cells (HRS) surrounded by benign cells. We recently reported that mast cells were the predominant CD30L-positive cells in HL tumours, and that they activate HRS in vitro through CD30L-CD30 interaction. Here, we investigated the clinical importance of mast cell infiltration in the tumours of 123 patients. Tumour specimens were stained with a mast-cell-specific antibody that detects tryptase. Mast cells were detected in virtually every case and increasing numbers of mast cells correlated to nodular sclerosis histology (P = 0.008). Patients with higher mast cell infiltration had a worse relapse-free survival (P = 0.01).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD30 Ligand
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / enzymology
  • Hodgkin Disease / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Ki-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mast Cells / enzymology
  • Mast Cells / pathology*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Tryptases

Substances

  • CD30 Ligand
  • Ki-1 Antigen
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • TNFSF8 protein, human
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Tryptases