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Background: Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy (IRT) and/or procarbazine have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. We investigated the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer surveillance in Dutch Hodgkin lymphoma survivors to determine the optimal surveillance strategy for different Hodgkin lymphoma subgroups. Methods: The Microsimulation Screening Analysis-Colon model was adjusted to reflect colorectal cancer and other-cause mortality risk in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. Ninety colorectal cancer surveillance strategies were evaluated varying in starting and stopping age, interval, and modality [colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT, OC-Sensor; cutoffs: 10/20/47 µg Hb/g feces), and multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard)]. Analyses were also stratified per primary treatment (IRT and procarbazine or procarbazine without IRT). Colorectal cancer deaths averted (compared with no surveillance) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were primary outcomes. The optimal surveillance strategy was identified assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20,000 per life-years gained (LYG). Results: Overall, the optimal surveillance strategy was annual FIT (47 µg) from age 45 to 70 years, which might avert 70% of colorectal cancer deaths in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors (compared with no surveillance; ICER:€18,000/LYG). The optimal surveillance strategy in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors treated with procarbazine without IRT was biennial FIT (47 µg) from age 45 to 70 years (colorectal cancer mortality averted 56%; ICER:€15,000/LYG), and when treated with IRT and procarbazine, annual FIT (47 µg) surveillance from age 40 to 70 was most cost-effective (colorectal cancer mortality averted 75%; ICER:€13,000/LYG). Conclusions: Colorectal cancer surveillance in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors is cost-effective and should commence earlier than screening occurs in population screening programs. For all subgroups, FIT surveillance was the most cost-effective strategy. Impact: Colorectal cancer surveillance should be implemented in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) survivors treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or procarbazine have an increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia. Aims: We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors for developing (advanced) neoplasia (AN) in HL survivors. Methods: In all, 101 HL survivors (median age 51 years, median age of HL diagnosis 25 years) underwent colonoscopy and 350 neoplasia and 44 AN (classified as advanced adenomas/serrated lesions or colorectal cancer), mostly right‐sided, were detected, as published previously. An average‐risk asymptomatic cohort who underwent screening colonoscopy were controls (median age 60 years). Clinicopathological characteristics of AN were evaluated in both groups. Mismatch repair (MMR) status was assessed using immunohistochemistry (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for AN in HL survivors, including age at HL diagnosis and interval between HL and colonoscopy. Results: In 101 colonoscopies in HL survivors, AN was primarily classified based on polyp size ≥10 mm, whereas (high‐grade)dysplasia was more often seen in AN in controls. An interval between HL diagnosis and colonoscopy >26 years was associated with more AN compared with an interval of <26 years, with an odds ratio for AN of 3.8 (95% confidence interval 1.4–9.1) (p < 0.01). All 39 AN that were assessed were MMR proficient. Conclusions: Colorectal neoplasia in HL survivors differ from average‐risk controls; classification AN was primarily based on polyp size (≥10 mm) in HL survivors. Longer follow‐up between HL diagnosis and colonoscopy was associated with a higher prevalence of AN in HL survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the clinicopathological significance of driver mutations in metastatic well‐differentiated small intestine neuroendocrine tumours (SI‐NETs). Methods and results: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 35 metastatic SI‐NETs and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of eight metastatic SI‐NETs were performed. Biopsies were obtained between 2015 and 2019. Tumours were classified according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification. WGS included assessment of somatic mutations in all cancer‐related driver genes, the tumour mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite status. NGS entailed a cancer hotspot panel of 58 genes. Our cohort consisted of 21% grade 1, 60% grade 2 and 19% grade 3 SI‐NETs. Driver mutations were identified in ~50% of SI‐NETs. In total, 27 driver mutations were identified, of which 74% were in tumour suppressor genes (e.g. TP53, RB1, and CDKN1B) and 22% were in proto‐oncogenes (e.g. KRAS, NRAS, and MET). Allelic loss of chromosome 18 (63%), complete loss of CDKN2A and CDKN1B (both 6%) and CDKN1B mutations (9%) were most common. Potential targetable genetic alterations were detected in 21% of metastasised SI‐NETs. All tumours were microsatellite‐stable and showed low TMBs (median 1.10; interquartile range 0.87–1.35). The Ki67 proliferation index was significantly associated with the presence of driver mutations (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Driver mutations occur in 50% of metastasised SI‐NETs, and their presence is associated with a high Ki67 proliferation index. The identification of targetable mutations make these patients potentially eligible for targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare tumours with an annual incidence in the population in a range of 2-5 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants. NETs are widely variable in terms of anatomical location, hormone production, clinical behaviour and syndromes they can cause. This article reviews the many localizations and clinical presentations of NETs with a main focus on clinical biomarkers and their use in medical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In refractory celiac disease (RCD) type II, a phenotypically aberrant (CD7+ CD3− CD4/8-cytoplasmicCD3+) intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) population is present, and 50–60% of these patients develop enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). TCRγδ+ IELs play an important role in mucosal repair, homeostasis, and tumor surveillance. Recently, human small intestinal TCRγδ+ IELs were shown to have regulatory potential in uncomplicated celiac disease (CD). AIM: In the present study, we investigated whether TCRγδ+ IELs are decreased in RCD II, providing a possible explanation for persisting mucosal damage and inflammation, and the emergence of aberrant T cells with clonal expansion to EATL. DESIGN Multiparameter flow cytometric immunophenotyping was performed on IELs isolated from fresh AND METHODS: small bowel biopsy specimens of relatively large distinct CD patient and control groups (N = 87). RESULTS: A significantly lower percentage of TCRγδ+ IELs was found in RCD II as compared to all other CD groups. In contrast, in uncomplicated CD patients significantly more TCRγδ+ IELs were found than in controls. Overall, there is a clear negative relation between TCRγδ+ IELs and aberrant IELs. Interestingly, TCRγδ+ IELs increase again in RCD II after effective therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The observed negative relation between TCRγδ+ and aberrant IELs, along with their known regulatory capacity in uncomplicated CD, implies that TCRγδ+ IELs may play a crucial role in mucosal repair, regaining homeostasis and possibly even tumor surveillance. These cells may be important markers, in addition to the aberrant T cells, to differentiate between disease categories and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphomas (EATLs) are T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the small bowel, which are specifically associated with coeliac disease (CD). To our knowledge no studies have previously reported on the overall incidence of EATLs in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of EATL and the demographic characteristics of patients with EATL in The Netherlands. Material and methods. A survey of the nation-wide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology reports in The Netherlands (PALGA) was performed. We included all T-cell lymphomas detected between January 2000 and December 2006 that initially presented in the small bowel. Crude and world standardized incidence rates were computed as well as gender- and age-specific incidence rates. Finally, the distribution of characteristics such as the localization, the Marsh classification and method of diagnosis are described. Results. Clinicopathological data were gathered for 116 cases of EATL. The mean age at primary presentation of EATL was 64 years. The crude incidence in the total Dutch population was 0.10/100,000 with an incidence of 2.08/100,000 in the over 50-year-olds. Age-specific incidences were 1.44/100,000 in the 50-59 years age group, 2.92/100,000 in the 60-69 years age group, and 2.53/100,000 in the 70-79 years age group. There was a significant predominance of males (64%, p=0.004, CI 54-72); above the age of 50 the gender-specific incidence was 2.95/100,000 in males versus 1.09/100,000 in females. Most EATLs were localized in the proximal small intestine and the diagnosis was made by surgical resection in the majority of cases. Conclusions. EATL is a rare disease with an incidence of 0.10 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, occurring in older age, with a peak incidence in the 7th decade. The tumour is mainly localized in the proximal small intestine. Although uncomplicated CD is twice as frequent in female patients, EATL is more prevalent in males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease is a gluten-sensitive enteropathy, which commits the patient to a life-long gluten-free diet. This is sufficient to treat the overwhelming majority of patients. However, a small group of these patients, mainly those diagnosed above 50 years of age, fails to improve histologically and clinically upon elimination of gluten from the diet. These patients are regarded as suffering from refractory celiac disease. In a subgroup of these patients a pre-malignant intraepithelial lymphocyte population can be detected in the small intestinal mucosa (type II). These patients are at a high risk of developing an enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (5060% within 46 years), which has a very poor prognosis and a 5-year survival of only 8%. The therapeutic challenge in these refractory celiac disease type II patients is targeting the aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes to eventually prevent enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma development. Although management of these patients is difficult and therapeutic options are currently limited, novel treatment modalities are being explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Only limited information is available on the use of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) causing intestinal failure (IF). This study aims to report the outcomes of the explore the use of HPN in this patient cohort, in the largest case series to date., Methods: A retrospective study in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands was performed, using the UK National British Artificial Nutrition Survey (BANS) and local databases in the Netherlands. Data regarding age, sex, NET grading, staging, treatment, HPN characteristics and survival outcomes were collected., Results: Data were collected on 41 patients (n = 18 males, 44%) with a median age of 65. Most primary tumours were in the small bowel (n = 35, 85%). The NETs were Grade 1 (n = 16, 39%), Grade 2 (n = 7, 17%), Grade 3 (n = 1, 2%). In 28 patients (n = 68%) there was stage IV disease with metastases located in the peritoneum, mesentery and or liver. There were two indications for HPN; short bowel syndrome (n = 27, 66%) and inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (n = 14, 34%). The median period on HPN was 11 months (interquartile range 4-25 months). 11 patients were still alive and receiving HPN treatment after 2 years, and 6 patients after 3 years. Six patients (22%) with short bowel syndrome (SBS) could be weaned from HPN. There was a statistically significant improved survival for patients with short bowel syndrome (median 24 months) compared to inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (median 7 months). The catheter-related bloodstream infection rate was comparable to other HPN patient cohorts at 1.0 per 1000 catheter days., Conclusion: This study shows that HPN can be used safely in patients with NET and IF to increase survival beyond that reasonably expected in the context of either short bowel syndrome or inoperable malignant bowel obstruction. Patients with short bowel syndrome are most likely to benefit. Further prospective studies are necessary to validate survival benefits and to demonstrate the effect of HPN on quality of life., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC) are an aggressive subgroup of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Advanced EP-NEC is generally treated with platinum-based cytotoxic regimens, but progressive disease occurs rapidly, resulting in a poor prognosis. Genetic alterations in the mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have been identified in NEN, providing a rationale for treatment with the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus., Methods: A prospective phase 2 single-arm study included patients with advanced EP-NEC from three Dutch NEN expertise centres between March 2016 and January 2020. Treatment consisted of cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks in combination with daily everolimus 7.5 mg for a maximum of six cycles, followed by maintenance everolimus until disease progression. Primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR), defined as the sum of overall response rate (ORR) plus the rate of stable disease according to RECIST 1.1, assessed at 9-week intervals. Toxicity was evaluated according to CTCAE version 5.0., Results: Thirty-nine patients, with a median age of 64 years (range: 28-74), of whom 20 (51%) were male, were enrolled. DCR was 82.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66.4-92.4), with an ORR of 58.9% (CI: 42.1-74.4). Median duration of response was 6.4 (CI: 5.8-7.0) months and median progression-free survival was 6.0 (CI: 4.3-7.8) months. Three patients (8%) had durable responses lasting  > 12 months. Median overall survival was 8.7 (CI: 7.8-9.6) months. Most common grade 3/4 toxicities were haematological (36%) and renal (21%)., Conclusion: Everolimus in combination with cisplatin is an effective first-line treatment option for advanced EP-NEC, especially in highly selected patients., Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02695459, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02695459., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s), 2022.)

Reliable prediction of disease status is a major challenge in managing gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). The aim of the study was to validate the NETest®, a blood molecular genomic analysis, for predicting the course of disease in individual patients compared to chromogranin A (CgA). NETest® score (normal ≤20%) and CgA level (normal <100 µg/L) were measured in 152 GEP-NETs. The median follow-up was 36 (4-56) months. Progression-free survival was blindly assessed (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] version 1.1). Optimal cutoffs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), odds ratios, as well as negative and positive predictive values (NPVs/PPVs) were calculated for predicting stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Of the 152 GEP-NETs, 86% were NETest®-positive and 52% CgA-positive. -NETest® AUC was 0.78 versus CgA 0.73 (p = ns). The optimal cutoffs for predicting SD/PD were 33% for the NETest® and 140 µg/L for CgA. Multivariate analyses identified NETest® as the strongest predictor for PD (odds ratio: 5.7 [score: 34-79%]; 12.6 [score: ≥80%]) compared to CgA (odds ratio: 3.0), tumor grade (odds ratio: 3.1), or liver metastasis (odds ratio: 7.7). The NETest® NPV for SD was 87% at 12 months. The PPV for PD was 47 and 64% (scores 34-79% and ≥80%, respectively). NETest® metrics were comparable in the watchful waiting, treatment, and no evidence of disease (NED) subgroups. For CgA (>140 ng/mL), NPV and PPV were 83 and 52%. CgA could not predict PD in the watchful waiting or NED subgroups. The NETest® reliably predicted SD and was the strongest predictor of PD. CgA had lower utility. The -NETest® anticipates RECIST-defined disease status up to 1 year before imaging alterations are apparent., (© 2020 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Neuroendocrine tumours of the small intestine (SI-NETs) are rare and heterogeneous. There is an unmet need for prognostication of disease course and to aid treatment strategies. A previously developed nomogram based on clinical and tumour characteristics aims to predict disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with a SI-NET. We aimed to validate the nomogram and identify predictors of survival. Four hundred patients with a grade 1 or 2 SI-NET were included, between January 2000 and June 2016. Predicted 5- and 10-year survival was compared to actual DSS. Multivariable analysis identified predictors for actual DSS. We found that in low-, medium- and high-risk groups 5-year nomogram DSS vs. actual DSS was 0.86 vs. 0.82 ( p < 0.001), 0.52 vs. 0.71 ( p < 0.001) and 0.26 vs. 0.53 ( p < 0.001), respectively. Ten-year nomogram DSS vs. actual DSS was 0.68 vs. 0.69 ( p < 0.001), 0.40 vs. 0.50 ( p < 0.001) and 0.20 vs. 0.35 ( p < 0.001), respectively. Age, WHO-performance score of 2, Ki-67 index ≥10, unknown primary tumour, CgA > 6x ULN and elevated liver tests were identified as independent predictors for a worse DSS. This shows that the nomogram was able to differentiate, but underestimated DSS for patients with a SI-NET. Improvement of prognostication incorporating new emerging biomarkers is necessary to adequately estimate survival.

Background: Available neuroendocrine biomarkers are considered to have insufficient accuracy to discriminate patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) from healthy controls. Recent studies have demonstrated a potential role for circulating neuroendocrine specific transcripts analysis-the NETest-as a more accurate biomarker for NETs compared to available biomarkers. This study was initiated to independently validate the discriminative value of the NETest as well as the association between tumor characteristics and NETest score. Methods: Whole blood samples from 140 consecutive GEP-NET patients and 113 healthy volunteers were collected. Laboratory investigators were blinded to the origin of the samples. NETest results and chromogranin A (CgA) levels were compared with clinical information including radiological imaging to evaluate the association with tumor characteristics. Results: The median NETest score in NET patients was 33 vs. 13% in controls ( p < 0.0001). The NETest did not correlate with age, gender, tumor location, grade, load, or stage. Using the cut-off of 14% NETest sensitivity and specificity were 93 and 56%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.87. The optimal cut-off for the NETest in our population was 20%, with sensitivity 89% and specificity 72%. The upper limit of normal for CgA was established as 100 μg/l. Sensitivity and specificity of CgA were 56 and 83% with an AUC of 0.76. CgA correlated with age (rs = 0.388, p < 0.001) and tumor load (rs = 0.458, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The low specificity of the NETest precludes its use as a screening test for GEP-NETs. The superior sensitivity of the NETest over CgA (93 vs. 56%; p < 0.001), irrespective of the stage of the disease, emphasize its potential as a marker of disease presence in follow up as well as an indicator for residual disease after surgery.

Purpose: Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare intestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor, though variable prognosis. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the prognostic index for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PIT) have limited predictive value for outcome of EATL. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a prognostic model for EATL, which can identify high-risk patients who need more aggressive therapy., Experimental Design: This retrospective multicenter study was based on 92 patients and included 45 patients diagnosed with EATL between 1999 and 2009 from the Netherlands and 47 patients from England and Scotland, diagnosed with EATL between 1994 and 1998. A new EATL prognostic index (EPI) was constructed using the RPART (recursive partitioning and regression trees) procedure. Validation was performed applying the bootstrap method., Results: Three risk groups were distinguished (P < 0.0001): a high-risk group, characterized by the presence of B-symptoms [median overall survival (OS) of 2 months]; an intermediate-risk group, comprising patients without B-symptoms and an IPI score ≥ 2 (7 months); and a low-risk group, representing patients without B-symptoms and an IPI score of 0 to 1 (34 months). Internal validation showed stability of statistical significance and prognostic discrimination. In contrast with the IPI and PIT, the EPI better classified patients in risk groups according to their clinical outcome., Conclusions: Our new, validated, prognostic model EPI accurately predicts survival outcome in EATL and may be used for patient selection for new therapeutic strategies and evaluation of clinical trials., (©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.)

Aim: To evaluate cladribine [2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA)] therapy in refractory celiac disease (RCD) II., Methods: An open-label cohort-study of RCD II patients treated with 2-CdA was performed between 2000 and 2010. Survival rate, enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) occurrence, clinical course, and histological and immunological response rates were evaluated., Results: Overall, 32 patients were included with a median follow-up of 31 mo. Eighteen patients responded well to 2-CdA. Patients responsive to 2-CdA had a statistically significant increased survival compared to those who were unresponsive. The overall 3- and 5-year survival was 83% in the responder and 63% and 22% in the non-responder group, respectively. The overall 2-year clinical, histological and immunological response rates were 81%, 47% and 41%, respectively. Progression into EATL was reported in 16%, all of these patients died., Conclusion: Treatment of RCD II with 2-CdA holds promise, showing excellent clinical and histological response rates, and probably less frequent transition into EATL.

We performed a second-generation genome-wide association study of 4,533 individuals with celiac disease (cases) and 10,750 control subjects. We genotyped 113 selected SNPs with P(GWAS) < 10(-4) and 18 SNPs from 14 known loci in a further 4,918 cases and 5,684 controls. Variants from 13 new regions reached genome-wide significance (P(combined) < 5 x 10(-8)); most contain genes with immune functions (BACH2, CCR4, CD80, CIITA-SOCS1-CLEC16A, ICOSLG and ZMIZ1), with ETS1, RUNX3, THEMIS and TNFRSF14 having key roles in thymic T-cell selection. There was evidence to suggest associations for a further 13 regions. In an expression quantitative trait meta-analysis of 1,469 whole blood samples, 20 of 38 (52.6%) tested loci had celiac risk variants correlated (P < 0.0028, FDR 5%) with cis gene expression.

Enteropathy Associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL) is an intestinal tumour of intra-epithelial lymphocytes. Based on morphology, immunohistochemistry and genetic profile EATL can be divided into two groups. EATL type I is a large cell lymphoma which is highly associated with Coeliac Disease (CD) and mostly presents with malabsorption, weight loss and CD-related symptoms. EATL type II consists of small to medium-sized cells and presents often with obstruction or perforation of the small bowel. This type of EATL has no known association with CD. When EATL has been diagnosed a thorough diagnostic work-up is needed. This work-up preferably includes video capsule enteroscopy (VCE), double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), computed tomography (CT) combined with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan (18F-FDG-PET scan) if possible and magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRE). Nowadays, most EATL patients are treated with chemotherapy mostly preceded by resection of the tumour and followed by stem cell transplantation. Despite these therapies outcome of EATL remains very poor with a 5-year survival of 8-20%. In order to improve survival prospective multicentre trials, studying new therapies are needed. The combination of chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and/or apoptosis inducing small molecules might be a potential treatment for EATL in the (nearby) future., (2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed genetic risk factors in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Several of the associated genes and underlying pathways are shared by various autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and coeliac disease (CD) are two autoimmune disorders which have commonalities in their pathogenesis. We aimed to replicate known RA loci in a Dutch RA population, and to investigate whether the effect of known RA and CD risk factors generalize across the two diseases. We selected all loci associated to either RA or CD in a GWAS and confirmed in an independent cohort, with a combined P-value cut-off P < 5 x 10(-6). We genotyped 11 RA and 11 CD loci in 1368 RA patients, 795 CD patients and 1683 Dutch controls. We combined our results in a meta-analysis with UK GWAS on RA (1860 cases; 2938 controls) and CD (767 cases; 1422 controls). In the Dutch RA cohort, the PTPN22 and IL2/IL21 variants showed convincing association (P = 3.4 x 10(-12) and P = 2.8 x 10(-4), respectively). Association of RA with the known CD risk variant in the SH2B3 was also observed, predominantly in the subgroup of rheumatoid factor-positive RA patients (P = 0.0055). In a meta-analysis of Dutch and UK data sets, shared association with six loci (TNFAIP3, IL2/IL21, SH2B3, LPP, MMEL1/TNFRSF14 and PFKFB3/PRKCQ) was observed in both RA and CD cohorts. We confirmed two known loci and identified four novel ones for shared CD-RA genetic risk. Most of the shared loci further emphasize a role for adaptive and innate immunity in these diseases.

Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, an often fatal complication of celiac disease, can result from expansion of aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes in refractory celiac disease type II (RCD II). Aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes and lymphoma cells are intracellularly CD3epsilon(+) but lack expression of the T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex on the cell surface. It is unknown what causes the loss of TCR-CD3 expression. We report the isolation of a cell line from an RCD II patient with the characteristic phenotype of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. We demonstrate that in this cell line the TCR-alpha and -beta chains as well as the CD3gamma, CD3delta, CD3epsilon, and zeta-chains are present intracellularly and that assembly of the CD3gammaepsilon, CD3deltaepsilon, and zetazeta-dimers is normal. However, dimerization of the TCR chains and proper assembly of the TCR-CD3 complex are defective. On introduction of exogenous TCR-beta chains, but not of TCR-alpha chains, assembly and functional cell surface expression of the TCR-CD3 complex were restored. Defective synthesis of both TCR chains was found to underlie loss of TCR expression in similar cell lines isolated from 2 additional patients. (Pre)malignant transformation in RCD II thus correlates with defective synthesis or defective association of the TCR chains, resulting in loss of surface TCR-CD3 expression.

Our genome-wide association study of celiac disease previously identified risk variants in the IL2-IL21 region. To identify additional risk variants, we genotyped 1,020 of the most strongly associated non-HLA markers in an additional 1,643 cases and 3,406 controls. Through joint analysis including the genome-wide association study data (767 cases, 1,422 controls), we identified seven previously unknown risk regions (P < 5 x 10(-7)). Six regions harbor genes controlling immune responses, including CCR3, IL12A, IL18RAP, RGS1, SH2B3 (nsSNP rs3184504) and TAGAP. Whole-blood IL18RAP mRNA expression correlated with IL18RAP genotype. Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease share HLA-DQ, IL2-IL21, CCR3 and SH2B3 risk regions. Thus, this extensive genome-wide association follow-up study has identified additional celiac disease risk variants in relevant biological pathways.

Introduction: A small proportion of coeliac disease (CD) patients become refractory (RCD) to a gluten-free diet (GFD) showing uncontrolled immune-mediated enteropathy. Some of these patients exhibit a high risk to develop enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL)., Aim: The aim of the study was to find whether a lack of circulating homeostatic T cells, such as Treg, Tgammadelta(+) or iNKT cells would be associated with the development of RCD or EATL., Patients and Methods: We investigated in a total of 137 CD patients [28 untreated, 80 responsive to GFD and 29 RCD (14 type I and 15 type II)] and 73 age-matched healthy volunteers the frequency of Treg, Tgammadelta(+) and iNKT lymphocytes by flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood., Results: Circulating Tgammadelta(+) cell and Treg frequencies in RCD were comparable to those in healthy controls. However, RCD patients had significantly reduced numbers of circulating iNKT cells, as compared to age-matched patients responding to a GFD. This reduction was similar in RCD patients with and without aberrant intraepithelial lymphocytes and in patients with EATL. Circulating iNKT cell numbers were not reduced in untreated coeliac patients. GFD treated patients had a significantly increased proportion of CD4(+) iNKT cells., Conclusion: Follow-up studies are necessary to determine whether CD4(+) iNKT cells control the immune response against gluten and their absence contributes to the progression to RCD and EATL.

Background: Refractory celiac disease (RCD) patients with aberrant, often clonal, intraepithelial T-cells are at high risk for development of enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). Early detection of those patients that actually develop EATL is of utmost importance for curative intervention., Aim: First, to establish an optimal cut-off value for the percentage of aberrant lymphocytes, previously determined based on clinical observations, via reference ranges for aberrant T-cells in the duodenal mucosa of celiac disease patient and control groups. Secondly, to compare aberrancy with intestinal T-cell clonality as a prognostic parameter for EATL development in RCD., Methods: Immunophenotyping using flow cytometry was performed on small intestinal biopsy-derived lymphocytes, obtained from distinct celiac disease (CD) patient and control groups (N=167 in total). T-cell clonality in duodenal biopsy specimens was assessed by PCR in RCD, ulcerative jejunitis and EATL patients (N=31 in total)., Results: In 95% of non-refractory CD patients, the highest percentage aberrant T-cells was 20%. Using this cut-off value, EATL development was exclusively seen in RCD with more than 20% aberrant T-cells (median 52% aberrant T-cells, range 27-94%). When compared with T-cell clonality analysis, >20% aberrancy showed a much higher negative predictive value and sensitivity (both 100%) for EATL development in RCD patients than T-cell clonality analysis (respectively 75% and 78%)., Conclusions: Quantification of aberrant T-cells by flow cytometry is preferable to T-cell clonality analysis for identification of RCD patients at risk for EATL development. A cut-off value of 20% is of use in risk stratification, therapeutic options and subsequent follow-up of RCD patients.

Background & Aims: Celiac disease (CD) is associated with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 and has been linked to genetic variants in the MYO9B gene on chromosome 19. HLA-DQ2 homozygosity is associated with complications of CD such as refractory celiac disease type II (RCD II) and enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). We investigated whether MYO9B also predisposes to RCD II and EATL., Methods: Genotyping of MYO9B and molecular HLA-DQ2 typing were performed on 62 RCD II and EATL patients, 421 uncomplicated CD patients, and 1624 controls., Results: One single nucleotide polymorphism in MYO9B showed a significantly different allele distribution in RCD II and EATL patients compared with controls (P = .00002). The rs7259292 T allele was significantly more frequent in RCD II and EATL patients compared with CD patients (P = .0003; odds ratio [OR], 3.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-7.31). The frequency of the haplotype carrying the T allele of this single nucleotide polymorphism was significantly increased in RCD II and EATL patients (11%), compared with controls (2%) and CD patients (3%) (OR, 6.76; 95% CI, 3.40-13.46; P = 2.27E-09 and OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.95-9.11; P = .0001, respectively). Both MYO9B rs7259292 and HLA-DQ2 homozygosity increase the risk for RCD II and EATL to a similar extent when compared with uncomplicated CD patients (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.9-9.8 and OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.0-9.6, respectively), but there was no evidence for any interaction between these 2 risk factors., Conclusions: We show that both MYO9B and HLA-DQ2 homozygosity might be involved in the prognosis of CD and the chance of developing RCD II and EATL.

True Refractory Coeliac Disease (RCD) is being currently defined as persisting or recurring villous atrophy with crypt hyperplasia and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes in spite of a strict gluten free diet for more than 12 months or when severe persisting symptoms necessitate intervention independent of the duration of the dietary therapy. Currently two categories of RCD are being recognized: type I without aberrant T-cells and type II with aberrant T-cells detected by immunophenotyping by flowcytometric analysis or immunohistology of the intestinal mucosa. Establishing the diagnosis of RCD requires exclusion of other causes of villous atrophy and malignancies that may complicate coeliac disease. In contrast to patients with a high percentage of aberrant T cells, patients with RCD type I seem to profit from an immunosuppressive treatment. In cases of RCD II with persistent clinical symptoms and/or high percentage of aberrant T cells in intestinal biopsies in spite of a corticosteroid treatment, more aggressive therapeutic schemes should be considered. However, no therapy seems to be curative in RCD II. Cladribine (2-CDA) seems to have some role in the management of these patients. More recently, high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation has been used in patients resulting in a dramatic improvement in the clinical, laboratory, histopathological and immunological parameters. This review provides an overview of the currently available diagnostic and therapeutic methods in a complicated form of coeliac disease.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an increasingly accepted treatment for refractory autoimmune diseases. Refractory celiac disease with aberrant T cells (RCD type II) is unresponsive to available therapies and carries a high risk of transition into enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). This study reports on the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ASCT in patients with RCD type II. Thirteen patients with RCD type II were evaluated. Seven patients (4 men, 3 women, mean age 61.5 years [range, 51-69 years]) underwent transplantation. After conditioning with fludarabine and melphalan, ASCT was performed. Patients were monitored for response, adverse effects, and hematopoietic reconstitution. All 7 patients completed the mobilization and leukapheresis procedures successfully and subsequently underwent conditioning and transplantation. Engraftment occurred in all patients. No major nonhematologic toxicity or transplantation-related mortality was observed. There was a significant reduction in the aberrant T cells in duodenal biopsies associated with improvement in clinical well-being and normalization of hematologic and biochemical markers (mean follow-up, 15.5 months; range, 7-30 months). One patient died 8 months after transplantation from progressive neuroceliac disease. These preliminary results showed that high-dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT seems feasible and safe and might result in long-term improvement of patients with RCD type II whose condition did not respond promptly to available drugs.