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Rituximab with chemotherapy improves survival of non-germinal center type untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Purpose The aim of the study was to analyze the methylation status of the promoter regions of p15 and p16 and to assess the prognostic significance of promoter hypermethylation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Experimental design DLBCL was diagnosed by morphology and immunohistochemical analysis according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The methylation status of CpG islands in the p15 and p16 promoters was analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in 49 DLBCLs. Results Hypermethylation of the p15 and p16 promoters was detected in 20 (41%) and 22 (45%) of the 49 DLBCLs, respectively. Among all patients with DLBCL, there was no significant difference in the overall survival between those with hypermethylated and unmethylated p15 (P = 0.442) or between those with hypermethylated and unmethylated p16 (P = 0.468). Therefore, methylation was analyzed in combination with evaluation of clinical features using the international prognostic index (IPI). In the high-intermediate-risk and high-risk groups, patients with hypermethylated p16 had significantly lower survival rates than those of patients in the same risk group with unmethylated p16 (P = 0.010). Conclusions Our results suggest that hypermethylation of the p16 promoter indicates a poor prognosis in high-intermediate-risk and high-risk DLBCL patients, and may be a useful marker for selection of appropriate treatment when used in conjunction with the IPI.

A 24-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for pancytopenia. Peripheral blood test and bone marrow aspiration demonstrated an increase in hypogranular promyelocytes. Karyotype analysis and RT-PCR showed 47, XY, t(15;17)(q22;q12), +12, and PML-RARA, respectively. The patient was diagnosed as having acute promyelocytic leukemia microgranular type (M3v) and was therefore administered all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Idarubicin and Ara-C were later added to the treatment regimen because of an increased number of leukemic cells. Nausea, vomiting and general fatigue associated with hypercalcemia developed on day 30. There were no findings indicating infection. The administration of ATRA was thus suspected to have induced hypercalcemia. ATRA was therefore discontinued and prednisolone and elcatonin were administered instead. Five days after this change, the serum calcium level normalized. Complete remission was thereafter confirmed on day 45. Hypercalcemia associated with ATRA therapy for APL is rare, and to date, there have been no case reports describing hypercalcemia associated with M3v in the literature. Interaction of fosfluconazole was suspected of causing hypercalcemia when used concomitantly with ATRA.