What is the significance of CD10 (Cluster of Differentiation 10) in anaplastic lymphoma?

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Last updated: May 13, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Anaplastic lymphoma is typically characterized by the absence of CD10 expression, which is a crucial diagnostic feature in distinguishing it from other types of lymphomas, particularly B-cell lymphomas. The determination of CD10 expression is optional but important for differentiation of germinal center derivation (GCB) or activated B-cell (ABC) type in diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as stated in the ESMO clinical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up 1.

Key Diagnostic Features

  • Immunohistochemistry is mandatory with a description of minimal antibody panel results, including CD45, CD20, and CD3.
  • The absence of CD10 in anaplastic lymphoma helps distinguish it from B-cell lymphomas, which often express CD10.
  • CD30 positivity is a hallmark of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and molecular testing for ALK rearrangements further divides ALCL into ALK-positive and ALK-negative subtypes.

Diagnostic Approach

  • Diagnosis should be made on the basis of a surgical specimen or extranodal tissue biopsy providing enough material for formalin-fixed samples, with core biopsies considered in emergency cases.
  • Processing by an experienced pathology institute is crucial to ensure adequate quality, and the histological report should follow the World Health Organization classification.
  • The collection of fresh frozen material for molecular characterization is recommended, although gene expression profiling remains investigational 1.

Clinical Implications

  • The distinction between anaplastic lymphoma and other lymphomas, based on CD10 expression among other factors, is critical due to differences in treatment approaches and outcomes.
  • Accurate diagnosis, incorporating immunophenotyping and molecular testing, is essential for guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.

From the Research

Anaplastic Lymphoma CD10

  • The provided studies do not directly address the topic of anaplastic lymphoma CD10, but rather focus on various types of lymphoma and their treatments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, it is worth noting that anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can express CD30, but not necessarily CD10 4.
  • The studies discuss different treatment approaches for ALCL, including anthracycline-based regimens such as CHOP, and newer therapies like brentuximab vedotin 4, 5.
  • Some studies highlight the importance of distinguishing between ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL, as this can impact treatment outcomes and prognosis 4, 5.
  • Overall, while the provided studies do not specifically address anaplastic lymphoma CD10, they do offer insights into the treatment and management of related types of lymphoma.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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