From the Guidelines
CD3 is typically negative in Burkitt lymphoma, as this aggressive B-cell lymphoma does not express T-cell markers. Burkitt lymphoma cells are characterized by their B-cell origin and express B-cell markers such as CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD79a, while being negative for CD3, which is a pan-T-cell marker. This immunophenotypic profile is crucial for accurate diagnosis, as it helps distinguish Burkitt lymphoma from T-cell lymphomas and other lymphoproliferative disorders. The absence of CD3 expression, combined with the presence of CD10 and BCL6 (germinal center markers), along with a very high Ki-67 proliferation index (nearly 100%), supports the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. Additionally, Burkitt lymphoma typically shows c-MYC gene rearrangements, most commonly t(8;14), which can be detected by FISH or cytogenetic analysis. Understanding this immunophenotypic profile is essential for pathologists and oncologists to make an accurate diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment for this highly aggressive but potentially curable lymphoma, as seen in recent studies such as 1.
Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and treatment of Burkitt lymphoma include:
- The use of rituximab in combination with chemotherapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with CD20-positive Burkitt lymphoma, as noted in 1 and 1.
- The importance of accurate diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, as delayed or inadequate treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes.
- The need for further research and development of new treatments for Burkitt lymphoma, particularly for patients who do not respond to current therapies or who experience relapse.
In terms of treatment, the addition of rituximab to intensive chemotherapy is now considered standard of care for adult Burkitt lymphoma/leukaemia, as seen in 1 and 1. This combination has been shown to improve response rates and overall survival in patients with this aggressive disease. However, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment, particularly in older or frail patients, and to individualize treatment approaches based on patient-specific factors.
From the Research
Cd3 Marker in Burkitt Lymphoma
- The Cd3 marker is typically associated with T-cells, but there have been cases where B-cell lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma, have aberrantly expressed T-cell markers 2.
- A study found that some cases of large B-cell lymphoma can coexpress the Cd3 marker, highlighting the importance of using additional cell lineage-specific markers or molecular analysis for accurate diagnosis 2.
- However, the provided studies do not specifically discuss the Cd3 marker in the context of Burkitt lymphoma, except for a study that mentions the expression of various lymphocyte markers, including IgM and IgD, but not Cd3, in Burkitt lymphoma cells 3.
- The diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma typically involves a combination of morphological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features, with a focus on the expression of B-cell markers such as Cd20 and Cd10, rather than Cd3 4.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that the Cd3 marker is a specific or useful marker for the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma.