Development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from duodenal type follicular lymphoma: a retrospective study of 23 cases

The incidence and clinical characteristics of histological transformation (HT) from duodenal type follicular lymphoma (DFL) are unclear. A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify the incidence and clinical features of HT from DFL in 23 cases with DFL. The median follow-up duration was 4.6 years (range, 0.8–20 years). HT to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was observed in 2 of 23 cases during follow-up (8.7%). One of two cases transformed at 21 months later with increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; 1655 U/L) and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Partial response was achieved after R-THP (pirarubicin)-COP therapy, but the disease progressed. The other case transformed at 8.3 years with an increase of serum LDH (4022 U/L), abdominal lymphadenopathy, and bone marrow involvement. The disease was refractory to DA-EPOCH-R and a high-dose methotrexate/cytarabine regimen. The patient received allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and finally achieved complete response. Both cases developed HT at nodal or other intestinal lesions with no progression of the primary duodenal lesion. No significant factors for the occurrence of HT were identified. Although the incidence is low, HT could occur in DFL with aggressive clinical manifestations.