Gene expression predicts overall survival in paraffin-embedded tissues of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP

Lisa M. Rimsza, Michael L. LeBlanc, Joseph M. Unger, Thomas P. Miller, Thomas M. Grogan, Daniel O. Persky, Ralph R. Mattel, Constantine M. Sabalos, Bruce Seligmann, Rita M. Braziel, Elias Campo, Andreas Rosenwald, Joseph M. Connors, Laurie H. Sehn, Nathalie Johnson, Randy D. Gascoyne

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gene expression profiling (GEP) on frozen tissues has identified genes predicting outcome in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Confirmation of results in current patients is limited by availability of frozen samples and addition of monoclonal antibodies to treatment regimens. We used a quantitative nuclease protection assay (qNPA) to analyze formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for 36 previously identified genes (N=209, 93 chemotherapy; 116rituximab + chemotherapy). By qNPA, 208 cases were successfully analyzed (99.5%). In addition, 15 of 36 and 11 of 36 genes, representing each functional group previously identified by GEP, were associated with survival (P < .05) in the 2 treatment groups, respectively. In addition, 30 of 36 hazard ratios of death trended in the same direction versus the original studies. Multivariate and variable cut-off point analysis identified low levels of HLA-DRB (< 20%) and high levels of MYC (> 80%) as independent indicators of survival, together distinguishing cases with the worst prognosis. Our results solve a clinical research problem by demonstrating that prognostic genes can be meaningfully quantified using qNPA technology on formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded tissues; previous GEP findings in DLBCL are relevant with current treatments; and 2 genes, representing immune escape and proliferation, are the common features of the most aggressive DLBCL.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3425-3433
Number of pages9
JournalBlood
Volume112
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Gene expression predicts overall survival in paraffin-embedded tissues of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this