Hodgkin lymphoma cellular composition influenced by interleukin-9 expression

06-07-2006

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cellular composition could be influenced by interleukin-9 (IL-9) expression.

"The presence of numerous mast cells or eosinophils in HL tumours have both been described as negative prognostic factors. One cytokine related to HL is IL-9 and it is known to affect both mast cells and eosinophils," investigators in Sweden reported.

"The aim of this study was to explore if the expression of IL-9 correlates to the presence of these inflammatory cells in HL tumours. In 131 HL biopsies, immunostainings for IL-9 and IL-9 receptor (IL-9R) were performed. The same material was previously stained for mast cells and eosinophils. These data were correlated to clinical and survival data from all patients. Fifty-three percent of cases were positive for IL-9 and 19% were positive for IL-9R in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells. The IL-9 positive patients had more eosinophils (p=.002) and mast cells (p=.02) in their tumours, more often a nodular sclerosis histology (p<.0001), a higher white-blood-cell count (p=.006) and a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=.003) at the time of diagnosis," explained I. Glimelius and colleagues, University of Uppsala Hospital.

The researchers concluded, "IL-9 expression is related to the histology, clinical picture and the presence of eosinophils and mast cells in HL. These results indicate that IL-9 is an important part of the cytokine network and inflammatory infiltrate in HL."

Glimelius and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Haematology (IL-9 expression contributes to the cellular composition in Hodgkin lymphoma. Eur J Haematol, 2006;76(4):278-283).

For additional information, contact I. Glimelius, University of Uppsala Hospital, Dept. Oncology Radiol & Clinic Immunology, Rudbeck Laboratory C11, S-75185 Uppsala, Sweden.

The publisher of the European Journal of Haematology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Uppsala, Sweden, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Immunology, Lymphoma, Mast Cells, Eosinophils, Nodular Sclerosis, Oncology, Prognosis, Prognostics, IL-9 Expression, Histology, Clinical Picture.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.