Diffuse Large B-Cell
Also written as DLBCL.
A stereotaxic brain biopsy is performed and microscopic examination shows diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Treatment at a glance
- DLBCL: R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone)
- Burkitt: intensive cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and high-dose methotrexate with folinic rescue, plus intrathecal therapy
What our notes say
- A stereotaxic brain biopsy is performed and microscopic examination shows diffuse large B cell lymphoma. (hematopathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Stereotactic biopsy shows diffuse large B cell lymphoma. (Hematology MCQs)
- A small percentage of them transform into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). (hematopathology — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) — most common aggressive NHL, sheets of large atypical lymphocytes (Ovarian & Colorectal Cancer: Risks, Pathogenesis, Staging)
- | Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma | CD20 | Variable | Most common aggressive NHL | (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
- Over time, CLL/SLL tends to transform to more aggressive tumours resembling prolymphocytic leukaemia or diffuse large B cell lymphoma (Richter transformation) → median survival <1 year after transformation. (White Cell Disorders — Must-Know Notes)
Study material on Diffuse Large B-Cell
- Lymphoma Overview and Classification
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Classification, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- hematopathology
- Molecular Basis of Cancer: Cell Cycle, Apoptosis & Angiogenesis
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Classification, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — Practice Questions
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Classification, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — Practice Questions
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Classification, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — Practice Questions
Practice questions on Diffuse Large B-Cell
A 32-year-old man has 2 months of worsening headaches. No lymphadenopathy or organomegaly. CBC: Hgb 12, platelets 250,000, WBC 6000 with 80% granulocytes and 10% lymphocytes. Head CT shows a 3 cm mass next to the right lateral ventricle. Biopsy shows diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Most likely lab finding?
- Elevated terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase
- HIV-1 RNA of 80,000 copies/mL
- Elevated serum IgM
- Positive tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
Answer: B. Primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 32-year-old with relative lymphopenia = AIDS-related lymphoma. HIV infection is the most important risk factor. HIV-1 RNA viral load would be detectable, reflecting underlying HIV infection driving the lymphoma. ---