Soluble MIC‐A, IPI, and response to treatment strongly predict survival in patients with germinal center diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Abstract

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent lymphoma. MIC‐A and MIC‐B are the natural ligands for NKG2D, a receptor expressed in NK cells. MIC‐A soluble isoforms (sMICA) have been described in different malignancies.ObjectivesTo analyze lymphocyte subsets and sMIC‐A in germinal center DLBCL.Materials and MethodssMICA, sMICB, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD4+, CD8+, NK, NKT, γδ T cells, and dendritic cells) were analyzed in 59 patients and 60 healthy donors.ResultsPatients had decreased numbers of type 1 and type 2 dendritic cells, NK, iNKT, CD4 T, and CD8 T cells, and higher levels of sMIC‐A. The 2‐year PFS for high IPI scores and high sMIC‐A was 24% and 28%, respectively. The 2‐year OS for high IPI scores and high sMIC‐A was 42% and 33%. The 2‐year PFS and OS for patients not achieving response to treatment were 0% and 10%, respectively. The MICPI score (one point each for high IPI score and high sMIC‐A) showed that those patients summing two points had worse PSF and OS.ConclusionsPatients with DLBCL have decreased numbers of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and high levels of sMIC‐A. The addition of sMIC‐A to IPI could improve its prognostic relevance.