ALK expression in extranodal anaplstic large cell lymphoma favours systemic disease with (primary) nodal involvement and a good prognosis and occurs before dissemination

摘要

Aims-In anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the site of origin has been described as an important prognostic fac- tor. Recently, a fusion protein containing analplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was described in systemic nodal ALCL, and shown to be associated with a good prognosis. The aims of this study were to investigate whether the presence of ALK protein differs between ALCL of different sites of origin; to determine whether ALK expression occurs before dissemination to other sites; and, finally, to investigate whether the site of origin remains a prog- nostic parameter in ALK negative ALCL.