Comparison of ‘Fascin’ Expression in Various Subtypes of Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Abstract

Lymphomas, a diverse group of lymphoproliferative disorders, present diagnostic challenges. Fascin, a dendritic cell marker, helps identify Reed-Sternberg cells in Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (CHL) and is also present in some Anaplastic large-cell Lymphomas (ALCL) and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas (DLBCL). This study at Swami Rama Himalayan University analyzed Fascin expression in 63 lymphoma cases using histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques. B-cell NHL types other than DLBCL and patients with T cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell Lymphoma (THRBCL) undergoing chemotherapy were excluded. Results showed Fascin positivity in 100% of Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant HL (NLPHL) and Nodular Sclerosis CHL (NSCHL), 90% in Mixed Cellularity CHL (MCCHL), 50% in Lymphocyte Rich CHL (LRCHL), 6% in DLBCL, 50% in THRBCL, and 80% in ALCL. While Fascin is useful for some Hodgkin’s lymphoma subtypes, it cannot differentiate between HL and NHL alone. Further research with additional markers and larger sample sizes is necessary to understand why certain subtypes express Fascin at higher levels, potentially uncovering new insights to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.