Progression of Hodgkin lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasms: Report from the 2021 SH/EAHP Workshop

Objectives To summarize cases submitted to the 2021 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop under the categories of progression of Hodgkin lymphoma, plasmablastic myeloma, and plasma cell myeloma. Methods The workshop panel reviewed 20 cases covered in this session. In addition, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome RNA expression analysis were performed on 10 submitted cases, including 6 Hodgkin lymphoma and 4 plasma neoplasm cases. Results The cases of Hodgkin lymphoma included transformed cases to or from various types of B-cell lymphoma with 1 exception, which had T-cell differentiation. The cases of plasma cell neoplasms included cases with plasmablastic progression, progression to plasma cell leukemia, and secondary B-lymphoblastic leukemia. Gene variants identified by WES included some known to be recurrent in Hodgkin lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasm. All submitted Hodgkin lymphoma samples showed 1 or more of these mutations: SOCS1, FGFR2, KMT2D, RIT1, SPEN, STAT6, TET2, TNFAIP3, and ZNF217. Conclusions Better molecular characterization of both of these neoplasms and mechanisms of progression will help us to better understand mechanisms of progression and perhaps develop better prognostic models, as well as identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Automated summary

The 2021 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop summarized cases of progression in Hodgkin lymphoma, plasmablastic myeloma, and plasma cell myeloma. Whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome RNA expression analysis were performed on selected cases, providing valuable insights into the molecular characterization and progression mechanisms of these neoplasms and potential therapeutic targets.