IRF4/DUSP22 Gene Rearrangement by FISH

Last Literature Review: October 2019 Last Update:
  • Test is useful in identifying ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphomas and large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement
  • The rearrangement is associated with an improved prognosis

The IRF4/DUSP22 locus is rearranged in a newly recognized subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement. These lymphomas are uncommon, but are clinically distinct from morphologically similar lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, high-grade follicular lymphoma, and pediatric-type follicular lymphoma. The IRF4/DUSP22 locus is also rearranged in a subset of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL), where this rearrangement is associated with a significantly better prognosis.

Disease Overview

Incidence

  • Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement accounts for <1% of all non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas overall
    • More common in younger patients, with an incidence of 5-6% under age 18
  • IRF4/DUSP22 rearrangement is found in 30% of ALK-negative ALCLs

Symptoms/Findings

Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement typically presents with limited stage disease in the head and neck, while the presentation of ALK-negative ALCLs is variable.

Disease-Oriented Information

Patients with large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement typically have a favorable outcome after treatment. Rearrangement of the IRF4/DUSP22 locus in ALK-negative ALCL is associated with a better prognosis than ALK-negative ALCL without this rearrangement.

Test Interpretation

Analytic Sensitivity

The limit of detection (LOD) for the IRF4/DUSP22 probe was established by calculating the upper limit of the abnormal signal pattern in normal cells using the Microsoft Excel BETAINV function. The LOD of IRF4/DUSP22 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is 11% when 100 cells are enumerated. Using the LOD of 11% the analytical sensitivity was found to be 100% when testing two 6p25 rearranged samples.

Results

Positive

  • Depending on the context of the case, the presence of the 6p25 gene rearrangement supports a diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement or ALK-negative ALCL with IRF4/DUSP22 rearrangement.

Negative

  • Absence of the 6p25 gene rearrangement

Limitations

  • IRF4/DUSP22 FISH testing has not been validated for
    • Tissue fixed in alcohol-based or non-formalin fixatives
    • Decalcified tissue
  • Results should be analyzed in conjunction with morphology, immunohistochemistry, and immunophenotyping results.
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