A recurrent nonrandom translocation (3;7)(q27;p12) associated with BCL-6 gene rearrangement in B-cell diffuse large cell lymphoma.

Two cases of B-cell diffuse large cell lymphoma associated with the t(3;7)(q27;p12) and BCL-6 rearrangement are described. Cytogenetic studies revealed [case 1] 47,XY,t(3;7)(q27;p12),+12 and [case 2] 45,X,-Y,t(3;7)(q27;p12),del(6)(q21q25),+16,-21. The translocation of each case had a non-random chromosomal change involving a 3q27 locus associated with BCL-6 gene rearrangement identified by Southern blot analysis. Both cases involved multiple lymph nodes and extranodal regions, such as stomach and peritoneal cavity in case 1, extranodal retroperitoneal space, subcutis, probable liver, and colon in case 2. Chemotherapy provided only short survival after onset: 17 and 16 months, respectively. Altered expression of adhesion molecules CD44, CD54 (case 1) and CD11a and CD18 (case 2) may help to explain the poor outcome of these patients.