CD5- mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) typically expresses B-cell antigens and CD5 and overexpresses bcl-1 protein. However, unusual cases of bcl-1+ and CD5–MCL have been observed, posing a practical challenge for correct diagnosis and management. We identified 25 cases (48 samples) of bcl-1+ and CD5– lymphoma. CD5 expression was assessed by flow cytometric analysis alone (1 case), immunohistochemical analysis alone (17 cases), or dual flow cytometric/immuno-histochemical methods (7 cases). The morphologic features were consistent with MCL with centrocytic cytomorphology in 20 cases and blastic variant in 5 cases. The t(11;14) was confirmed in 8 of 11 cases by fluorescence in situ hybridization of paraffin-embedded tissue. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the t(11;14) within a complex karyotype in 2 additional cases. These data show that MCL may lack CD5 expression. Evaluation of bcl-1 expression by immunohistochemical analysis or molecular genetics may be indicated if MCL is suspected clinically or morphologically despite a lack of CD5 expression.