High-resolution genome-wide analysis identified recurrent genetic alterations in NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, which are associated with disease progression

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, is an aggressive mature NK-cell/T-cell lymphoma. Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) assays, we screened genomic alterations and potential candidate genes implicated in pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis. Our array CGH analysis detected an average of 83 chromosomal aberrations in 13 cases, ranging from 0 to 387. There were 177 recurrent chromosomal gains and 35 recurrent losses. Eleven gains and 14 losses were detected in more than 30 % of the cases, including gains of 3q26.1, 7q34, and 8q24.3 and losses of 15q24.2, 19q13.32, 5p13.2, and 14q21.1. The most common losses were observed in the 15q24.2 and 19q13.32 regions (9 cases, 69.2 %, respectively). Loss of 8p11.23 was associated with significant poor survival (P = 0.024). Five out of six patients with the loss of 8p11.23 died within 8 months after initial diagnosis with a median survival of 6 months. Several candidate genes were identified in the regions with frequent chromosomal aberrations, including ADAM3A (8p11.23) and GSTT1 (22q11.23). In summary, our studies detected recurrent genetic alterations in NK/T-cell lymphoma, some of which are associated with adverse prognosis. Some candidate genes in these regions may be involved in the pathogenesis and disease progression.