Triple-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A distinct entity

The Hans algorithm categorizes the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into two major subtypes: the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) DLBCL and the non-GCB DLBCL. This classification is based on three immunohistochemical markers: CD10, BCL6, and MUM1. The non-GCB subtype is associated with lower overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates compared to the GCB. DLBCL without positive staining for these three markers (CD10–, BCL6–, MUM1–), also called a triple negative or TN, are classified as the non-GCB subtype. However, they show different clinical characteristics and better prognosis than others assigned to the same cell-of-origin group. Herein, we report a case of a TN non-GCB DLBCL with a complete response after R-CHOP therapy. Together with previous reports of TN non-GCB DLBCLs, our case might depreciate the prognostic value of the Hans algorithm, which was already controversial in the literature, especially in the chemoimmunotherapy era.