The pattern of CD15, CD30 and Bcl-2 expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogenous entity. The pattern of CD15, CD30 and Bcl-2 expression is not well documented, especially in local population. We investigated 67 consecutive cases of DLBCL by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1 with median age of 55 years, and more common nodal than extranodal in presentation. Only 3 of 67 cases expressed CD15. In addition, three cases showed weak membrane staining for CD30. Only one of these three cases was noted to have co-expression of CD15 and with occasional tumour cells showing weak CD30 expression. Bcl-2 protein was expressed in 43 of 67 (64%), more frequently in nodal than in extranodal tumours. In conclusion, CD15 and CD30 expressions are infrequent in DLBCL, and co-expression is rare. Bcl-2 protein expression is common in DLBCL.