Recent research shows skeletal classic Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by a macrophage-rich and B-cell-poor tumor microenvironment, which correlates with worse overall survival among patients treated with a combination of chemotherapy agents. A comparison of patients with skeletal disease against those with nodal-only disease revealed distinct gene expression profiles, with higher macrophage markers like CD68 and CD163 and lower B-cell markers such as CD20. The study found that skeletal involvement significantly impacts overall survival, suggesting macrophage markers may guide treatment strategies.

Source: The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research