Application of BIOMED-2 primers in immunoglobulin gene rearrangement analysis of ocular adnexal lymphoma: a pilot study

Objective: To assess the practical value of BIOMED-2 primers in the diagnosis of ocular adnexal lymphoma by PCR.

Methods: DNA was extracted from 63 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) ocular adnexal lymphoma specimens. The DNA quality was evaluated by PCR-based amplification of housekeeping gene beta-actin. IgH(B) and IgK(B) primers of BIOMED-2 standardized clonality analysis system were used to evaluate the immunoglobin gene rearrangements. PCR products were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis and GeneScan software.

Results: 76.2% (48/63) of FFPE samples produced amplifiable DNA for detection of Ig gene rearrangements.Positive detection rates by BIOMED-2 IgH(B) and IgK(B) primers were 79.2% (38/48) and 68.8% (33/48), respectively, with a combined positive detection rate of 91.7% (44/48).

Conclusions: IgH(B) and IgK(B) primers of BIOMED-2 are suitable for the detection of clonal rearrangements of Ig gene using FFPE specimens of ocular adnexal lymphomas.