CD30positive

CD30positive refers to cells that express the CD30 antigen on their cell surface. CD30 is a transmembrane protein encoded by the TNFRSF8 gene and is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. It is mainly expressed on activated T cells and, to a lesser extent, on activated B cells and natural killer cells. In healthy tissue, CD30 expression is restricted and typically transient; persistent, strong expression is most evident in certain malignancies and inflammatory conditions.

In pathology, CD30 positivity is assessed using immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry with anti-CD30 antibodies. The pattern and intensity of staining aid in diagnosing and classifying lymphoid neoplasms. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by CD30-positive Reed-Sternberg cells. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK-positive or ALK-negative) is typically strongly CD30-positive. CD30 expression can also be seen in other lymphomas and, less commonly, in certain germ cell tumors or embryonal carcinomas, with variable expression in some diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.

Therapeutically, CD30 serves as a target for antibody-drug conjugates such as brentuximab vedotin, which are approved for several CD30-positive lymphomas. The presence and level of CD30 expression can influence treatment considerations, though responses have been observed in tumors with varying CD30 levels.

Prognosis and management depend on the specific underlying disease context. CD30 expression is an important diagnostic marker and therapeutic target but is not, by itself, a universal prognostic indicator.