The use of molecular profiling for diagnosis and research in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

Molecular profiling facilitates the understanding of the genetic processes underlying the development of cancer, and makes it possible to use specific signatures to prognosticate clinical outcome and to predict response to specific treatments. There has been a great increase in the availability of tools for exploring genetic abnormalities in cancer cells, which have allowed a more comprehensive characterization of the mutations, translocations, and copy-number variations that may affect the development of cancer or therapy response. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of cancer is helping also in the identification of new molecular targets for therapy.

Figure 1

The number of genetic alterations detected through sequencing and copy-number analyses in each of 24 pancreatic cancers. From Jones S et al. Core signaling pathways in human pancreatic cancers revealed by global genomic analyses. Science 2008;321:1801-6. Reprinted with permission from AAAS.

Figure 2

Integration of the molecular risk score and clinical risk (stage IV disease) identified a quartile of patients with particularly poor prognosis. Refer to main text for definition of failure-free survival. This research was originally published in Blood. Sanchez-Espiridion B et al. A molecular risk score based on 4 functional pathways for advanced classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood 2010;116:e12-17.^© The American Society of Hematology.