Immunogenetics features and genomic lesions in splenic marginal zone lymphoma

Splenic marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) express mutated (M)) or unmutated (U)) immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGHV) genes. To investigate the IGHV mutational status impact on genetic lesions, this study combined single nucleotide polymorphism-arrays and IGHV sequencing in 83 cases. Clinical features and outcome were similar between U- and M-IGHV cases. Recurrent lesions frequency was higher in U-IGHV cases, including poor prognosticators. Frequencies differed among cases bearing individual IGHV genes or lambda light chains. In conclusion, SMZL comprises subgroups based on genetic abnormalities and immunogenetic status. Genomic lesion frequency differed and was higher in U-IGHV cases, possibly affecting the outcome.