Genetics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: paving a path to personalized medicine

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common type of lymphoma in Western countries, remains incurable in approximately 40% of patients. Over the past decade, nascent molecular technologies have led to the discovery of many of the genetic events underlying the pathogenesis of this group of diseases. Whether by defining gene signatures that subclassify diffuse large B-cell lymphoma into subgroups, dysregulation of key cellular pathways, or specific mutations, we are approaching an era in which personalized diagnostics, prognostication, and therapy are imminent.