To Each Its Own: Linking the Biology and Epidemiology of NHL Subtypes

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) constitutes a diverse group of more than 40 subtypes, each characterized by distinct biologic and clinical features. Until recently, pinpointing genetic and epidemiologic risk factors for individual subtypes has been limited by the relative rarity of each. However, several large pooled case-control studies have provided sufficient statistical power for detecting etiologic differences and commonalities between subtypes and thus yield new insight into their unique epidemiologic backgrounds. Here, we review the subtype-specific medical, lifestyle, and biologic components identified in these studies, which suggest that a complex interplay between host genetics, autoimmune disorders, modifiable risk factors, and occupation contributes to lymphomagenesis.