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Molecular pathology of lymphomas
1Haematology and Oncology Unit, Institute of Child Health, London.
Cancer Surveys
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Chromosomal translocations initiate B and T cell lymphomas by activating proto-oncogenes. These genetic alterations provide a survival advantage, driving multi-step tumorigenesis and offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Chromosomal translocations are key initiating events in B cell and T cell lymphomas.
- These translocations juxtapose proto-oncogenes with immunoglobulin (IG) or T cell receptor (TCR) genes, leading to expression dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of chromosomal translocations in lymphoma development.
- To identify molecular alterations as potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying chromosomal translocations in lymphoma.
- Investigation of the role of IG and TCR gene rearrangements in facilitating these translocations.
Main Results:
- Translocations provide a survival advantage to lymphoid cells, promoting clone persistence.
- This process is essential for the multi-step progression of tumorigenesis, involving oncogene activation like c-myc.
Conclusions:
- Specific molecular alterations in lymphomas present viable targets for novel therapies.
- Animal models are crucial for advancing the understanding of lymphoma pathogenesis and developing future treatments.