Lymphoma News Today reported on studies in lymphoma treatment, disease management and care throughout 2015, as well as on events related to the condition. As the year comes to an end, here are the 10 articles most widely read by Lymphoma News Today readers, each with a brief summary of the developments that made them of such interest to lymphoma patients, caregivers and their loved ones.
No. 10 – “New Genes for B-cell Lymphoma Revealed”
Novel research found five genes that could predict progression of B-cell lymphoma, three of which had not been identified in previous studies. The study is important because diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a frequently occurring form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for 30%–40% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. DLBCL typically affects elderly people.
No. 9 – “Lymphoma Found to Be Genetically Linked to Diamond-Blackfan Anemia”
Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre have uncovered the genetic link between Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) and cancer predisposition, particularly lymphoma. The research paper, titled “Partial Loss of Rpl11 in Adult Mice Recapitulates Diamond-Blackfan Anemia and Promotes Lymphomagenesis,” reports that DBA patients not only suffer from a rare form of anemia but also present a predisposition to cancer development, namely lymphomas and solid tumors, such as osteosarcoma and colon cancer.
No. 8 – “Risk Factors for Melanoma in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Identified”
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have discovered risk factors for melanoma in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The study suggests that people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma should be monitored carefully in order to detect signs of melanoma earlier, when it is potentially more treatable. It additionally suggests that different risk factors may exist for different NHL subtypes, and hopefully will aid in the early detection of secondary cancers in NHL patients.
No. 7 – “Rituximab Plus Velcade as An Effective Therapy for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Subtypes”
A Phase 2 clinical trial at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center reported encouraging results for the therapeutic combination of rituximab and Velcade in patients with specific subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Specifically, it found the therapeutic combination offers a clinical benefit in patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell and follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
No. 6 – “Looking Back: 2015 International Blood Cancer Awareness Month Raises Awareness & Hope For An Eventual Cure”
September marked International Blood Cancer Awareness Month, as designated by the U.S. Congress in 2010. Cities, towns, counties, individuals, landmarks, and businesses across the country observed the month to raise public awareness of diseases like Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While blood cancers aren’t as high-profile in the media as breast, prostate, and lung cancers, leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are, respectively, the sixth and ninth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
No. 5 – “Organ Transplant Drug May Increase Risk of Rare Form of Lymphoma”
A group of clinical researchers from Johns Hopkins Hospital reported that the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may be linked to an increased risk of central nervous system lymphoma in solid organ transplant (i.e. liver transplant) patients. The study was published in the journal Oncotarget.
No. 4 – “University of Pennsylvania Researchers Find Genetic Trigger for Blood Cancers”
A study by Perelman School of Medicine researchers indicates that a DNA cutting mechanism can sometimes function improperly and lead normal immune cells, known as T- and B-cells, to turn into blood cancers. By better understanding such DNA “editing errors,” scientists may be able to develop new blood cancer treatments.
No. 3 – “Improved Survival In Follicular Lymphoma Patients Prompts Search for New Clinical Measurements”
The overall survival of follicular lymphoma patients has been improving, according to several research reports, and clinical measurements other than survival are now needed for studies examining new treatments. These improvements may be a consequence of better medications, such as monoclonal antibodies, as well as superior treatments for relapsed and refractory disease. A report from Stanford University, published in the journal Blood, examined the overall survival of follicular lymphoma patients in four different eras between 1960-2003.
No. 2 – “How Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Clinical Trials Work”
Developing a new medical treatment for diseases such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) takes many years. The process is intended to improve disease treatment and symptoms without harming people. Dr. Alisa Woods’ article highlights the best ways to learn how new therapies are developed, tested in clinical trials, and eventually made available to patients with a wide range of diseases, including NHL.
No. 1 – “Finding Out About Lymphoma Clinical Trials”
Another in Dr. Alisa Woods’ series on lymphoma clinical trials explored how — using non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma studies as an example — participating in a clinical trial is often worthwhile for patients, giving them access to experimental therapies not currently available while helping the research community advance its understanding of the disease and the best ways to treat it. Her article gives patients a better understanding of the pros and cons of clinical trial research and participation.
Throughout 2016, Lymphoma News Today will continue to offer daily coverage of the latest scientific developments and breakthroughs in the treatment of the disease.
