Chromosomal translocations involved in non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
BACKGROUND
The discovery that recurrent chromosomal translocations are involved in the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin lymphomas has greatly improved our understanding of these diseases and revolutionized their diagnosis.


OBJECTIVE
To review the mechanisms by which chromosomal translocations occur and contribute to the pathogenesis of various types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and to review the utility of molecular genetic methods for the assessment of these translocations.


METHODS
Primary research studies and reviews published in the English language that focus on chromosomal translocation and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.


METHODS
Chromosomal translocations, which usually result in oncogene activation, occur in many types of B- and T-cell lymphoma, and their detection is helpful for establishing an accurate diagnosis and monitoring disease following therapy. However, the precise mechanisms that explain how translocations occur remain unknown, although for some types of translocations a clear relationship has been established with immunoglobulin gene rearrangement mechanisms. In recent years, a number of genes deregulated by chromosomal translocations have been identified, and the detailed molecular mechanisms by which chromosomal translocations contribute to the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are beginning to be elucidated.


CONCLUSIONS
Molecular genetic analysis has played a major role in improving our understanding of B- and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and has allowed more precise definition of lymphoma types. Molecular genetic tests to detect these translocations are important ancillary tools for the diagnosis and classification of malignant lymphomas.
Vega
Francisco
F
Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Medeiros
L Jeffrey
LJ
D019457:Chromosome Breakage / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000235:genetics; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion