Application

Diagnostic assay that classifies non-Hodgkin's lymphoma specifically diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) into two groups, which respond differently to chemotherapy.

Key Benefits

• Uses gene expression profiling for classification.
• Provides classification of sub-group for a better selection of more specific and effective treatments.

Market Summary

Among those with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common subtype. There are two sub-groups of and each responds differently to chemotherapy. In fact, 40-50% of the patients treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are not cured by conventional chemotherapy because different types of lymphoma respond differently to treatment. By pre-screening patients with these methodologies Doctors can predict treatment response and identify therapies that target specific disease mechanism in lymphomas. Particular, this technology will facilitate the development of specific NF-kB pathway inhibitors targeted to specific patients with lymphomas.

Technical Summary

Activation of the NF-kB pathways has been associated with lymphomagenesis and tumor resistance to chemotherapy. However, the contribution of the canonical and noncanonical NF-kB pathways to lymphoma biology and clinical outcome remains unknown. Therefore, if the status of activation of each NF-kB pathway could be identified prior to treatment, patients would benefit from the use of specific inhibitors that target the NF-kB pathway altered in order to overcome chemotherapy resistance that is inherent in some types of lymphoma but not in others. Dr. Bernal-Mizrachi has identified different gene expression profiles that predict the status of activation of the canonical and noncanonical NF-kB pathway in DLBCL to be used to screen patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was discovered that the activation of the noncanonical NF-kB pathway associated with a better response to standard treatments (RCHOP) of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Chemotherapy with targeted inactivation of the altered NF-kB activity would be more effective for patients DLBCL. Therefore, by identifying the gene signature of the cancer cells, better treatments can be selected.

Developmental Stage

Research has been conducted in vitro with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines.