Lymphoma Tissue, Serum and Plasma Samples

Bay Biosciences provides high-quality biopsy tissue samples, formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks, with matched fresh frozen sera (serum), plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) bio-fluids, from patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s and non- Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

The sera (serum), plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) biofluid specimens are processed from patients peripheral whole-blood using customized collection and processing protocols from Hodgkin’s and non- Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Fresh frozen tissue and matched biofluid samples were, collected from unique patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s and non- Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Bio-samples are provided to a valued pharmaceutical customer for research, diagnostics, discovery, and drug development.

 

Lymphoma Overview

Cancer of the lymphatic system is called lymphoma. It develops in lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. These cells help fight disease in the body and play an essential role in the body’s immune defenses.

As this type of cancer is present in the lymph system, it can quickly metastasize, or spread, to different tissues and organs throughout the body. Lymphoma most often spreads to the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.

Patients of any age can develop lymphoma, but it is among the most common causes of cancer in children and young adults aged 15–24 years. It is often treatable.

There are more than 70 different types of lymphoma. They range from indolent (slow growing) to highly aggressive. Lymphomas are categorized into two broad groups: non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Both types can occur in either children or adults.

Most lymphomas arise from the two main types of white blood cells called lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). The cancerous cells can travel to different parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, or other organs. From there, they can accumulate and form tumors.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma, within these there are many subtypes.

• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  

• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system, and doctors can identify it by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormally large B lymphocytes. In people with Hodgkin lymphoma, the cancer usually moves from one lymph node to an adjacent one.

The NCI estimate that Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 0.5% of all cancers and approximately 0.2% of people in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime.

There are four subtypes of classical Hodgkin lymphoma, including:

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is the most common type, typically develops from B and T lymphocytes (cells) in the lymph nodes or tissues throughout the body. Tumor growth in non-Hodgkin lymphoma may not affect every lymph node, often skipping some and growing on others.

It accounts for 95% of lymphoma cases.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounts for 4.2%  of all cancers in the United States, and a person’s lifetime risk of developing it is about 2.2%.

There many types of NHL, all of which are divided into two major groups:

• B cell lymphoma, and

• T cell lymphoma

Types of B Cell Lymphoma

B cell lymphoma is much more common. It accounts for about 80 percent of all NHL cases. It includes:

Types of T Cell Lymphoma

T cell lymphoma accounts for approximately 15 percent of all cases of NHL in the United States. The most common types of T cell lymphoma include:

There are also several types of relatively rare T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

 

Stages of Lymphoma

Both Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be classified into four stages. The state of lymphoma is determined by where the cancer is and how far it has or has not spread.

• Stage-1: The cancer is in one lymph node or one organ cite.
• Stage-2: Cancer is in two lymph nodes near to one another and on the same side of the body, or the cancer is in one organ and nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: At this point, cancer is in lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm.
• Stage 4: The cancer can be in an organ and spread beyond nearby lymph nodes. As NHL progresses, it may begin to spread. The most common sites for advanced NHL include the liver, bone marrow, and lungs.

 

Lymphoma in Children

Most of the same risk factors for lymphoma in children are risk factors for adults, but certain types of lymphoma are more common in children.

For example, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in children under the age of 15 years, but the type of NHL that occurs in children is typically aggressive and fast-growing.

Children who have immune system deficiencies, such as HIV, or those who take immune-suppressing drugs are at an increased risk for lymphoma. Likewise, children who’ve undergone radiation therapy or chemotherapy have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma

The symptoms of lymphoma are similar to those of some viral diseases, such as the common cold. However, they typically continue for a more extended period.

Some people will not experience any symptoms. Others may notice a swelling of the lymph nodes. There are lymph nodes all around the body. Swelling often occurs in the neck, groin, abdomen, or armpits.

The swellings are often painless. They may become painful if the enlarged glands press on organs, bones, and other structures. Some people confuse lymphoma with back pain.

Lymph nodes can also swell during common infections, such as a cold. In lymphoma, the swelling does not resolve. Pain is also more likely to accompany the swelling if it has occurred due to an infection.

The overlap of symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis. Anyone who has persistently swollen glands should see their doctor for a consultation.

Other symptoms of both types of lymphoma may include the following:

• Abnormal itching
• Chills and night sweats
• Persistent fever without infection
• Reduced appetite
• Unusual itching
• Fatigue and weakness 
• Pain in lymph nodes after drinking alcohol
• Unexplained weight loss

Some additional symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen

Weakness, pain, paralysis, or altered sensation may occur if an enlarged lymph nodes presses against spinal nerves or the spinal cord.

Lymphoma can spread rapidly from the lymph nodes to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. As cancerous lymphocytes spread into other tissues, the immune system cannot defend against infections as effectively.

Causes of Lymphoma

Lymphoma occurs when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. The average life span of a lymphocytes cell is brief, and then the cell dies. In patients with lymphoma, however, DNA changes inside the lymphocytes cells cause them to thrive and spread instead of dying.

It’s unclear what exactly causes this DNA change, and even though there are some risk factors connected with lymphoma, people without the risk factors can still develop these cancers.

Diagnosis of Lymphoma

To diagnose lymphoma, your primary doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may also order one or more of the following tests:

Blood tests: The number of white blood cells, platelets and red blood cells may become low when lymphoma spreads to the bone marrow. Blood test results help determine how the liver and kidneys are functioning.

Lymph Node Biopsy: A procedure in which a portion of or an entire lymph node is surgically removed so it can be examined under a microscope to look for the presence of lymphoma cells. Occasionally, a needle biopsy may be sufficient to make a diagnosis. Other laboratory tests may be performed on the biopsy sample, including molecular genetic tests.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: A surgical procedure in which a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the hip bone to remove a small amount of liquid bone marrow so it can be analyzed under a microscope. This procedure is typically performed after lymphoma has been diagnosed to help determine if the disease has spread to the bone marrow.

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap test): A minimally invasive test that involves the removal of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, so it can be analyzed for the presence of lymphoma cells. This test is typically only performed for certain types of lymphoma or if the patient has symptoms that suggest the lymphoma may have reached the brain.

Chest X-ray: A chest x-ray is used to look for enlarged lymph nodes.

CT Scan: A CT scan of the body is used to detect enlarged lymph nodes or organs and abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis, chest, head and neck.

In some cases, CT scan may be used to guide a biopsy needle precisely into a suspicious area so that a tissue sample can be removed and examined under a microscope. This procedure is called a CT-guided needle biopsy.

PET Scan: A PET scan, which uses a small amount of radioactive material, can help show if an enlarged lymph node is cancerous and detect cancer cells throughout the body that may not be seen on a CT scan.

Some patients with lymphoma undergo PET scanning after receiving therapy to determine if the cancer is responding to treatment. A PET scan is combined with a CT or MRI scan to provide highly detailed views of the body.

Bone Scan: In a bone scan, a radioactive isotope called technetium-99m is injected into a vein and travels to damaged areas of bone. This test is typically performed if the patient is having bone pain or other tests suggest lymphoma has traveled to the bone.

MRI Scan: An MRI scan is helpful in detecting lymphoma that has spread to the spinal cord or brain. It can be helpful in other areas of the body as well, such as the head and neck area.

Abdominal Ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound may be used to examine enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the abdomen. Ultrasound is also used to image the abdominal organs and kidneys, which may be affected by enlarged lymph nodes.

Treatment of Lymphoma

The course of treatment depends on the type of lymphoma a patient has and the stage it has reached.

Indolent, or slow growing lymphoma may not need treatment. Watchful waiting may be enough to make sure the cancer does not spread.

If treatment is necessary, it may involve the following:

• Biologic therapy: This is a drug treatment that stimulates the immune system to attack the cancer. The drug achieves this by introducing living microorganisms into the body.
• Antibody therapy: A medical professional inserts synthetic antibodies into the bloodstream. These respond to the cancer‘s toxins.
• Chemotherapy: A healthcare team administers aggressive drug treatment to target and kill cancer cells.
• Radioimmunotherapy: This delivers high powered radioactive doses directly into cancerous B cells and T-cells to destroy them.
• Radiation therapy: A doctor may recommend this type of therapy to target and destroy small areas of cancer. Radiation therapy uses concentrated doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells.
• Stem cell transplantation: This can help restore damaged bone marrow following high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Steroids: A doctor may inject steroids to treat lymphoma.
• Surgery: A surgeon may remove the spleen or other organs after the lymphoma has spread. However, a cancer specialist, or oncologist, will more commonly request surgery to obtain a biopsy.

Risk Factors of Lymphoma

Various risk factors can increase the risk of all types of lymphomas.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes the following:

• Age: Most lymphomas occur in people aged 60 years and older. However, some types are more likely to develop in children and young adults.
• Autoimmune diseases: This type of disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and celiac disease.
• Breast implants: These can lead to anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the breast tissue.
• Body weight and diet: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) has suggested that overweight and obesity may have some involvement in the development of lymphoma. However, more research is necessary to confirm the link.
  
• Chemicals and radiation: Nuclear radiation and certain agricultural chemicals have links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Ethnicity and location: In the U.S., African American and Asian American people have a lower risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma than white people. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is more common in developed nations.
• Immunodeficiency: A person with a less active immune system has a higher risk. This may be due to anti-rejection medications following an organ transplant or HIV.
• Infection:: Certain viral and bacterial infections that transform lymphocytes, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), increase the risk. This virus causes glandular fever.
• Sex: Some types are more likely in women. Men have a higher risk of other types.

 

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma include the following:

• Age: People aged 20–30 years and those 55 years of age have a higher risk of lymphoma. 
• Family history: If a sibling has Hodgkin lymphoma, the risk is slightly higher. If the sibling is an identical twin, this risk increases significantly. 
• HIV infection: This can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of lymphoma.
• Infectious mononucleosis: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause mononucleosis. This disease increases the risk of lymphoma.
• Sex: Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly more common in males than female patients.

Prognosis of Lymphoma

A patients prognosis after a lymphoma diagnosis depends on the stage and type of lymphoma. Many types of lymphoma are treatable and highly curable.

Some types of lymphoma are also slow-growing, or indolent. In this case, doctors may choose not to treat because the prognosis, even with the lymphoma, is still good in the long term.

According to the ACS, the 5-year survival rate for stage 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 91 percent; for stage 4, it’s 81 percent.

For NHL, the ACS states the 5-year survival rate is 73 percent; the 10-year survival rate is 57 percent.

 

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in providing researchers with high quality, clinical grade, fully characterized human tissue samples, bio-specimens, and human bio-fluid collections.

Samples available include cancer (tumor) tissue, cancer serum, cancer plasma, cancer, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). and human tissue samples from most other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences maintains and manages its own biorepository, the human tissue bank (biobank) consisting of thousands of diseased samples (specimens) and from normal healthy donors available in all formats and types.

Our biobank procures and stores fully consented, deidentified and institutional review boards (IRB) approved human tissue samples and matched controls.

All our human tissue collections, human specimens and human bio-fluids are provided with detailed, samples associated patient’s clinical data.

This critical patient’s clinical data includes information relating to their past and current disease, treatment history, lifestyle choices, biomarkers, and genetic information.

Patient’s data is extremely valuable for researchers and is used to help identify new effective treatments (drug discovery & development) in oncology, and other therapeutic areas and diseases.

Bay Biosciences banks wide variety of human tissue samples and biological samples, including cryogenically preserved at – 80°C.

Including fresh frozen tissue samples, tumor tissue samples, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), tissue slides, with matching human bio-fluids, whole blood and blood-derived products such as serum, plasma and PBMC.

Bay Biosciences is a global leader in collecting and providing human tissue samples according to the specified requirements and customized, tailor-made collection protocols.

Please contact us anytime to discuss your special research projects and customized human tissue sample requirements.

Bay Biosciences provides human tissue samples (human specimens) from diseased and normal healthy donors which includes:

• Peripheral whole-blood
• Amniotic fluid
• Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL)
• Sputum
• Pleural effusion
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Serum (sera)
• Plasma
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
• Saliva
• Buffy coat
• Urine
• Stool samples
• Aqueous humor
• Vitreous humor
• Kidney stones (renal calculi)
• Other bodily fluids from most diseases including cancer.

We can also procure most human bio-specimens, special collections and requests for human samples that are difficult to find. All our human tissue samples are procured through IRB-approved clinical protocols and procedures.

In addition to the standard processing protocols, Bay Biosciences can also provide human plasma, serum, and PBMC bio-fluid samples using custom processing protocols; you buy donor-specific collections in higher volumes and specified sample aliquots from us.

Bay Biosciences also provides human samples from normal healthy donors; volunteers, for controls and clinical research, contact us Now.

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