Bay Biosciences provides FFPE tumor issue samples with matching serum, plasma samples from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma patients with detailed associated clinical annotations to a pharmaceutical customer for research.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Overview

The two main types of lymphoma’s are Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s. Specifically, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) consists of a group of blood cancers that start in certain types of white blood cells. In particular,** NHL begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.

Moreover, in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow abnormally and can form tumors throughout the body. Furthermore, many subtypes fall under the category of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

For instance, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma are among the most common subtypes. On the other hand, the other general category of lymphoma is Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

According to the ACS, researchers identify non-Hodgkin lymphoma as one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, with this type of cancer making up around 4% of all cancer cases in the country.

In addition, doctors note that it can develop at any age and commonly affects children and young adults. However, they find that the risk increases as a person ages, and they diagnose more than half of those with the disease at 65 or older.

Moreover, epidemiologists observe that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in males, as about 1 in 42 men develop it, while about 1 in 54 females.

Lymphomas are cancers that start in white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells, in fact, belong to the lymphatic system, which forms part of the immune system.

Moreover, the lymphatic system not only contributes to the fight against infections and diseases but also helps fluids, including blood, move around the body.

Furthermore, lymphoma can develop in any area of the body that contains lymph tissue, including the following:

  • For instance, lymph nodes exist throughout the body, in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
  • Additionally, the spleen creates lymphocytes and other immune cells.
  • Importantly, bone marrow forms new blood cells.
  • Similarly, the thymus, a gland in the upper chest, plays a role in developing lymphocytes.
  • Likewise, adenoids and tonsils fight against infection in the back of the throat.
  • Finally, some areas of the digestive tract contain lymph tissues.

Without treatment, consequently, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can spread throughout the body. As a result, the blood transports cancerous white blood cells to distant areas.

Types of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

There are several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, they fall into two main groups, based on whether the affected white blood cells are B cells or T cells. In addition, a less common type is NK-cell lymphoma. Less than 1% of patients with lymphoma have NK-cell lymphoma.

In fact, researchers also classify lymphoma based on how fast they grow. Any type can be slow-growing (indolent) or fast-growing (aggressive).

B-Cell Types

Several types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma exist. Specifically, the classification system groups them into two main categories, depending on whether the affected white blood cells are B cells or T cells. Additionally, NK-cell lymphoma is a less common type. In fact, less than 1% of patients with lymphoma have NK-cell lymphoma.

Moreover, researchers classify lymphoma based on how fast it grows. Consequently, any type can grow slowly (indolent) or grow quickly (aggressive).

According to the Cancer Support Community, medical professionals identify around 85% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases in the U.S. as starting in B cells. Furthermore, below are the two most common types.

In addition, less common types of B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include the following:

  • Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue lymphoma
  • Small cell lymphocytic lymphoma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Intravascular large B cell lymphoma
  • Mantle cell lymphoma
  • Burkitt’s lymphoma
  • Hairy cell leukemia
  • Primary central nervous system lymphoma
  • Mediastinal (thymic) large B cell lymphoma
  • Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
  • Nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma
  • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
  • Extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma
  • Primary effusion lymphoma

Sub-Types of B-Cell lymphoma

The most common subtypes of B-cell lymphoma include:

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

This type accounts for around 1 in 3 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. **In addition**, it usually presents as a lump in a lymph node.

Furthermore, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma sometimes develops in the intestine, bone, brain, or spinal cord. Moreover, it grows quickly but usually responds well to treatment.

Next, we have Follicular Lymphoma.

This type represents almost 20% of lymphomas in the U.S. and originates in the lymph nodes and bone marrow.

Although follicular lymphoma typically grows slowly and responds to treatment, doctors find it difficult to cure, and consequently, it may come back.

Additionally, let’s discuss Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma affects about 5% to 7% of patients with NHL. Specifically, it most often occurs in patients older than 60 and is much more common in men than in women. In particular, it usually involves the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, and gastrointestinal system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Furthermore, we have Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma.

This type of lymphoma is the same disease as B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but lacks a significant amount of disease circulating in the blood. Notably, about 5% of people with NHL have this subtype, which doctors consider an indolent lymphoma.

Moreover, Double Hit/Triple-Hit Lymphoma

Double Hit/Triple Hit Lymphoma represents a highly aggressive subtype of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), which accounts for about 5% of these cases. Furthermore, rarely, low-grade follicular lymphoma may also transform into double hit lymphoma.

In addition, changes in the MYC gene and in either the BCL2 or BCL6 gene occur in double hit lymphomas.

Additionally, Primary Mediastinal large B-cell Lymphoma

Moreover, Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma is another aggressive form of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) that manifests as a large mass in the central chest. As a result, the mass may obstruct breathing or lead to superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome syndrome, a collection of symptoms that results from the partial blockage or compression of the superior vena cava.

Specifically, the major vein that carries blood to the heart from the head, neck, upper chest, and arms is the superior vena cava. Notably, women between 30 and 40 years old commonly develop mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. In fact, about 2.5% of patients with NHL possess this subtype.

Moreover, Splenic Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma

Splenic Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma occurs in the spleen and usually involves the bone marrow and the blood. Furthermore, it typically grows slowly.

Furthermore, Extranodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of MALT

Extranodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of MALT usually localizes at diagnosis. In particular, it most commonly appears in the stomach; **however**, it may also appear in the lung, skin, thyroid, salivary gland, orbit adjacent to the eye, or in the bowel.

Therefore, patients with this type of lymphoma sometimes have a history of autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome. When MALT occurs in the stomach, it is sometimes caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.

Moreover, Nodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma

Moreover, this rare type of indolent lymphoma affects the lymph nodes. Specifically, about 1% of patients with lymphoma have this subtype.

Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma

In addition, this is an indolent form of lymphoma, and 1% of patients with NHL have this subtype. Notably, this form of lymphoma often affects the bone marrow, sometimes the lymph nodes, and the spleen. Consequently, in most patients, this type of lymphoma produces an immunoglobulin (IgM antibody) protein, called an “M protein,” that researchers find in the blood.

Interestingly, doctors refer to lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma as Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM). As a result, patients with WM sometimes experience elevated serum viscosity, or “thickened” blood, which may cause symptoms such as headache, blurry vision, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Furthermore, researchers detect changes in the MYD88 gene in more than 90% of cases of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and WM.

Finally, Burkitt Lymphoma/Burkitt cell leukemia

Burkitt lymphoma/Burkitt cell leukemia is a very rare and aggressive form of lymphoma. **Specifically**, researchers identify three types of Burkitt lymphoma: 

  • Endemic
  • Sporadic
  • Immunodeficiency-related lymphoma

In particular, in the United States, doctors sometimes find Burkitt lymphoma with a mass in the abdomen; however, it can affect many other parts of the body. Furthermore, because this type of lymphoma spreads quickly, doctors need to provide immediate treatment. 

Notably, genetic changes on chromosome 8 involving the MYC gene characterize this subtype, which contributes to rapid cancer growth.

T-Cell Types

In addition, the Cancer Support Community reports that fewer than 15% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases in the United States are accounted for by T cell types, which include the following subtypes:

  • Firstly, Peripheral T cell lymphoma: This type, also known as generic T cell lymphoma, is the most common among T cell lymphomas, with a range of further subtypes.
  • Secondly, Cutaneous T cell lymphoma: This type primarily affects the skin; moreover, it can also affect the blood, lymph nodes, and internal organs.

Additionally, other types of lymphoma that affect the T cells include:

  • Anaplastic Large-Cell lymphoma
  • Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell lymphoma

Sub Types of T-Cell and NK-Cell Lymphoma

The most common subtypes of T-cell and NK-cell lymphoma include:

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Firstly, Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Type

This subtype of lymphoma only involves the skin. Consequently, it often remains indolent; however, aggressive subtypes of the disease can occur.

Secondly, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, Systemic Type

This aggressive form of lymphoma accounts for about 2% of all lymphomas and, importantly, about 10% of all childhood lymphomas. Moreover, some patients with this subtype exhibit genetic changes.

Specifically, patients with cancer cells that have changes in ALK, called ALK-positive, often experience a better prognosis than those without this change, called ALK-negative.

Thirdly, Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

In addition, Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma arises in tissue near breast implants, and researchers have recently recognized this relatively new subtype. Typically, it is usually less aggressive than the systemic type of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Additionally, Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

On the other hand, Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) is an aggressive form of lymphoma that doctors often find in advanced stages. **Furthermore**, this type of lymphoma predominantly occurs in patients older than 60 and comprises about 6% of all lymphomas in the United States and Europe.

Finally, the size of the cells in this lymphoma varies, **and** they express certain types of proteins called CD4 or CD8, on their surface.

Moreover, Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma

This is an aggressive form of lymphoma with specific symptoms:

Moreover, patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphoma have a lowered immune system function, consequently, infections are also common.

Adult T-cell Lymphoma/Leukemia (human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-I Positive)

A virus called the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I causes this type of lymphoma. Consequently, this aggressive disease often affects the bone and skin. Furthermore, doctors often find lymphoma cells in the blood, which is why they sometimes also call this condition leukemia.

Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymhoma, Nasal Type

In addition, this aggressive type of lymphoma is very rare in the United States and Europe in general; however, it is more common in Asian and Hispanic communities.

Moreover, it can occur in children or adults, most often affecting the nasal area and sinuses. Additionally, it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma

On the other hand, this type of lymphoma rarely affects people in the United States; however, it occurs more frequently in Europe. Specifically, it aggressively attacks the intestines as a form of T-cell lymphoma. In fact, some individuals with this subtype have celiac disease or a history of gluten intolerance.

Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma

Lastly, this aggressive form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma attacks the liver and spleen. Notably, it occurs more often in males and affects teenagers and young adults more frequently, with a median age at diagnosis of 35 years.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is a form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma that resembles hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Specifically, the tissue under the skin is affected by the disease, which often gets a first diagnosis of panniculitis, characterized by inflammation of fatty tissues.

Mycosis Fungoides

In contrast, Mycosis Fungoides is a rare T-cell lymphoma that primarily affects the skin, presenting either in patches or with diffuse redness. Moreover, this lymphoma typically has a long and indolent course; however, it can become more aggressive and spread to lymph nodes or internal organs.

Signs and Symptoms of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

The specific type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and its location in the body often determine the symptoms.

Some people do not experience symptoms before the cancer advances.

The common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

  • A swollen belly
  • Bruising easily
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Excessive sweating specially at night
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling full after eating very little
  • Frequent infections
  • Loss of appetite
  • Painless swelling of lymph nodes
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained weight loss

A patient with a B-cell type may also have a fever that comes and goes and severe night sweats.

Symptoms 

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma tends to cause symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes, dry skin, itching, and a red rash.

Examples of symptoms related to a specific tumor location include, for instance:

  • A tumor in the abdomen can stretch the belly or, alternatively, cause pain in the back or abdomen
  • Moreover, an enlarged spleen may cause back pain and create a feeling that the stomach is full.
  • Additionally, a tumor in the groin may swell the legs
  • Furthermore, a tumor in the underarms may swell the arms.
  • If, on the other hand, the lymphoma spreads to the brain, it may produce symptoms similar to those of stroke
  • In addition, a tumor in the center of the chest may press on the trachea and cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), and other respiratory problems.

Causes of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

In contrast, most lymphomas do not associate with any known risk factors. However, some factors that can increase your risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

  • First, age; specifically, most non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases occur in adults over the age of 60.
  • Second, certain infections, such as Human T-lymphoma virus-1, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus-8, may also contribute.  
  • Additionally, immune system deficiency occurs when the immune system weakens in patients with HIV or those taking immunosuppressants or suffering from autoimmune diseases.

Nevertheless, in the vast majority of individual cases, researchers cannot identify a specific cause. Ultimately, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma does not infect partners or anyone else.

Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Doctors use a biopsy to diagnose non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by taking a sample of cells using a small needle. Subsequently, a pathologist examines this sample under a microscope to check for signs of the condition.

Staging

Once diagnosing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the doctor performs a number of tests to see how far the cancer has progressed. This process is known as staging.

Specifically, staging may involve imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.

In addition, the healthcare team may also perform blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, or heart and lung function tests. Notably, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma consists of four stages. Doctors classify stage-1 as the least advanced, while they classify stage-4 as the most advanced.

Further Tests

If your biopsy results indicate non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may undergo further tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. For instance, doctors may include additional tests such as:

  • Blood tests to check you liver and kidney function (there is no direct blood test for lymphoma) 
  • Bone marrow biopsy 
  • Imaging tests such as CT scan, PET and MRI scans and ultrasound 
  • Lumbar puncture also known as spinal tap

Ultimately, the two important questions when a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is made are:

  • Firstly, what exact subtype is it (as treatment varies)
  • Secondly, How far has it spread in the body (stage)

Treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

The four main types of treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are as follows:

1. Chemotherapy
2. Immunotherapy
3. Radiation therapy
4. Targeted cell therapies

In addition, doctors often recommend that patients combine treatments; however, the best combination depends on several factors, including the following:

  • The type and stage of the lymphoma
  • Moreover, the patient’s overall health and fitness levels

Risk Factors of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Furthermore, researchers have identified several factors that can affect a person’s chance of getting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Notably, many types of lymphoma exist, and some of these factors only link to certain types.

Specifically, the risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include the following:

  • Autoimmune diseases
  •  Age: being older, as most patients who receive the diagnosis are 60s or older.
  • Body weight: Being over weight and having an unhealthy diet
  • Breast implants
  • Certain infections
  • Family History:
  • Exposure to certain chemicals and drugs
  • Gender: The risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is higher in men than in women , however, there are certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that are more common in women. The reasons for this are unknown.
  • Having weakened immune system 
  • Race
  • Radiation exposure
  • Ethnicity
  • Geography.

In addition following conditions can increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL):

  • Bacterial infections, such as with Helicobacter pylori
  • Viral infections, such as with the Epstein-Barr virus
  • Having an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Individuals who have received an organ transplant
  • Patients who had cancer treatment
  • Having an immunodeficiency disorder, such as AIDS

Outlook of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

The term “5-year survival rate” indicates the percentage of people who live for at least 5 years after receiving a diagnosis.

The overall 5-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 70%. However, it is important to remember that this figure is based on averages.

Moreover, a person’s outlook depends on the type and stage of the cancer, among other factors. Consequently, a doctor can provide more detailed information based on factors specific to each patient.

Biospecimens

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

Specifically, aamples 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.

Moreover, 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.

In fact, our biobank procures and stores fully consented, de-identified and institutional review boards (IRB) approved human tissue samples and matched controls.

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

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

Moreover, 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.

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

For example 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.

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

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

Types of Biospecimens

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

Customized Collections

Moreover, we can also procure most human bio-specimens, furthermore; we offer 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. Additionally you buy donor-specific collections in higher volumes and specified sample aliquots from us.

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

 

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