Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a type of blood cancer and a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thanks to new breakthroughs in treatment, about 80% of FL patients have a survival rate of more than 10 years. The other 20%, however, experience a rapidly recurring or more aggressive version.
Researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine may have found a way to identify patients at risk of relapse without the need for imaging and follow-up tests.
We found over 10 genetic or molecular markers unique to patients whose FL cancer relapsed early. These biomarkers are usually genetic mutations, and our data suggest that they can be detected as early as the time of diagnosis.”
Cherian Verghese, author of the study
Verghese and his team looked at genetic and molecular data from patients with FL over a 14-year time period, from 2009 to 2023. Some of the markers have been used in previous prognostic models that also tried to identify patients in the population at risk, but many of those models had limitations.
“These limitations include the use of less reliable clinical predictors of recurrence, such as cancer stage or tumor grade,” Verghese said. “Specific genetic mutations in these cancers appear to be better at predicting recurrence than these other prognostic factors. It is possible that these mutations confer extraordinary survival advantages on certain cancer cells, causing them to relapse.”
Being able to identify patients prone to early relapse may improve their outcomes and reduce over-imaging for other FL patients. As a result, this can reduce costs and save time for both the patient and the hospital.
“Cancer is a devastating diagnosis. Patients will undergo countless tests and scans, in addition to long-term treatments,” Verghese said. “Being able to identify who may relapse early can help us tailor cancer care to each individual’s needs, potentially reducing the number of tests needed while prioritizing patient outcomes.”
Cherian Verghese, MD, MPH is an associate professor of medicine at Mizzou School of Medicine and a hematologist-oncologist at MU Health Care. He is also the Charles R. and Veta G. Claiborn Distinguished Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research.
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