B-cell lymphoma FISH testing

Our approach to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing is designed to simplify the ordering process by providing diagnostic panels that include all appropriate genes. FISH testing allows for the detection of abnormal genes associated with various chromosome translocations and inversions in B-cell lymphoma.

Key testing

• BLPMF | B-Cell Lymphoma, Specified FISH
  • Probe set(s) performed are based on concurrent flow cytometry results (if available), reason for referral, or what is specified upon ordering.
• BLYM | B-Cell Lymphoma, FISH, Tissue
  • Detecting a neoplastic clone associated with the common chromosome abnormalities seen in patients with various B-cell lymphomas.

Additional testing

• CD273 | CD273 (PD-L2) Immunostain, Technical Component Only
• MALI | MAL Immunostain, Technical Component Only
  • Can help facilitate diagnosis of PMBL.
• PATHC | Pathology Consultation
  • In addition to an extensive IHC and thoughtfully crafted FISH testing, Mayo Clinic’s hematopathology team has extensive experience with B-cell neoplasms and frequently provides consultations for clients around the globe.

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B-cell lymphoma gene expression and classification

Laboratory testing to establish PMBL diagnosis is important to selecting the best treatment. However, accurate identification using traditional tissue immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be difficult due to the challenge of obtaining adequate tissue from difficult biopsy locations, such as the mediastinal area, and the lack of specific immunophenotype. Histologic features are often ambiguous due to cell distortion from crushed biopsies and subtle differences between PMBL and DLBCL samples. To further confound diagnosis, although PMBL occurs primarily in the mediastinum, it has been reported to occur outside the mediastinum while occurrences of DLBCL have been reported within the mediastinum.

The Lymph3Cx test (Mayo ID: PM3CX) is a qualitative gene expression assay performed on RNA extracted from a biopsied tissue sample with a tumor cell content deemed adequate by pathological evaluation. The assay then measures the expression levels of a panel of genes related to lymphoma biology. Finally, the expression levels are analyzed using a mathematical algorithm to determine the likelihood that the tumor is PMBL or DLBCL with a high degree of confidence when the remaining clinical and pathological factors are considered.

Key testing

• PM3CX | Lymph3Cx Assay, Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, mRNA Gene Expression, NanoString, Tissue

Advantages

• First-in-class molecular evaluation to differentiate PMBL from DLBCL.
• Aids in determining a final PMBL diagnosis versus a DLBCL diagnosis and cell-of-origin (COO) for DLBCL cases.
• Provides increased sensitivity for the distinction of lymphoma subtype compared to IHC alone.
• Analyzes gene expression without an enzymatic cDNA synthesis step, resulting in increased tolerance of degraded RNA and inhibitors associated with the formalin fixation process, which can adversely affect enzymatic reactions.
• Differentiates between PMBL and DLBCL with high confidence.
  • Cases with at least 90% probability of being PMBL are called PMBL.
  • Cases with less than 10% probability of being PMBL are reported as DLBCL.
  • Cases that do not reach 90% probability of either PMBL or DLBCL are reported as unclear (UNC).
  • When determined to be DLBCL, the COO is also reported with equally high confidence: germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and a third, unclassifiable (UNC) category.
    • Cases with at least 90% probability of being ABC are called ABC.
    • Cases with less than 10% probability of being ABC are reported as GCB.
    • Cases that do not reach 90% probability of being either ABC or GCB are reported as UNC.
• NOTE: This test is designed to be used on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens confirmed to be large B-cell lymphoma with at least 60% tumor content. Other sample types may produce unexpected or inaccurate results. 

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B-cell lymphoma next-generation sequencing

Molecular profiling of B-cell lymphoma is an evolving approach that allows for detailed characterization of the disease. When deemed clinically necessary, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can supplement standard-of-care morphology, phenotyping, and FISH testing to refine a diagnosis. The genes on our panels were expertly selected for their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value and provide patient-specific insights across a wide range of B-cell neoplasms.

Key testing

• NGBCL | MayoComplete B-Cell Lymphoma, Next-Generation Sequencing, Varies
  • Comprehensive panel analyzes and identifies somatic alterations in 46 genes and select intronic regions of genes commonly mutated across a range of mature B-cell neoplasms, including chronic or low-grade B-cell lymphomas and aggressive B-cell lymphomas (such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or Burkitt’s lymphoma).
  • Assists in characterizing the lymphoma subtype, providing differential diagnosis, and identifying potential targeted therapies.
    • Especially useful for identifying high-risk mutations, such as TP53 and MYD88 in large B-cell lymphoma and cell of origin.
  • Provides insights into mutation patterns that can help clarify a diagnosis in instances of atypical presentation and establish whether a lymphoid proliferation is neoplastic or reactive.
• NGCLN | MayoComplete Chronic Lymphoid Neoplasms, Next-Generation Sequencing, Varies
  • Evaluates a 25-gene subset and select intronic regions of genes included on the NGBCL panel, with a focus on chronic or low-grade B-cell neoplasms such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and marginal zone lymphoma.
  • Provides important prognostic information to facilitate risk stratification in CLL and other low-grade B-cell neoplasms.
  • Profiles key therapeutic targets such as the BTK and BCL2 genes in CLL and EZH2 in FL to evaluate for therapy-resistant mutations.
  • Test results can facilitate access to U.S. FDA-approved therapies (BTK/BCL2 inhibitors and EZH2 inhibitors).