Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Learning Objectives
Medical Importance
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a very common malignancy. In the US, there are approximately 56,000 new cases per year, with approximately 25,000 deaths. The incidence of NHL is increasing by 3-4 percent per year. There is effective chemotherapy for NHL, and new therapeutic targets are emerging.
Objectives
- Describe the basic pathogenesis of NHL with respect to cytogenetic alterations involving the Bcl-2 and Myc oncogenes, and the t(14;18) translocation.
- Describe the basic pathologic classification of NHL (the WHO classification).
- Describe the predisposing factors to developing NHL, including infectious agents associated with development of specific lymphomas.
- Compare and contrast the natural history and clinical features of follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Describe treatment approach and expected outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma and in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
- Name the common causes of generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Identify the types of lymphoma and treatment approach in people with AIDS.