Educators

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

  1. Describe the basic pathogenesis of NHL with respect to cytogenetic alterations involving the Bcl-2 and Myc oncogenes, and the t(14;18) translocation. 
  2. Describe the basic pathologic classification of NHL (the WHO classification). 
  3. Describe the predisposing factors to developing NHL, including infectious agents associated with development of specific lymphomas. 
  4. Compare and contrast the natural history and clinical features of follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  5. Describe treatment approach and expected outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma and in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  6. Name the common causes of generalized lymphadenopathy.
  7. Identify the types of lymphoma and treatment approach in people with AIDS.