Resources |
Topic Searches | Clinical Trials |
Research News
Peripheral
T-cell lymphomas describes a diverse group of blood cancers that
originate from T-cells, which may be at various stages of
development. These lymphomas usually presents at diagnosis in
stage III or IV, and often has an aggressive clinical course
requiring prompt
treatment. As with all lymphomas the molecular characteristics
of the cells, and the stage of development are variable and therefore
clinical course can be unique. (See About
Lymphoma, simplified.)
Gene expression profiling identifies molecular subgroups among
nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Oncogene. 2006 Mar
9;25(10):1560-70. PMID:
16288225
Incidence:
More
frequent in adults than children. Low incidence - approximately 15-20%
of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Uncommon in North America. Peripheral
T-Cell Lymphoma Unspecified is the most common group. Also see
specific variants (subtypes), below.
Staging: Staging
refers to the how widespread the disease is. Imaging
tests (CT MRI, PET, Gallium).
See Staging for
more detail.
Diagnosis
requires analysis of tissue sample using a variety of tests
to identify the cell type. T-cell markers will "express CD4
or CD8, but not both." 1
Prognosis:
Each lymphoma is unique and the prognosis can depend on many clinical
factors, including the unique molecular and biological characteristics
of the tumor, the patient's age, general health and immune status,
areas of involvement, how widespread the disease is at diagnosis
(stage), and if so-called b-symptoms are
present.
Also see Prognostic
Markers for articles on biomarkers that may predict
risk of disease
Treatment:
Combination chemotherapy, such as CHOP. For investigational
approaches, see below.
