Biology and treatment of Burkittʼs lymphoma

Abstract

Burkitt's lymphoma is an interesting mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that has numerous distinct features and clinical variants depending on factors such as geographical location, immunological status and patient's age. Although the role of the MYC oncogene has been well studied, we are only now appreciating the defining molecular characteristics of this disease, and using these advances to improve treatment options for patients.

Oncogenic Mechanisms in Burkitt Lymphoma

“…Using intensive chemotherapy regimens, BL is often curable (Yustein and Dang 2007). However, the rigors of these BL regimens are often not tolerated by older individuals.…”

E2F4 plays a key role in Burkitt lymphoma tumorigenesis

“…Intensive combination chemotherapy is the primary treatment for BL together with intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy for CNS (central nervous system) prophylaxis, due to high risk of CNS involvement. 3 Radiation therapy is limited to the treatment of overt CNS disease unresponsive to chemotherapy and in certain emergencies. 3 Unfortunately, the toxicities reported from these intensive therapies are significant, including neurotoxicities from intrathecal therapy, hematologic toxicity, severe mucositis, cardiac disease and infertility.…”

Burkitt’s Lymphoma Presenting as a Maxillary Swelling in a HIV-Negative Adult

“…Ima specifične morfološke i imunofenotipske značajke i visok stupanj proliferacije, a na molekularnoj razini pojavljuje se kromosomska translokacija na onkogenu MYC (7,8).…”

“…Imunodeficijentni pacijenti, posebice oni s AIDS-om i ljudi s presađenim srcima ili bubrezima, podložniji su razvoju BL-a. U našem slučaju pacijent je bio HIV-negativan (8,9).…”

“…Discussion BL, originally described in East Africa, is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin´s B-cell lymphoma. It is characterized by specific morphologic and immunophenotypic features, a high proliferation rate, and at the molecular level, a chromosomal translocation involving the MYC oncogene (7,8).…”