Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, SWITZERLAND
Liquid biopsy of Hodgkin lymphoma
Host: D. Efremov
Abstract
We studied on classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) using advanced methods to analyse circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), offering insights into its genetic landscape and linking it to disease pathophysiology and clinical progression. Key findings include the identification of whole genome duplication as a predictor of poor chemotherapy response. Additionally, a highly recurrent somatic expression quantitative trait locus of the BCL6 gene was discovered, implicating regulatory mutations in cHL pathophysiology and highlighting BCL6 as both a vulnerability and therapeutic target. Consensus clustering identified two cHL subtypes distinguished by the underlying mechanisms of genetic instability, rather than by specific genetic mutations or EBV infection. The study also linked the number and clonality of neoantigens with tumour microenvironment and response to checkpoint blockade. Finally, our results suggested ctDNA analysis as a tool to distinguish ambiguous PET/CT-positive lesions persisting after treatment, aiming to reduce unnecessary medical interventions.
International Seminar Programme
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