Research Projects

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematological cancer in India, with an estimated incidence rate of 1.5-3/100,000 new cases. NHL is classified into numerous subtypes based on morphology, immunophenotype, and the presence of key recurrent chromosomal translocations. The most common type is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), with a highly variable clinical outcome. Modern treatment, combining anti-CD20 antibody rituximab with chemotherapy and radiation, now cures 40-60% of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. However, such cure rates have not been achieved in India, possibly due to inaccurate diagnosis or suboptimal treatment. In recent years, next-generation sequencing has led to the development of specific types of aggressive lymphomas with poor outcomes despite the best available therapy. Within the 2016 WHO classification, specific lymphoma subtypes are at high risk of progression or relapse: Activated B-cell-like (ABC) subtype of DLBCL, High grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements (HGBL-DH), and High grade B-cell lymphoma - not other specified (HGBL-NOS). As patients experiencing progressive disease or relapse have dismal outcomes, it is crucial to recognize patients at high risk of relapse at the time of diagnosis and improve their upfront treatment. Gene expression profiles (GEP) have shown numerous markers of biological or prognostic significance in DLBCL. The project aims to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma, focusing on HBGL NOS subtypes, by unraveling the biology of these specific lymphoma entities, improving diagnostic and prognostic assays, and identifying common pathway perturbations and tumor vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted.

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