Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine announced on Mar. 31 that they have identified genetic and molecular markers that may help predict which patients with follicular lymphoma are at risk for disease recurrence.
Follicular lymphoma is a type of blood cancer and a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. While advances in treatment have led to more than 80% of patients surviving over ten years, about 20% experience aggressive or quickly recurring forms of the disease.
Cherian Verghese, MD, MPH, associate professor at the Mizzou School of Medicine and hematologist-oncologist at MU Health Care, led the research team in analyzing data from relapsed follicular lymphoma patients between 2009 and 2023. The study found that specific genetic mutations may serve as more reliable predictors for relapse than traditional clinical indicators such as cancer stage or tumor grade. "These limitations include the use of less reliable clinical predictors of relapse, like cancer stage or tumor grade," Verghese said. "Specific genetic mutations within these cancers appear to be better in predicting relapse than these other predictors. It's possible that these mutations give exceptional survival advantages to certain cancer cells, making relapses happen."
The ability to identify patients who are likely to experience early relapse could improve outcomes by allowing doctors to tailor care while reducing unnecessary imaging tests for others with follicular lymphoma. This approach could also lower costs and save time for both patients and hospitals.
"Cancer is a devastating diagnosis. Patients will undergo what can feel like countless tests and scans, in addition to long courses of treatment," Verghese said. "Being able to determine who might relapse early can help us individualize cancer care to each person's needs, potentially reducing the number of tests needed while still prioritizing patient outcomes."
