Shaoying Li

Title : High grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC, BCL2 w/wo BCL6 rearrangements

Abstract:

High grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 with or without BCL6 rearrangements is also called double/triple hit lymphoma (DHL). MYC and BCL6 rearrangements, the previous MYC and BCL6 DHL has been excluded from this category in the 5^th WHO classification. In the past few years, numerous case series of MYC/BCL2 DHL have been reported in the literature. Most cases of MYC/BCL2 DHL morphologically resemble diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or high grade B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (previous name in 2008 WHO: B cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma).  These tumors have a germinal center B-cell immunophenotype but an aggressive clinical course characterized by a high proliferation rate, advanced-stage disease, extranodal involvement, high International Prognostic Index score and high serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. All tumors have a complex karyotype. Despite a variety of therapeutic approaches that have been used to date, patients with DHL have a poor prognosis. Here we will discuss the clinicopathologic, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, and prognostic features of DHL and some remaining issues.

Biography:

Shaoying Li is an associate professor in the Department of Hematopathology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and Hematology. In addition to clinical responsibilities on Lymphoma, leukemia, and flow cytometry services, Dr. Li has been actively participating in multiple research projects in lymphoma and leukemia, which has led to over 150 research papers and multiple book chapters. Her major research interests include molecular cytogenetic risk stratification of DLBCL with a focus on “double hit” lymphoma and clinicopathologic and molecular study of mantle cell lymphoma.