Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Hodgkin lymphoma -- new characteristics discovered

Hodgkin lymphoma -- new characteristics discovered

October 09, 2008

Cytokines help tumor cells evade the immune system

Researchers are still discovering new characteristics of Hodgkin lymphoma, a common form of cancer of the lymphatic system. The malignant cells are derived from white blood cells (B cells), but have lost a considerable part of the B cell-specific gene expression pattern. The phenotype and the characteristics of Hodgkin lymphoma cells are therefore unique. Björn Lamprecht and Dr. Stephan Mathas (Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, MDC, Berlin-Buch and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany) have demonstrated the production of interleukin 21 (IL-21) in the tumor cells of Hodgkin lymphoma. IL-21, a signaling molecule (cytokine) of the immune system, promotes the growth of cancer cells and helps them evade immune system detection (Blood*, Vol. 112. N0. 8, 2008, 3339-3347).




Until now IL-21 was thought to be produced only by T cells, another group of immune cells. Blocking IL-21 production could lead to the development of new therapy strategies for Hodgkin lymphoma in the future, according to the researchers in Professor Bernd Dörken's laboratory, who collaborated with researchers at the University Tor Vergata, Rome (Italy).

It was not until 1994, some 160 years after Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) was first described by the British physician Thomas Hodgkin (1832), that - using molecular biological methods - scientists discovered that the disease originates from the white blood cells, the B cells. They noticed, however, that the malignant Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) exhibit a phenotype and characteristics that are considerably altered. Although HRS cells are derived from B cells, they have lost the expression of most of the B cell genes due to reprogramming.

The research hypothesis of the just-published paper was that the tumor cells, due to the loss of many B-cell specific genes, need alternative signaling pathways to maintain their malignant growth. As Dr. Mathas explained, "Reprogramming can provide the cells of Hodgkin ymphoma with this survival advantage." Hence, the researchers were searching for factors that normally do not originate from B cells. They found what they were looking for in the gene for the cytokine IL-21.

Different Functions of IL-21

It has only been a few years since IL-21 was discovered in T cells. The function of IL-21, however, varies greatly depending on the kind of cell. In some cell types IL-21 stimulates the body's protection program, which researchers call programmed cell death or apoptosis. Each cell contains this apoptosis program so that it will self-destruct when it is altered or defective. This prevents the defective cell from damaging the entire organism.

Thus, IL-21 stimulates the T cells of the immune system and, for instance, drives cells of the chronic-lymphatic leukemia of the B-cell type (B-CLL) to apoptosis. By contrast, in T-cell leukemias, IL-21 does just the opposite and stimulates malignant growth. For the first time, the researchers from Berlin and Rome were able to show that IL-21 is produced by lymphatic cells originally derived from B cells. IL-21 activates a specific signaling pathway (STAT3), thus up-regulating the expression of a group of specific genes in HRS cells which support the unchecked growth and survival of HRS cells.

IL-21 also activates a chemoattractant for cells which suppress the immune system

On top of that, according to further findings of the researchers, IL-21 activates a protein (MIP-3 alpha) in the HRS cells that attracts a group of T cells to the tumor which suppress the immune system. In the healthy organism, these regulatory T cells keep the immune system in check and prevent excessive immune responses.

In proximity to the HRS cells there are a large number of these regulatory T cells. Attracted by MIP-3-alpha, they can suppress an effective immune defense of the body against the HRS cells. The production of such chemoattractants could, according to the researchers, also be a cause for why Hodgkin lymphoma contains so few tumor cells. They comprise merely 0.1 to one percent of the tissue.

Animal experiments have shown that in immunological diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus, a disease accompanied by symptoms such as skin changes and inflammation of blood vessels and joints, these symptoms can be significantly improved if IL-21 is inhibited. "If we could block IL-21 or also MIP-3 alpha in human tumor cells," Dr. Mathas added, "this might be a new therapeutic approach for Hodgkin lymphoma." The present cure rate for the disease - also in its advanced stages - is 80 to 90 percent, particular when chemotherapy is used. However, these therapy regimens might have severe side ffects including the risk of therapy-induced secondary malignancies.

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres



Related Hodgkin Lymphoma Current Events and Hodgkin Lymphoma News Articles Hodgkin Lymphoma Current Events and Hodgkin Lymphoma News RSS Hodgkin Lymphoma Current Events and Hodgkin Lymphoma News RSS
Childhood cancer survivors experience suicidal thoughts decades after diagnosis
Adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, even decades after their cancer treatments ended, according to a study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists.

Experimental drug lets B cells live and lymphoma cells die
An investigative drug deprived non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells of their ability to survive too long and multiply too fast, according to an early study published recently in the journal Experimental Hematology.

Research identifies successful new treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, reduces long-term risks
New research led by Cindy Schwartz, MD, of Hasbro Children's Hospital has identified a new chemotherapy regimen for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients.

Anti-inflammatory drugs may defeat a treatment-resistant type of cancer
Effective drugs for treating a chemotherapy-resistant form of lymphoma might already be on the market according to a study that has pieced together a chemical pathway involved in the disease.

Two targeted therapies likely better than one in patients with aggressive lymphoma
When combined with a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs, two monoclonal antibodies, instead of one, appear to offer superior results in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, according to Mayo Clinic researchers working with the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG).

Do patients at risk for B-cell malignancy need antiviral treatment?
Some studies have shown that a relationship of hepatitis C (HCV) infection with type II mixed cryoglobulinemia exists. However the precise mechanism remains unclear.

Intense chemotherapy wards off recurrence in half of mantle cell lymphoma patients after seven years
More than half of younger mantle cell lymphoma patients who received an intensive regimen of chemotherapy as frontline treatment remain in remission seven years later, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report today at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.

New therapy prevents dangerous side effect for lymphoma patients
Patients respond well to a new three-drug combination for indolent B cell lymphoma that also spares them prolonged, potentially lethal, suppression of blood production in the bone marrow, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report today at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.

Novel treatments show improvements in survival and response rates for leukemia and lymphoma
The use of dexamethasone early in the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type of childhood cancer, may help reduce the risk of relapse.

Novel therapeutic approaches may improve patient outcomes in several platelet disorders
Four studies that highlight significant advances in treatment and survival outcomes for patients with various forms of thrombocytopenia, a group of bleeding disorders characterized by a low number of platelets in the blood.
More Hodgkin Lymphoma Current Events and Hodgkin Lymphoma News Articles
Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin Lymphoma
by Richard T Hoppe (Editor), Peter M Mauch (Editor), James O Armitage (Editor), Volker Diehl (Editor), Lawrence M Weiss (Editor)

The definitive text on Hodgkin lymphoma is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition. More than 100 recognized authorities from all parts of the world provide comprehensive, current information on every aspect of Hodgkin lymphoma, including etiology, epidemiology, biology, pathology, evaluation, staging, treatment, and follow-up. This edition describes the increased use of PET scanning in staging and follow-up. Chapters discuss current treatment options—including combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy, novel treatment techniques, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation—and offer guidelines for treatment selection. Full consideration is given to late effects of therapy and clinical trials for assessing quality of life in patients. This edition includes...

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
by James O Armitage (Editor), Peter M Mauch (Editor), Nancy Lee Harris (Editor), Bertrand Coiffier (Editor), Riccardo Dalla-Favera (Editor)

Thoroughly updated for its Second Edition, Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas is the definitive textbook on the biology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of all forms of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. With backgrounds in medical and radiation oncology, molecular biology, and pathology, the editors and contributors provide an international, multidisciplinary approach to the topic. This edition is the first text using the new World Health Organization classification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The book offers complete coverage of the most current techniques for diagnosis, staging, and treatment, the approach to specific types of lymphoma, and special problems common to the management of patients with these disorders. A companion Website includes the fully searchable text and downloadable images.

Beating Pregnancy and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Together Sweatshirt X-Large White

Beating Pregnancy and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Together Sweatshirt X-Large White
by Shop Zeus



Hodgkin Lymphoma Hardbound Textbook- Second Edition

Hodgkin Lymphoma Hardbound Textbook- Second Edition
by lippincott and williams

The definitive text on Hodgkin lymphoma is now in its thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition. More than 100 recognized authorities from all parts of the world provide comprehensive, current information on every aspect of Hodgkin lymphoma, including etiology, epidemiology, biology, pathology, evaluation, staging, treatment, and follow-up. This edition describes the increased use of PET scanning in staging and follow-up. Chapters discuss current treatment optionsincluding combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy, novel treatment techniques, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantationand offer guidelines for treatment selection. Full consideration is given to late effects of therapy and clinical trials for assessing quality of life in patients. This edition includes complete access...

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

Fight Against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Mug

Fight Against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Mug
by Design a Product LLC

Text on mug: Fight Against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
* Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface.
* If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us.
* Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug.

Victor Not Victim: My Battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Victor Not Victim: My Battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma
by Dr. Mark Gugliotti PT (Author)

Throughout his career in physical therapy Mark had been accustomed to helping others who depended on his expertise for their rehabilitative care. Imagine his surprise when he sought medical attention for a "nagging cough" and soon learned he had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Now, his diagnosis forced him to rely on other experts. Victor Not Victim is Mark's personal journey of his diagnosis, treatment, and eventual resolution. It's the inspirational story of a cancer survivor told from the point of view of a medical practitioner faced, as a lay person, with the challenge of surviving a devastating illness. In this book Mark attempts to provide a unique insight to his battle with cancer. His casual style is intended to capture the same conversational tone shared with other patients he met along the...

ABC News Nightline Life and Death: Episodes 1-4

ABC News Nightline Life and Death: Episodes 1-4

'Life and Death,'' chronicles the journey of four people facing life threatening illnesses, as they struggle with their families to battle despair and celebrate life.

EPISODE 1: FINDING A DONOR:

Stephen Dzemian is trying to find a live donor to risk his or her own life to save him.

EPISODE 2: A MOTHER'S ILLNESS:

Aimee Chamernik is dieing of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- the illness known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

EPISODE 3: FRANK'S STORY:

Frank O'Day who is battling Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

EPISODE 4: DIEING WITH DIGNITY: Glenn Elfman, who was diagnosed with cancer that is terminal, discusses physician-assisted suicide with his wife.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.

Fight Against Pregnancy and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Sweatshirt X-Large White

Fight Against Pregnancy and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Sweatshirt X-Large White
by Shop Zeus



Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: A Self-Study Program

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: A Self-Study Program
by Peter M Mauch (Editor), James O Armitage (Editor), Nancy Lee Harris (Editor), Riccardo Dalla-Favera (Editor), Bertrand Coiffier (Editor)

Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Provides information on the biology, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of all forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. Each disease includes coverage on the clinical evaluation and selection of treatment. Abundant color illustrations. For physicians and residents. DNLM: Lymphomas, non-Hodgkin's.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com