Biomarker identification in lymphoproliferative disorders

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The identification of clinically relevant biomarkers in lymphoproliferative disorders\n\n

• IRAS ID

  130028

• Contact name

  S Kassam

• Contact email

  shireen.kassam@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

• Research summary

  At present, patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are all treated in a similar way, depending on the particular subtype. However, we know that some patients respond less well to treatment than others and some will relapse. Currently, there is no specific way to identify these patients early in the course of treatment. This study aims to identify methods for determining early response to treatment and predicting relapse in patients with NHL.
  The study will use two methods. The first is laboratory-based. Genetic abnormalities will be identified in lymph node biopsies that are specific to each patient’s lymphoma. Patient-specific assays will then be designed to allow detection of these genetic abnormalities in DNA extracted from blood. The level of abnormal DNA will be quantified at various time-points and compared to conventional ways for monitoring treatment response. Following treatment, these patient-specific assays will be used to identify patients that will relapse.
  The second method will be a specific type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) called diffuse-weighted MRI (DW-MRI). This has the advantage over computerised tomography (CT) scanning of not requiring exposure to radiation. A DW-MRI scan will be performed prior to, early during and at the end of treatment. Results will be compared with conventional radiation-based imaging techniques to determine whether DW-MRI is better at showing early response to treatment. The hope is that if patients who are not responding to treatment can be identified early, then futile treatments can be discontinued and alternate ones initiated. In addition, if patients destined to relapse can be identified then additional treatment strategies may be able to prevent relapse.

• REC name

  London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/LO/1315

• Date of REC Opinion

  14 Nov 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion