Expression of immunoregulatory proteins in cHL and EBVMCU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Expression profiles of key immunoregulatory proteins in immunosuppression associated EBV positive lymphoproliferative disorders with classical Hodgkin-like features
IRAS ID
253617
Contact name
Matthew Pugh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) is blood cancer which typically affects young adults. The cancer has a very typical appearance on microscopy, comprising large tumour cells (Reed-Sternberg cells) in a milieu of various inflammatory cells. Whilst the majority of cHL will be cured, treatment comprises toxic chemotherapeutic regimens which can cause long term health problems. Accurate diagnosis is therefore imperative to avoid over- or under-treatment. There exist both benign and aggressive entities which can mimic cHL on microscopic examination, thereby, potentially causing diagnostic confusion. These entities include EBV+ mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) and EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It is noteworthy that despite the overlap in microscopic appearance between these entities, they behave very differently. EBVMCU is a benign, localised disease seen in the context of immunosuppression. In contrast, EBV+ DLBCL is an aggressive blood cancer with a poor prognosis.
The aim of this study is to determine if there are marked differences in the inflammatory milieu, and the molecules that control the inflammatory milieu. between these three entities. This will potentially yield novel means by which we can differentiate these disparate diseases which can sometimes cause confusion on diagnostic microscopy. Furthermore, the study could yield potential therapeutic targets. Importantly, we will gain an insight into the role of the inflammatory milieu and how this, if at all, affects the behaviour of these diseases.
In order to achieve this, we will use a technique called immunohistochemistry in which antibodies are directed against specific molecules, allowing us to detect the presence and location of the molecules in the tissue. Applying multiple antibodies to sections of tumour will enable us to visualise the spatial relationships and interactions of the various inflammatory and tumour cells.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0494
Date of REC Opinion
20 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion