Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Microscopy image of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, showing characteristic cell morphology.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system. It is known for being aggressive, or fast-growing, and is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. DLBCL typically manifests as rapidly enlarging tumors in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of DLBCL include:

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Subtypes of DLBCL

DLBCL can be classified into several subtypes based on genetic, molecular, and clinical features, including:

• Germinal Center B-cell-like (GCB)
• Activated B-cell-like (ABC)
• Primary Mediastinal B-cell lymphoma
• Others, as identified through advanced molecular and genetic testing

Diagnosis

Diagnosing DLBCL involves:

• Physical examination, particularly of the lymph nodes
• Laboratory tests including complete blood count (CBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels
• Imaging studies such as CT scans and PET scans
• Biopsy of the lymph node or other affected tissues

Treatment

Treatment for DLBCL generally includes:

• Chemotherapy, often combined with the monoclonal antibody Rituximab
• In some cases, Radiation therapy may be used
• Advanced cases may require bone marrow or stem cell transplantation

Prognosis

The prognosis for DLBCL varies based on factors such as:

• Age and overall health of the patient
• Stage of the lymphoma at diagnosis
• Response to initial treatment
• Specific subtype of DLBCL

Ongoing Research

Research into DLBCL is focused on:

• Developing targeted therapies
• Improving the effectiveness of current treatments
• Understanding the genetic and molecular basis of the disease

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