V Gene Mutations In B Cell Malignancies

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Adv Cancer Res 2001;83:81-116

The occurrence and significance of V gene mutations in

B cell-derived human malignancy.

son FK, Sahota SS, Ottensmeier CH, Zhu D,

Forconi F, Hamblin TJ.

Tenovus Laboratory, Southampton University Hospitals

Trust, United Kingdom.

The classification of B cell tumors has relevance for

refining and improving clinical strategies. However,

consensus has been difficult to establish, and

although a scheme is now available, objective criteria

are desirable. Genetic technology will underpin and

extend current knowledge, and it is certain to reveal

further subdivisions of current tumor categories. The

Ig variable region genes of B cell tumors present a

considerable asset for this area of investigation. The

unique sequences carried in neoplastic B cells are

easily isolated and sequenced. In addition to acting

as clone-specific markers of each tumor, they indicate

where the cell has come from and track its history

following transformation. There is emerging clinical

value in knowing whether the cell of origin has

encountered antigen and has moved from the naive

compartment to the germinal center, where somatic

mutation is activated. This is amply illustrated by

the subdivision of chronic lymphocytic leukemia into

two subsets, unmutated or mutated, each with very

different prognosis. Other tumors may be subdivided in

a similar way. Microarray technology is developing

rapidly to probe gene expression and to further divide

tumor categories. All these genetic analyses will

provide objective data to enhance both our

understanding of B cell tumors and our ability to

treat them.

PMID: 11665722 [PubMed - in process]

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