The biology of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was discussed

10-03-2006

According to recent research from Switzerland, "MALT lymphomas can arise in a variety of extranodal sites. Interestingly, at least 3 different, apparently site-specific, chromosomal translocations, all affecting the NF-kappa B pathway, have been implicated in the development and progression of MALT lymphoma."

"The most common is the translocation t(11;l8)(q21;q21), which results in a fusion of the cIAP2 region on chromosome 11q21 with the MALT1 gene on chromosome 18q21 and is present in more than one-third of cases. The frequency of this translocation is site-related: common in the gastrointestinal tract and lung, rare in conjunctiva and orbit, and almost absent in salivary glands, thyroid, liver, and skin," explained F. Bertoni and colleagues, Ospedale San Giovanni Bellinzona.

The researchers concluded, "In this issue of the JCI, Hu et al. add to our understanding of the molecular consequences of this translocation, showing that its fusion product, cIAP2-MALT1, may concomitantly contribute to lymphomagenesis both as a tumor suppressor gene and as an oncogene (see the related article beginning on page 174)."

Bertoni and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation (Delving deeper into MALT lymphoma biology. J Clin Invest, 2006;116(1):22-26).

For additional information, contact E. Zucca, Ospedale San Giovanni Bellinzona, Oncology Institute So Switzerland, Lymphoma Unit, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.

Keywords: Bellinzona, Switzerland, Gastroenterology, MALT Lymphoma, Oncology, Otorhinolaryngology, Tumor Suppression, Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue, Cancer Biology, Oncogene, Tumor Suppressor Gene.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.