Short summary

The aim of this project is to explore the potential utility of circulating tumor DNA as a new molecular marker of minimal residual disease in patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high grade B-cell lymphoma). The project comprises 4 work packages in which we want to optimize a clinically applicable Next Generation Sequencing-based method to detect residual disease in blood samples by using ctDNA as an easily accesible and minimally invasive method.

Rationale

The aim of this project is to evaluate the potential utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assessed by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) as a novel molecular marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphoma. It is incented by a lack in specific and sensitive markers of MRD in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) and high-grade B-cell lymphomas, in which a sizable subset of patients eventually will relapse.

Current response assessment standards entail PET and/or CT imaging followed by routine clinical follow-up and surveillance CT. A significant number of these scans present inconclusive findings, which challenge clinical assessment and decision-making on subsequent choice of therapy or surveillance. Thus, there is an unmet need for novel, readily accessible molecular biomarkers for earlier and more accurate identification of MRD and subclinical relapse.

Description of the cohort

This project includes patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphoma comprising the diagnostic entities diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and high-grade B-cell lymphoma. The patients have recieved treatment at the Department of Hematology, OUH.

Data and biological material

Biological material: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded diagnostic and relapse tissue material and plasma samples.

Data: Data from patient charts, pathology reports, and The Danish Lymphoma Database will be utilized during the project.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Hematology, OUH

• Overlæge Thomas Stauffer Larsen

Hematology-Pathology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, OUH

• Professor Charlotte Guldborg Nyvold

Department of Pathology, OUH

• Overlæge Michael Boe Møller
• Afdelingsmolekylærbiolog Thomas Kielsgaard Kristensen