From the Guidelines
Yes, the majority of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) cases are of B-cell origin, accounting for approximately 85% of all NHL cases. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative malignancies with differing patterns of behavior and treatment responses 1. The most common B-cell histologies include follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) 1.
Key Characteristics of B-cell Lymphomas
- B-cell lymphomas arise from abnormal B lymphocytes, which are white blood cells responsible for producing antibodies
- The specific subtype of B-cell lymphoma is determined by the stage of B-cell development at which the malignant transformation occurs, leading to different clinical presentations and treatment approaches
- Common types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
- Follicular lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Burkitt lymphoma
Importance of Cell of Origin
Understanding the cell of origin is crucial for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Although T-cell lymphomas and natural killer (NK) cell lymphomas account for a smaller percentage of NHL cases, approximately 15%, B-cell lymphomas are more common and require specific treatment approaches 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Non–Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) RITUXAN is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with first line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to a rituximab product in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent after first-line cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy. Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
Yes, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) can be a type of B-cell lymphoma, as indicated by the CD20-positive, B-cell NHL treatment options listed for RITUXAN 2.
From the Research
Definition of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous class of cancers displaying a diverse range of biological phenotypes, clinical behaviours, and prognoses 3.
- NHL encompasses multiple clinically and phenotypically distinct subtypes of malignancy with unique molecular etiologies 4.
B-cell Lymphoma
- B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) comprise a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by slow growth kinetics and a relapsing/remitting course 5.
- The indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) include follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia 5.
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a subtype of NHL and the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma 6.
Relationship between NHL and B-cell Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a diverse group of entities, both clinically and molecularly, and include malignancies arising from mature B cells 7.
- B-cell lymphomas are a type of NHL, and the WHO classification system is based on immune cell-of-origin and molecular phenotypes 7.
- NHL can be classified into different subtypes, including B-cell lymphomas, which have distinct molecular and clinical features 3, 4, 6, 7.