As the previous response stated, it’s when you have a second mutation. If your doctor orders either FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization), chromosomal analysis, or karyotyping on a blood or biopsy sample, that is how they can determine which mutation(s) are present.
May 4
Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that develops from white blood cells called B cells. It's considered a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), affecting about 5% of people with that diagnosis.
What makes it "double-hit" is that it involves genetic mutations in Show Full Answer
Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that develops from white blood cells called B cells. It's considered a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), affecting about 5% of people with that diagnosis.
What makes it "double-hit" is that it involves genetic mutations in two specific genes — MYC and BCL2 (or sometimes BCL6). These mutations cause cells to divide too rapidly and not die off as they should, leading to cancer. The symptoms of DHL are similar to DLBCL and can include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Fevers
- Night sweats
- Sudden weight loss Because DHL is aggressive, treatment is typically intensive. It usually involves a combination of chemotherapy drugs alongside a targeted antibody drug called rituximab (Rituxan).
DHL is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be resistant to treatment, so it's important to discuss the latest treatment options and clinical trials with your doctor, as newer therapies are continuing to improve outcomes.
May 3
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