Novel method for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL)

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL). With an annual incidence of more than 100,000 cases worldwide, it is noted for its high aggressiveness and heterogeneity, both clinical and genetic, which limits the existence of effective treatment. Although more than half of these patients can achieve long-term remission, it remains a challenging clinical problem with approximately one-third of patients not being cured by standard immunochemotherapy regimens. Among its molecular subtypes predominate the germinal center B cells (GCB) and the activated B cell variety (ACB), both characterized by their different gene expression profiles. A Spanish university has shown for the first time the tumor suppressing role of the BCL7A gene and the functional impact that some of its genetic variations have on the development of DLBCL. Genetic mutations mapped in exon 1 and intron 1 splicing sites of the BCL7A gene have been identified mostly in DLBCL patients with the GCB subtype. Such mutations cause the loss of the amino-terminal domain of BCL7A, resulting in a truncated protein. The present technology provides the use of BCL7A and the detection of its expression products to offer a novel tool for the treatment of DLBCL in terms of drug detection, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. The university is looking for partners interested in licensing this technology.