Chromosomal translocations and gene rearrangements in non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Unlike other types of malignancy, non-Hodgkin lymphomas have a specific reciprocal chromosomal translocation as a genomic hallmark in most patients. Among the more prevalent B-cell lymphomas, 65% of patients show a 14q + chromosome with rearrangement of the heavy-chain immunoglobulin genes at band 14q32.3, whereas the less common T-cell lymphomas typically have a selective rearrangement of the alpha T-cell receptor genes involving band 14q11.2. The presence of additional recurrent chromosomal defects in several subgroups of lymphomas is associated with tumor phenotype, evolution, and response to therapy.