SUMMARY
B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma involves the neoplastic transformation of B lymphocytes. In the areas of B-cell lymphoma, however, intratumoral T lymphocytes are also seen, and we have shown that the presence of increased numbers of intratumoral T cells predicts a better clinical outcome. Our lab is currently investigating the phenotype and activity of these intratumoral T cells and developing strategies to modulate the T-cell infiltration in areas of B-cell lymphoma.
Further areas of research interest include the development of biologic therapies for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The current strategies being developed include the use of novel antibodies and cytokines, the use of targeted therapies, and the development of strategies to inhibit signaling through receptors that promote the survival of malignant B cells. The utility of these strategies is being tested in early-phase clinical trials. These studies are being conducted within the Division of Hematology at the Mayo Clinic, the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, and the North Central Cancer Treatment Group.