What will we learn from genomics and proteomics in hodgkin lymphoma?

Abstract

Genome-wide strategies have been developed in recent years to comprehensively detect changes on the DNA, RNA, and proteins. These technologies are in constant flux, as improvements in nanotechnology combined with innovation in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics improve our ability to interrogate single cells at a resolution not seen previously. Next-generation sequencing technology and microarray approaches allow an unparalleled ability to explore genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes at a depth of coverage and resolution at which novel discovery is possible. The phenotypic consequences of these genetic changes can now be more fully understood. By applying these technologies to Hodgkin lymphoma, major advances have been made and more yet to be realized, all of which improve our understanding of the complex biology of this unique cancer. Despite major advances, numerous obstacles remain that prevent direct clinical translation and meaningful improvements in diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and patient care. For both scientists and clinicians interested in the pathogenesis of Hodgkin lymphoma and the identification of new targets for therapy, these obstacles include: (a) the scarcity of the malignant Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells in diagnostic biopsies, (b) the complex interaction of these cells with non-neoplastic immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, (c) the lack of good in vitro and animal models, (d) sophisticated bioinformatics tools required to properly analyze the large amounts of data that result from high-resolution genomic experiments, and, finally, (e) systematic clinical data and/or randomized clinical trial material needed to translate novel findings into clinically useful biomarkers.