Molecular Tools in the Diagnosis of Lymphoma

 

Learners will become familiar with current standards of a work-up and helpful molecular tests to aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and choosing the appropriate therapy for several types of lymphoma. B-cell and T-cell clonality testing will be discussed, including how the assays work, when to use them, and what the pitfalls are in ordering and interpreting these assays. Learners will leave with a better understanding of how these ancillary tests can be used in the work-up of lymphomas.

Originally published on June 5, 2023

Lecture Presenter

Kristin Hunt Karner, MD

Kristin Hunt Karner, MD

Associate Professor of Pathology
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Hematopathology and Molecular Oncology
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Karner is the medical director of Hematopathology and Molecular Oncology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor of pathology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She received her medical degree from the University of Nebraska and completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the University of New Mexico. She also completed hematopathology and molecular genetic pathology fellowships at the University of New Mexico and is board certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP), as well as hematopathology and molecular genetic pathology. Dr. Karner’s areas of focus include both lymphoid and myeloid malignancies, and her current research interests include genetic aspects of myelodysplastic syndrome and other myeloid malignancies.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Apply the appropriate work-up for anaplastic large cell lymphoma
  • Describe when it is appropriate to use molecular clonality testing in the work up and diagnosis of lymphoma
  • Recognize the limitations and “pitfalls” of clonality testing
  • Discuss how and when to use the NGS CLL panel in your work-up, diagnosis and prognostication
  • Describe when to use MYD88 molecular testing in the work-up of suspected lymphoma, and understand its limitations

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories