Molecular Tools in the Diagnosis of Lymphoma

Learners will become familiar with current algorithms including immunohistochemistry and FISH testing in the work-up of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one of the most common lymphomas a pathologist is likely to encounter in routine practice. We will also discuss B-cell and T-cell clonality testing 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.

Lecture Presenter
Kristin Hunt Karner, MD
Kristin Hunt Karner, MD
Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Karner is an assistant professor of pathology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She received her MD from the University of Nebraska and completed her 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:

Describe common algorithms that incorporate FISH testing in the work up of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Recognize when it is appropriate to use molecular clonality testing in the work up and diagnosis of lymphoma
List the limitations and “pitfalls” of clonality testing