Exploring the genomic landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma with whole-genome sequencing

Francesco Maura, MD, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, outlines the findings of the first study to perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to examine the genomic landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in adult and pediatric patients. Dr Maura explains that previous studies used whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted sequencing, which do not allow identifying copy number variants, structural variants or mutational signatures. The study showed that there are several different drivers shaping the behaviour and pathogenesis of HL. Additionally, the study was able to reconstruct the chronological order of events and show the absolute time at which a chromosomal gain occurred in a selected patient. The study also revealed that pathogenesis takes place over several years, which underlines the importance of understanding the mechanisms that occur during this time in order to prevent the disease from appearing in the first place. This interview took place at the 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition congress in Atlanta, GA.