Grant: Project Grant

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system where a tumour develops from the abnormal growth of white blood cells. Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) are the fifth most common cancers diagnosed in Canada. Our group and others have provided numerous genetic studies which resulted in a better understanding of the internal chemical mechanisms of communication (signaling pathways) altered in malignant cells. However, the cross-talk between different signaling pathways as well as their role in affecting lymphoma cell survival is still unknown. The tumour is not only composed of cancer cells; these cells, in fact, are surrounded by a milieu of other cells and molecules (also known as the tumour microenvironment) that contribute to the development and survival of the tumour. Although some improvements have been made in the treatment of lymphoma, current standard of care therapies still fail to cure a significant proportion of patients who are then very likely to succumb to their disease. With this proposal we aim to significantly improve our knowledge about how gene mutation combinations contribute to lymphoma growth and survival. In particular, we will explore the influence of mutations (alone and in cooperation) in the so-called Janus kinase-signal transducer and activation of transcription (JAK-STAT) (such as IL4R) and interferon (such as IRF4) signaling pathways on tumour growth and on the tumour microenvironment. Our studies will be very important for the generation of data that will guide physicians to select patients for future clinical trials. We hope that our research will guide physicians to deliver "personalized treatments" to lymphoma patients that will lead to better cure rates and fewer treatment-related side effects.