Burkitt Lymphoma Genome Sequencing Project

The goal of the Burkitt Lymphoma Genome Sequencing Project (BLGSP) is to explore genetic changes in patients with Burkitt lymphoma and uncover knowledge that could lead to better prevention, detection, and treatment of this rare and aggressive cancer. The Center for Cancer Genomics at NCI initiated BLGSP in collaboration with the Foundation for Burkitt Lymphoma Research. The molecular characterization data from Burkitt lymphoma patients identified through BLGSP will be available to the research community worldwide in a publicly available, yet patient privacy-protected database. Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs most often in children and young adults. It is associated with a chromosomal translocation of the MYC gene to one of the three immunoglobulin loci. Burkitt lymphoma is divided into three main clinical variants: endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated. These variants are generally distinguishable by previous exposure to viral infection, tumor location, and geographic location of the patients, although there are exceptions. Current chemotherapy regimens are effective in approximately 40%-90% of patients. Treatment success depends on age, stage of the disease, treatment regimen, and site of the treatment facility. The variability of tumor response demonstrates the need for new treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.