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Plasma EBV-DNA as a biomarker in patients with EBV-positive Hodgkin Lymphoma
Latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes are found in the malignant cells of approximately one-third of Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) cases. Detection and quantitation of EBV viral DNA could potentially be used as a biomarker of disease activity. We monitored EBV-DNA viral load from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma in HL patients. Our study showed that plasma (but not PBMC) EBV-DNA has excellent sensitivity and specificity for EBV-positive HL and that serial monitoring shows promise in predicting response to therapy. Further prospective studies are required to further evaluate plasma EBV-DNA as a biomarker in patients with EBV-positive HL.
Bibliographical reference:
Maher Gandhi Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Department of Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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