Burkitt's Lymphoma - Genetics

Genetics

All types of Burkitt's lymphoma are characterized by disregulation of the c-myc gene by one of three chromosomal translocations. This gene is found at 8q24.

• The most common variant is t(8;14)(q24;q32), which accounts for approximately 85% of cases. This involves c-myc and IGH@. A variant of this, a three-way translocation, t(8;14;18), has also been identified.

• A rare variant is at t(2;8)(p12;q24). This involves IGK@ and c-myc.

• Another rare variant is t(8;22)(q24;q11). This involves IGL@ and c-myc.

Combined, the two less-common translocations, t(2;8)(p12;q24) and t(8;22)(q24;q11), account for the remaining 15% of cases not due to the t(8;14)(q24;q32) translocation.