Raman Bahal, Ph.D., a St. Baldrick’s Research Grant recipient at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, explains Burkitt Lymphoma symptoms, treatment options, and research opportunities.
What is Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma is one of the most aggressive types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the immune system. This rare but fast-growing cancer affects B-lymphocytes, the immune cells responsible for fighting infections. Without timely treatment, this cancer can be fatal.
Types of Burkitt Lymphoma:
- Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma (African): Common in African children, often linked to malaria or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections.
- Sporadic Burkitt Lymphoma (Non-African): Found mainly in the U.S. and Western Europe.
- Immunodeficiency-Associated Burkitt Lymphoma: Occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Burkitt lymphoma is the fastest-growing human cancer and is most common in children, especially those with compromised immune systems. In the U.S., sporadic Burkitt lymphoma makes up around 30% of all childhood lymphoma cases, with peak incidence at about 10 years old.
Signs and Symptoms of Burkitt Lymphoma
Burkitt lymphoma often begins with a tumor in the abdomen and can quickly spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow, brain, and spinal fluid. The severity is classified into stages, with Stage IV indicating the cancer has spread to the bone marrow and brain.
Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Intestinal obstruction
- Enlarged thyroid and tonsils
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
Early recognition is critical, as this cancer spreads rapidly and requires immediate treatment.
How is Burkitt Lymphoma Diagnosed?
A quick and accurate diagnosis is vital for treatment. Doctors typically perform a biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes or other affected areas such as the spleen, liver, or bone marrow.
Additional diagnostic tools:
- CT Scans: Imaging of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
- Blood Tests: To check for signs of cancer or related abnormalities.
- Spinal Fluid Examination: To detect cancer spread.
- HIV Testing: As this cancer type is associated with immunodeficiency.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. Standard therapies include:
- Chemotherapy: Often combined with immunotherapy or radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
- Surgery: To remove large tumor masses in some cases.
- Stem Cell Transplants: For refractory (unresponsive) or relapsed cases.
- Clinical Trials: Offering access to experimental treatments for advanced or high-risk cases.
Potential Side Effects of Treatment:
Intensive chemotherapy can lead to tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), which may impact the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Other side effects include:
- Increased infection risk
- Bleeding
- Heart or lung problems
- Loss of appetite
Supportive therapies are used to manage these side effects and improve patient outcomes.
Research and Advances in Treatment
Researchers are working to develop new, targeted therapies, including advanced treatments for relapsed cases. Promising approaches include:
- Antibody-Based Therapies: Targeting specific cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.
- MYC Gene Suppression: Researching ways to block this cancer-causing gene.
- Genomic Sequencing: Identifying unique genetic targets for personalized treatments.
Clinical trials are also ongoing to better understand the biology and find the most effective treatments for each patient.
How St. Baldrick’s Foundation is Making an Impact
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation supports groundbreaking research into precision medicine for childhood cancers. Their funding helps develop therapies that target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. These efforts aim to create more effective and less toxic treatments, offering hope for children and families affected by this aggressive cancer.
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Learn about one of our recent Research Outcomes:
Celebrating Four New St. Baldrick’s Foundation Research Grants
