C-Myc immunohistochemistry in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is a collection of different biologic entities with a common appearance but different clinical behaviors. The MYC oncogene is mutated in a subset of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and is also mutated in related entities such as Burkitt lymphoma. Recently, an antibody to the c-Myc oncoprotein has become available for immunohistochemistry, raising the possibility of a rapid, reproducible and inexpensive measure of MYC abnormality. Initial retrospective studies of these lymphomas suggest that the c-Myc status is clinically important for diagnosis and prognosis, particularly when used in conjunction with BCL2 immunohistochemistry. It is possible that therapy will be modified based in part on c-Myc status, once the appropriate prospective studies have been performed.