Ascertainment of Families for Genetic Studies of Familial Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Full Title

Purpose

This study aims to obtain a better understanding of the genetic causes of Hodgkin’s disease (a kind of lymphoma) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as multiple myeloma, leukemia, and related diseases. Together these diseases are referred to as “lymphoproliferative disorders.”

Participants in the study will include: (1) patients who have had a lymphoproliferative disorder such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, and have a family member with one of these disorders, or (2) individuals who are a member of a family with more than one case of a lymphoproliferative disorder. Study data will be collected by analyzing blood samples as well as family medical history.

The goal of the study is to identify genetic changes that may predict a person’s risk of developing one of these diseases. Research methods will involve sequencing to discover new genes. (Note: The results of individual research blood tests cannot be provided to participants; however, an overall summary of the research findings will be communicated to all interested enrollees.)

Who Can Join

The following individuals are eligible to participate in this study:

• Patients with lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disease who are referred to the Cancer Family Clinic of Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Department of Human Genetics for genetic counseling, or to the MSKCC outpatient clinics of the Lymphoma or Leukemia Services in the Department of Medicine, who have relatives or members of successive generations of the family affected with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphoid leukemia, multiple myeloma, or other lymphoproliferative disease.
• Family members of patients with lymphoproliferative disease — including sisters, brothers, half-brothers and half-sisters, sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles — are also eligible. An emphasis will be placed on affected siblings and both parents, if alive.
• Minor children are also eligible for participation, with their assent as well as consent of a parent or legal guardian.

For more information and to see if you are eligible for this study, please contact Dr. Kenneth Offit at 646-888-4050, or via e-mail at offitk@mskcc.org.