t(8;14) — oncology-focused definition
t(8;14) is a reciprocal chromosomal translocation between chromosome 8 and chromosome 14, involving the MYC oncogene.
- Chromosomes involved:
- 8q24 → MYC gene
- 14q32 → Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus
Oncology relevance:
- Places MYC under the control of the IgH enhancer, causing overexpression of MYC.
- Drives uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma.
- Often seen in endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated Burkitt lymphoma.
Clinical significance (for oncology pharmacists):
- Diagnostic marker: Confirms Burkitt lymphoma; helps differentiate from other high-grade B-cell lymphomas.
- Prognostic implication: MYC overexpression → highly aggressive tumor; requires intensive chemotherapy.
- Therapeutic relevance: Indirectly guides treatment intensity, although MYC itself is currently undruggable.
Key takeaway:
t(8;14) causes MYC activation via IgH translocation, driving rapidly proliferating Burkitt lymphoma, with major diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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