Test May Show Return of Lymphoma Sooner

Measuring a type of DNA found in tumors can help detect whether the most common type of lymphoma has returned after treatment, a study finds. The study focused on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, known as DLBCL. It often can be cured. But people need to come back for CT or PET scans to look for a return of the cancer. The new study looked at another possible test. The study enrolled 126 people with DLBCL. They had been treated with chemotherapy between 1993 and 2013. Researchers took blood samples before and after treatment and during follow-up. They tested the samples for a type of DNA comes from the tumor. People also received follow-up CT scans. In all, 107 people had all signs of their cancer disappear with treatment. Those who had detectable tumor DNA in their blood during follow-up were 200 times more likely to have a return of the cancer than those with no detectable levels.