Managing Hodgkin Lymphoma recently talked with Dr. Andrew Evens of the Tufts University School of Medicine about using mRNA testing in the diagnosis and staging of Hodgkin lymphoma. [Editor’s note: Dr. Evens’ transcript has been edited to improve readability]

I’m often asked when is it appropriate and/or necessary to utilize mRNA testing to diagnosis and stage Hodgkin lymphoma. The relatively quick answer, at least in current clinical practice, is never. In another words, frankly, micro RNA or mRNA or, for that matter, any genetic testing at this point in Hodgkin lymphoma, still remains experimental and research-based. There is definitely exciting and burgeoning data that is looking at genomics, proteomics, and even metabolomics in Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as in other cancers, utilizing these strategies as potential biomarkers to help us understand prognosis. These could even help us find a really robust predictive tool that could help us manage our patients. Right now, however, these strategies are still in the experimental and research phase in terms of managing patients, although I do hope this will be integrated into clinical practice, if not in the next year, then in the next couple of years.

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