Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as an Exemplar of the Effects of Genetics and Genomics

doi:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2006.00124.x

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Wiley InterScience

Journal of Nursing Scholarship

Volume 38 Issue 4, Pages 335 - 343

Published Online: 17 Nov 2006

Published with Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society of Nursing

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Genomics to Health

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as an Exemplar of the Effects of Genetics and Genomics

Kathleen A. Calzone ¹ , Dale Halsey Lea ¹ , Agnes Masny ¹

¹ Kathleen A. Calzone, RN, MSN, APNG, Xi, Senior Nurse Specialist (Research), National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Genetics Branch, Bethesda, MD; Dale Halsey Lea, RN, MPH, CGC, FAAN, Kappa Zeta-at-Large, Director, Division of Genetics, Foundation for Blood Research, Scarborough, ME; Agnes Masny, RN, MPH, MSN, CRNP, Kappa Chi, Nurse Practitioner, Research Associate, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. Correspondence to Ms. Calzone, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Genetics Branch, 8901 Wisconsin Ave., Building 8, RM 5101, Bethesda, MD 20889-5105. E-mail: calzonek@mail.nih.gov

KEYWORDS

cancer genetics • genetic testing • genetics • genomics • lymphoma • oncology nursing

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To discuss the interface of genetics and genomics science in the identification and management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The field of oncology is an exemplar of how the genomic revolution is influencing more individualized care and treatment of people with cancer and their families.

Design: Integrated review of the cancer genetics and genomics literature.

Methods: Published peer-reviewed research, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed internet sites regarding the genetics and genomics of cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were reviewed, analyzed, and data synthesized.

Findings: All malignancies have a genetic and genomic basis. Genetic and genomic breakthroughs are rapidly being applied to all aspects of cancer care including: (a) identification of at-risk individuals before disease occurs, (b) diagnosis and characterization of disease and its aggressiveness when it appears via gene expression, (c) and individualization of therapies over the disease course based on these new molecular technologies.

Conclusions: Oncology nurses in every role, clinical subspecialty, and type of education are among the first nurses to integrate genetic and genomic information in such a broad context. This experience shows how genetic and genomic discoveries will interface with other health conditions and ultimately, will affect the practice of all nurses.

Accepted for publication July 11, 2006.

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

10.1111/j.1547-5069.2006.00124.x About DOI