Lymphoma T(11;18)(API2Malti1) Translocation, BMPB

What is Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test?

The Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test is a molecular cytogenetic test performed on bone marrow samples to detect a specific chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 11 and 18 — denoted as t(11;18)(q21;q21).This rearrangement leads to the fusion of the API2 (also known as BIRC3) gene on chromosome 11 with the MALT1 gene on chromosome 18, forming the API2-MALT1 fusion gene. t(11;18) is a hallmark genetic abnormality associated primarily with MALT lymphoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) and occasionally seen in other low-grade B-cell lymphomas.

Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test is usually performed using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) method to confirm the presence of this translocation in bone marrow or tissue samples.

Why consider Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test?

Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test can be considered for -

• To confirm the diagnosis of MALT lymphoma, particularly in cases involving bone marrow or disseminated disease.
• To differentiate MALT lymphoma from other types of B-cell lymphomas with similar morphology.
• To help determine prognosis — patients with this translocation often show resistance to antibiotic therapy (H. pylori eradication) and may require systemic treatment.
• To guide treatment planning and risk stratification.
• To monitor disease involvement in bone marrow.

Who should get tested for Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test ?

Lymphoma t(11;18)(API2/MALT1) translocation test is generally recommended for:

• Patients with suspected or confirmed MALT lymphoma involving the stomach, lungs, salivary glands, or other extranodal sites.
• Individuals with lymphoma showing plasmacytic differentiation or low-grade B-cell features.
• Cases where lymphoma has spread to bone marrow and confirmation of molecular subtype is required.
• Patients not responding to H. pylori eradication therapy, suggesting possible t(11;18) positivity.

More Information

Other Names: API2-MALT1 Fusion Gene Test, t(11;18)(q21;q21) MALT Lymphoma Translocation, MALT1 Rearrangement by FISH, MALT Lymphoma Translocation Study (Bone Marrow)

MALT lymphoma (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma) is a type of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates from lymphoid tissue associated with mucosal sites. It is typically slow-growing and often arises in organs with chronic inflammation or infection.