23. Ultra-deep sequencing of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) reveals novel somatic mutations and exemplifies the utility of deep sequencing in the characterization of rare malignant cells

Abstract

cHL patients have a high rate of event-free and overall survival. However, 5% - 10% of patients will be primary refractory or will relapse. Thus, new prognostication and treatment targets are needed. High throughput sequencing can identify recurrent somatic mutations driving lymphomagenesis. However, cHL malignant cells (Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells) have a low (∼1%) abundance, creating a challenge to detect somatic mutations. Limited studies have characterized HRS somatic mutations using cell purification techniques. We hypothesized that ultra-deep sequencing provides a more accessible approach to HRS characterization.