B-cell lymphomas and leukemias originate from the malignant transformation and proliferation of one or a small number of B cells. Since each B-cell expresses distinct B-cell receptors (BCRs) on its surface, potential malignant clones of interest can be identified and measured by the unique BCR sequences from the original cell. These B-cell transformations are an important focus area for ongoing translational and clinical research.

Today, next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the BCR repertoire is being increasingly adopted for hemato-oncology research due to the significant advantages it offers over traditional methods like Sanger Sequencing, PCR and flow cytometry. Comparatively, NGS provides ultra-high sensitivity, lower limits of detection (LOD), and greater flexibility to multiplex. In this webinar, we’ll explore a range of hemato-oncology applications for sequencing of the BCR repertoire. NGS-based clonality testing is becoming an essential method of analyzing hematolymphoid proliferations because it allows researchers to simultaneously sequence the malignant clone and evaluate the evolving clonal landscape. The sensitivity of NGS is also well suited for minimal residual disease research, enabling rare clone detection from low frequencies within the cell population. Moreover, NGS can be used to asses somatic hypermutation within the rearranged IGH/BCR gene, an important biomarker associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia samples.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the practical & technical advantages of NGS compared to traditional methodologies for BCR IGH analysis 

2. Evaluate NGS hemato-oncology research applications, including clonality assessment, somatic hypermutaion analysis, and minimal residual disease research 

3. Define how NGS can aid in resolution of challenging polyclonal samples