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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy defined by the accumulation of mature lymphocytes in the lymphoid tissues, bone marrow, and blood. Therapy for CLL is guided according to the Rai and Binet staging systems. Nevertheless, state-of-the-art protocols in disease monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics for CLL are based on the assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD is internationally considered to be the level of disease that can be detected by sensitive techniques and represents incomplete treatment and a probability of disease relapse. MRD detection has been continuously improved by the quick development of both flow cytometry and molecular biology technology, as well as by next-generation sequencing. Considering that MRD detection is moving more and more from research to clinical practice, where it can be an independent prognostic marker, in this paper, we present the methodologies by which MRD is evaluated, from translational research to clinical practice.

Sergiu Susman,1,2 Ioana Berindan-Neagoe,3 Bobe Petrushev,3 Radu Pirlog,2 Ioan-Stefan Florian,4 Carmen-Mihaela Mihu,2 Cristian Berce,3 Lucian Craciun,2 Ravnit Grewal,5 Ciprian Tomuleasa3,6,7 1Department of Pathology, Imogen Research Center, 2Department of Morphological Sciences, 3Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, 4Department of Neurosurgery, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 5Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 6Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 7Department of Haematopathology, Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Tygerberg, South Africa Abstract: After introducing the new molecules for the treatment of patients with tumoral pathology, the therapeutical decision will be taken depending on the molecular profile performed upon the harvested tissues. This major modification makes the molecular and morphological analysis an essential part in the clinical management of patients and the pathologist plays an important role in this process. The quality and reproducibility of the results are imperative today and they depend on both the reliability of the molecular techniques and the quality of the tissue we use in the process. Also, the genomics and proteomics techniques, used increasingly often, require high-quality tissues, and pathology laboratories play a very significant role in the management of all phases of this process. In this paper the parameters which must be followed in order to obtain optimal results within the techniques which analyze nucleic acids and proteins were reviewed. Keywords: nucleic acids, proteins, fixation, freezing, molecular techniques

The incidence of HIV-related lymphomas (HRLs) is increased by 60-100 times in patients with HIV. When compared to the general population, patients with HRLs often present with extranodal lymphoid proliferation, most frequently of the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, liver and bone marrow. MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding double-stranded RNA molecules of 18-25 nucleotides that regulate post-translational gene expression by inhibiting translation or promoting degradation of messenger RNA complementary sequences. Before their discovery, tumorigenesis was thought to have been caused by the alteration of protein-coding oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, but once identified in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, miRs function as either oncogenes or tumor-suppressor genes was confirmed in different types of malignancies. Since miRs are clearly involved in tumorigenesis in many cancers, their role in HRLs is now receiving attention. A few studies have been conducted thus far in some HRLs on the involvement of miR in the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies. Since B-cell lymphomas arise from various stages of B-cell development in both HIV-infected and HIV-naïve patients, investigators have tried to determine the different miR signatures in B-cell development. As classic immunohistochemistry staining is sometimes not enough for the differential diagnosis of HRLs, in the present review, we have described the potential use of miRs in the prognosis and diagnosis of these diseases.

The high burden of infectious diseases and the growing problem of noncommunicable and metabolic disease syndromes in South Africa (SA) forces a more focused research approach to facilitate cutting-edge scientific growth and public health development. Increased SA research on these diseases and syndromes and the collection of associated biospecimens has ensured a plethora of biobanks created by individuals, albeit without the foresight of prospective and collective use by other local and international researchers. As the need for access to high-quality specimens in statistically relevant numbers has increased, so has the necessity for the development of national human biobanks in SA and across the Continent. The prospects of achieving sustainable centralized biobanks are still an emerging and evolving concept, primarily and recently driven by the launch of the H3Africa consortium, which includes the development of harmonized and standardized biobanking operating procedures. This process is hindered by a myriad of complex societal considerations and ethico-legal challenges. Efforts to consolidate and standardize biological sample collections are further compromised by the lack of full appreciation by national stakeholders of the biological value inherent in these collections, and the availability of high quality human samples with well-annotated data for future scientific research and development. Inadequate or nonexistent legislative structures that specifically regulate the storage, use, dispersal, and disposal of human biological samples are common phenomena and pose further challenges. Furthermore, concerns relating to consent for unspecified future uses, as well as access to information and data protection, are all new paradigms that require further consideration and public engagement. This article reviews important fundamental issues such as governance, ethics, infrastructure, and bioinformatics that are important foundational prerequisites for the establishment and evolution of successful human biobanking in South Africa.

The Tygerberg Lymphoma Study Group was constituted in 2007 to quantify the impact of HIV on the pattern and burden of lymphoma cases in the Western Cape of South Africa which currently has an HIV prevalence of 15%. South Africa has had an Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) policy and roll out plan since 2004 attaining 31% effective coverage in 2009. This study is designed to qualify and establish what impact the HIV epidemic and the ARV roll-out treatment program is having on the incidence of HIV related Lymphoma (HRL). Early data documents that despite the ART roll out, cases of HRL are increasing in this geographical location, now comprising 37% of all lymphomas seen in 2009 which is an increase from 5 % in 2002. This is in contrast to trends seen in developed environments following the introduction of ART. Also noted, are the emergence of subtypes not previously seen in this location such as Burkitt and plasmablastic lymphomas. Burkitt lymphoma is now the commonest HRL seen in this population followed by diffuse large B Cell lymphoma subtypes. The reasons for this observed increase in HRL is not ascribable to improved diagnostic capacity as the tertiary institute in which these diagnosis are made, has had significant expertise in this regard for over a decade. We ascribe this paradoxical finding to an ART treatment environment that is ineffective for a diversity of reason, paramount of which are poor coverage, late commencement of ART and incomplete viral suppression.