Which translocation is associated with follicular lymphoma?

Follicular lymphoma is primarily associated with a specific chromosomal translocation, which is t(14;18). This translocation leads to the juxtaposition of the BCL2 gene on chromosome 18 to the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus on chromosome 14. The result of this genetic alteration is the overexpression of the BCL2 protein, an anti-apoptotic factor that inhibits programmed cell death. This overexpression allows B cells to survive longer than they should, contributing to the development and progression of follicular lymphoma.

Understanding the specifics of this translocation is crucial in both the diagnosis and therapeutic approach to follicular lymphoma, as it plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The other translocations listed are associated with different types of hematological malignancies and do not play a role in the etiology of follicular lymphoma. For instance, t(15;17) is commonly associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia, t(8;14) is associated with Burkitt lymphoma, and t(11;14) is typically seen in mantle cell lymphoma. Hence, the translocation t(14;18) is the hallmark genetic alteration of follicular lymphoma.