Diagnosing PAX5‑negative Hodgkin‑like lymphomas

ANALISI DEI LINFOMI CON ASPETTO TIPO-HODGKIN A FENOTIPO ATIPICO PAX5 NEGATIVO

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT07313943

This project tries to see if PAX5 staining combined with molecular and cytogenetic data can help doctors tell PAX5‑negative classical Hodgkin lymphoma apart from ALK‑negative anaplastic large‑cell lymphoma.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Tübingen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07313943 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study collects pathology specimens and clinical information from adults whose lymphoma shows PAX5‑negative or ambiguous immunophenotypes. Expert pathologists will review morphology and perform immunohistochemistry (including PAX5, CD30, CD15, cytotoxic markers, and EMA) and compile available molecular and cytogenetic results. The focus is on cases where classical Hodgkin lymphoma has an atypical phenotype (PAX5‑negative) and the main differential diagnosis is ALK‑negative anaplastic large‑cell lymphoma. By correlating histology, immunophenotype, and molecular findings across cases from centers in Bologna and Tübingen, the study aims to refine diagnostic criteria and reduce misclassification.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults at initial diagnosis whose lymphoma shows a PAX5‑negative phenotype or an unclear distinction between PAX5‑negative classical Hodgkin lymphoma and ALK‑negative anaplastic large‑cell lymphoma, with available tissue and molecular/cytogenetic data, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with clear-cut diagnoses (for example PAX5‑positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma or clearly identified ALCL) or without available tissue or molecular data are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve diagnostic accuracy so patients receive the correct therapy sooner and avoid inappropriate treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work has used PAX5 and cytotoxic/molecular markers to distinguish Hodgkin lymphoma from ALCL, but focused analyses of PAX5‑negative Hodgkin‑like cases are limited, so this study addresses a relatively underexplored diagnostic gap.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with lymphoma diagnosed as classic Hodgkin's lymphoma with a negative PAX5 marker
* Patients with uncertain differential diagnosis between classical Hodgkin's lymphoma with atypical phenotype (PAX5 negative) and ALK-negative anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (PAX5 negative)
* Adult males and females at diagnosis
* Availability of the molecular and/or cytogenetic data.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a diagnosis other than that under study, for whom clinical/histological/molecular information is not available

Where this trial is running

Tübingen and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.