Biology of Hodgkin lymphoma in older patients project update, December 2025

Project: Unraveling the Biological Landscape of Hodgkin Lymphoma in Older Patients

Interim Report 12/2025 by PD Dr. Paul Bröckelmann (Project Lead)

Supported by the EHA-SWG grant, we aim to lay the groundwork to characterize the distinct biology of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in older adults. In contrast to younger patients, this older population is poorly studied and outcomes often remain poor despite modern therapies. Currently, we are in the process of assembling a large, multicenter and multinational repository of approximately 150 FFPE biopsies from patients ≥60 years of age with paired harmonized clinical data.

During the ongoing project period, we made substantial progress toward building the necessary cross-border regulatory framework, with approval by the responsible Ethics Committee and agreements for data- and material-sharing processes underway. Supported by members of the EHA Lymphoma Group (EHA LyG), several European centers have already identified suitable cases and initiated the required practicalities for material- and data-transfer. Indeed, first FFPE biopsies have been received at the central pathology unit which has begun with initial sample quality assessments. After confirming HL infiltrates and defining regions of interest, the indented generation of TMAs and extraction of RNA/DNA is imminent. In parallel, a harmonized data entry sheet was developed and already employed for data collection of the first cases.

Ongoing work and next steps include the successful execution of the required regulatory frameworks to allow contributions from as many as possible EHA colleagues. Moreover, sample and data collection is ramping up and expected to be completed over the course of 2026. Thereby, the primary aim of this research project will likely be achieved: Compiling a large, clinically well annotated European repository of primary tumor biopsies from older HL patients that is readily available for multimodal downstream analyses. The envisioned analyses include e.g. IHC (EBV status?), multiplex imaging techniques (TME composition, spatial features), gene expression profiling and TCR sequencing, with the overarching goals to uncover age-related biology and targetable vulnerabilities.