Triple-Hit Lymphoma (THL): Symptoms, Treatment, Outlook

THL has been linked to mutations in three particular genes responsible for cell splitting and growth. When these genes don’t function correctly, uncontrolled abnormal cell division, or cancer, can occur.

Researchers believe these gene mutations are acquired and not inherited. More research is needed to confirm.

This article reviews the causes, symptoms, and treatment for THL, and the outlook for people with this type of cancer.

Triple-hit lymphoma (THL) is an aggressive type of lymphoma. Lymphomas are cancers that form in your body’s lymphatic system, a part of your immune system.

THL is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It is found in two smaller subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s:

About 2% of all diffuse large B-cell lymphoma diagnoses are THL.

Both diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma are commonly linked to a gene mutation. THL is called “triple-hit” because it’s linked to three gene mutations.

Often, doctors discuss THL under the broader umbrella of “double-hit” lymphomas. A double-hit lymphoma is a lymphoma that involves two, or three, if THL is included, gene mutations. These multigene mutations are rare. They can make these forms of lymphoma difficult to treat.

THL shares symptoms with Burkitt’s lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Often, this includes what’s known as “B symptoms.”

B symptoms are symptoms found across many types of lymphoma. They include:

Additional symptoms might include:

THL is slightly more common in people assigned male at birth and in older adults.

THL is caused by mutations in three genes: MYC, BCL2, and BCL6. These genes are important for controlling how your cells grow and reproduce. When they don’t work correctly, it can lead to cancer.

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes these genes to mutate. It’s believed the mutations are primarily acquired, not inherited. But it’s unclear what environmental, aging, or other factors might lead to this change.

The first step to receiving a diagnosis of THL is a medical appointment. Your doctor will likely diagnose lymphoma before diagnosing any specific subtype.

If your doctor believes you have lymphoma, they will order tests that will include:

THL is a fast-moving and aggressive form of lymphoma. Treatment often starts with strong chemotherapy to kill cancer cells and stop their growth.

Often, chemotherapy is given with a medication called rituximab (Rituxan). The medication helps chemotherapy treatments target B cells involved in lymphoma.

Some people with THL might be good candidates for a stem cell transplant. A stem transplant is a procedure that replaces a person’s bone marrow with new bone marrow stem cells so healthy bone marrow can grow in place of the cancerous bone marrow.

Donor stem cells can come from the person receiving the transplant or from a closely related donor. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option.

Clinical trials may also be an option for some people with THL. Doctors are currently evaluating the effectiveness of treatments used for other forms of cancer, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy for THL.

People with THL can talk with their doctors about clinical trials and whether they might be good candidates to participate in these tests.

THL is rare and aggressive. It’s associated with worse outcomes than more standard forms of Burkitt’s lymphoma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

This type of lymphoma doesn’t typically respond well to conventional treatments. Additional research into better treatments for THL is needed.

Since THL is rare, it’s difficult to predict exact outcomes, but the average survival time is typically fewer than 2 years. However, as new treatments emerge, this survival time may improve.

Triple-hit lymphoma (THL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It’s linked to three gene abnormalities.

Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and anemia.

THL is confirmed through genetic testing that looks at the genes and chromosomes. Treatment involves strong chemotherapy. People with THL may be good candidates for stem cell transplants and clinical trials.