Biomarker Resource Center
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
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What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Why do biomarkers matter in non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes many different subtypes. Biomarker testing helps your doctor identify exactly which type you have. This is an important first step because different subtypes may behave differently and your doctor will use this information when talking with you about your care.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor which subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma you have and what your CD20 result is. These are two important starting points for understanding your care.
The most important non-Hodgkin lymphoma biomarkers are CD20 status, BCL2, and MYC. Together they help your doctor identify your exact lymphoma subtype and which care approaches are most appropriate for your situation.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Does your lymphoma have a specific surface protein?
CD20 is a protein found on the surface of many B-cell lymphomas. Testing for CD20 is commonly done at diagnosis. Ask your doctor what your CD20 result is and how it fits into the conversation about your care.
🔍 Is a specific protein overactive in your lymphoma?
BCL2 is a protein that can be overactive in some lymphomas. This gives your doctor additional information about your tumor. Ask your doctor whether BCL2 testing was done and what your result means.
🔍 Is there a chromosome change in your lymphoma?
MYC rearrangement is a gene change found in some lymphomas. When combined with BCL2 changes, it defines a specific subtype called double-hit lymphoma. Ask your doctor whether MYC testing was done and what your result means for your care.
Sources: LLS · Lymphoma Research Foundation · NCI
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between slow-growing and fast-growing lymphoma?
Some lymphomas grow slowly and may not need immediate care. Others grow quickly and need attention sooner. Biomarker testing helps your doctor determine which type you have. Ask your doctor to explain your specific subtype.
What is double-hit lymphoma?
Double-hit lymphoma is a specific subtype defined by changes in both MYC and BCL2. Ask your doctor whether your lymphoma has been tested for this and what your results mean for your care.
What is CAR-T therapy?
CAR-T is a type of care that uses your own immune cells. Ask your doctor whether this is something worth discussing for your situation.
Is there a patient support community for lymphoma?
Yes. The Lymphoma Research Foundation at lymphoma.org and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at lls.org are trusted resources for patients and families.
Quick Links
From the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer Center on XpertPatient
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Visit the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Center → Full Biomarkers Guide →
