Revisiting Chromosomal Translocations: Insights From Healthy Individuals and Lymphoma

Background Chromosomal translocations are crucial in the pathogenesis of lymphomas and other hematologic malignancies. They have been incorporated into clinical guidelines, providing vital diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment tools. Content Several unresolved questions persist regarding the mechanisms that drive these translocations and their role in tumorigenesis. Notably, identical chromosomal translocations have been observed in healthy individuals without corresponding increases in cancer risk. Summary This review reevaluates the current models of cancer development, particularly the somatic mutation theory, in light of these phenomena. It highlights the need for an expanded framework that accounts for the nonrandom nature of translocations, their occurrence in healthy individuals, and their potential role in immune regulation.