PURPOSE Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematological cancer worldwide. T/NK cell and viral-associated NHL (EBV, HTLV-1) are aggressive cancers that, although considered rare in the United States, are commonly seen in Latin American (LATAM) countries and carry poor outcomes with conventional therapies. This study aims to address the significant burden of NHL in LATAM by establishing the ‘Epidemiology of Lymphomas in Latin America (ELLA)’ cohort study. The purpose is to improve understanding of NHL prevalent in LATAM, develop novel prognostication models, and explore novel immunotherapeutic strategies using antigen-discovery platforms. METHODS The ELLA study proposes a prospective cohort design over 5 years, involving the enrollment of up to 3,000 newly diagnosed NHL patients in LATAM enriched for T/NK and viral-associated NHL (e.g. peripheral T cell lymphomas, EBV positive lymphomas). Clinical data will be recorded into RedCap database (powered by MD Anderson’s RedCap system); germline DNA and tumor samples will be collected at diagnosis and to perform WES and RNA seq. Current prognostic scoring systems (developed in Causian populations) will be validated and develop novel prognostic scoring systems for patients with NHL in LATAM. We will also characterize the immunologic landscape of T/NK and viral-associated NHL using the generated genomic data and for epitope discovery and mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidome validation for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies. RESULTS The Grupo de Estudio Latinoamericano de Linfoproliferativos (GELL) has collected retrospective data and tumor samples of >5000 LATAM NHL patients. Leveraging GELL’s experience, through the establishment of the ‘ELLA’ cohort study, prospective data on NHL patients in LATAM will be gathered. To date, we have validated the IPI, R-IPI, PIT, and NCCN IPI scores in LATAM NHL patients and have developed novel prognostic models for HTLV-1-associated adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and EBV positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Genomic sequencing of patients with these viral-associated NHL is undergoing. CONCLUSION The 'ELLA' cohort study holds promise in addressing the disparities and challenges faced by NHL patients in LATAM. By empowering local clinicians and scientists, narrowing healthcare disparities, and improving prognostication and therapeutic strategies, this study aims to improve outcomes, survivorship, and the development of clinical trials in the region.