The pathologist's view point. Part I - indolent lymphomas

Background and Objectives. The REAL/WHO classification constitutes a new to ol for the better understanding and treatment of malignant lymphomas, The a uthors focus on the key features of B-cell lymphomas with an indolent behav ior, aiming to contribute to the cross-talk between pathologists and clinic ians. Data Sources and Methods. Each lymphoma entity Is analyzed on the basis of the most representative contributions in the literature and the authors' ex perience gained In studying more than 20,000 lymphoid tumors over a 20-year period. Results. Guidelines for diagnosis and areas of interest for future clinico- pathologic studies are identified acid discussed. Within this context, sele cted data obtained by the application of novel markers are presented. Interpreation and Conclusions. The present knowledge and organization of ma lignant lymphomas now make the development of tailored therapies a feasible goal. (C) 2000. Ferrata Storti Foundation.