The pathologist's view point. Part II - aggressive 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 aggressive B- and T-cell lymphomas, aim ing to contribute to the cross-talk between pathologists and clinicians. 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 pained in studying more than 20,000 lymphoid tumors over a 20-year period. Results. Guidelines for diagnosis and areas of interest for Mure clinico-pa thologic studies are identified and discussed. Within this context, selecte d data obtained by the application of novel markers are presented. interpretation and Conclusions. The present knowledge and organization of m alignant lymphomas now make the development of tailored therapies a feasibl e peal. (C) 2000, Ferrata Storti Foundation.