title: Classification of Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases: implications for understanding their pathogenesis and developing rational treatment strategies.
abstract: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a spectrum of B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) that develop following organ transplantation. A classification scheme for these disorders has been developed based on the clinical, histologic, immunologic cell-typing, cytogenetic, immunoglobulin gene-rearrangement, and virologic characteristics of these LPD. Four disease groups have been identified: (a) uncomplicated posttransplant infectious mononucleosis, (b) benign polyclonal polymorphic B-cell hyperplasia, (c) early malignant transformation in polyclonal polymorphic B-cell lymphoma, and (d) monoclonal polymorphic B-cell lymphoma. This classification has furthered our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diverse LPD and has allowed the development of rational treatment protocols.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio 45267-0558, USA.
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hanto
mesh_terms: D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000235:genetics