title: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a concept reviewed.
abstract: The development of the concept of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is reviewed. The subtypes of the tumor proposed in the literature, including the so-called Hodgkin's-like variant, are discussed both on morphological and clinical grounds. The more recent information on the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor (i.e. 2;5 translocation, formation of the NPM/ALK hybrid gene, and production of a specific protein) are presented: their possible implications in the future classification and clinical management of the neoplasm are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Pathology and Hematopathology Institute, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy. pileri@almadns.unibo.it
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Pileri
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ascani
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fraternali-Orcioni
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piccioli
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poggi
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sabattini
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Falini