Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a concept reviewed.
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.
Pileri
SA
Anatomical Pathology and Hematopathology Institute, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy. pileri@almadns.unibo.it
Milani
M
Ascani
S
Fraternali-Orcioni
G
Piccioli
M
Poggi
S
Sabattini
E
Falini
B