The pathologist's view point. Part I--indolent lymphomas.
OBJECTIVE
The REAL/WHO classification constitutes a new tool for the better understanding and treatment of malignant lymphomas. The authors focus on the key features of B-cell lymphomas with an indolent behavior, aiming to contribute to the cross-talk between pathologists and clinicians.


METHODS
Each lymphoma entity is analyzed on the basis of the most representative contributions in the literature and the authors' experience 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 and discussed. Within this context, selected data obtained by the application of novel markers are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The present know- ledge and organization of malignant lymphomas now make the development of tailored therapies a feasible goal.
Pileri
S A
SA
Service of Pathologic Anatomy and Haematopathology, Institute Hematology and Oncology L. & A. Seràgnoli, Bologna University, Policlinico S. Orsola, Italy. pileri@almadns.unibo.it
Ascani
S
S
Sabattini
E
E
Fraternali-Orcioni
G
G
Poggi
S
S
Piccioli
M
M
Piccaluga
P P
PP
Gamberi
B
B
Zinzani
P L
PL
Leoncini
L
L
Falini
B
B
D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic