title: Molecular aspects of B-cell lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: The B-cell lymphomas of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have represented a field of extensive research ever since a close association was shown with such chronic inflammatory processes as Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggested that the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue induced by inflammation and autoimmune processes is the environment that gives rise to the small-cell lymphomas of the GI tract (eg, extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma according to Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms and the World Health Organization Classification of Neoplastic Diseases of the Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue). The small B-cell lymphoma may then progress to highly malignant variants. The B-cell lymphomas of the GI tract may present a stepwise model for lymphomagenesis and progression. This review covers molecular biology and molecular cytogenetic aspects that lead to new insights into the biology of GI lymphomas and potential prognostic factors.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pathology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. barth@medizin.uni-ulm.de
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bentz
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Döhner
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Möller
mesh_terms: D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D018450:Disease Progression; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D018442:Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D014178:Translocation, Genetic