WHO-EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas.
Primary cutaneous lymphomas are currently classified by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification or the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, but both systems have shortcomings. In particular, differences in the classification of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, and the group of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders and the classification and terminology of different types of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas have resulted in considerable debate and confusion. During recent consensus meetings representatives of both systems reached agreement on a new classification, which is now called the WHO-EORTC classification. In this paper we describe the characteristic features of the different primary cutaneous lymphomas and other hematologic neoplasms frequently presenting in the skin, and discuss differences with the previous classification schemes. In addition, the relative frequency and survival data of 1905 patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas derived from Dutch and Austrian registries for primary cutaneous lymphomas are presented to illustrate the clinical significance of this new classification.
Willemze
Rein
R
Department of Dermatology, B1-Q-93, Leiden University Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. rein.willemze@planet.nl
Jaffe
Elaine S
ES
Burg
Günter
G
Cerroni
Lorenzo
L
Berti
Emilio
E
Swerdlow
Steven H
SH
Ralfkiaer
Elisabeth
E
Chimenti
Sergio
S
Diaz-Perez
José L
JL
Duncan
Lyn M
LM
Grange
Florent
F
Harris
Nancy Lee
NL
Kempf
Werner
W
Kerl
Helmut
H
Kurrer
Michael
M
Knobler
Robert
R
Pimpinelli
Nicola
N
Sander
Christian
C
Santucci
Marco
M
Sterry
Wolfram
W
Vermeer
Maarten H
MH
Wechsler
Janine
J
Whittaker
Sean
S
Meijer
Chris J L M
CJ
D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014944:World Health Organization