title: Revised response criteria for malignant lymphoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Standardized response criteria are needed to interpret and compare clinical trials and for approval of new therapeutic agents by regulatory agencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The International Working Group response criteria (Cheson et al, J Clin Oncol 17:1244, 1999) were widely adopted, but required reassessment because of identified limitations and the increased use of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry. The International Harmonization Project was convened to provide updated recommendations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New guidelines are presented incorporating PET, IHC, and flow cytometry for definitions of response in non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Standardized definitions of end points are provided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We hope that these guidelines will be adopted widely by study groups, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and regulatory agencies to facilitate the development of new and more effective therapies to improve the outcome of patients with lymphoma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA. bdc4@georgetown.edu
authors.forename: Bruce D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Cheson
authors.forename: Beate
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pfistner
authors.forename: Malik E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Juweid
authors.forename: Randy D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Gascoyne
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Specht
authors.forename: Sandra J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Horning
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Coiffier
authors.forename: Richard I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hagenbeek
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zucca
authors.forename: Steven T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Sigrid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stroobants
authors.forename: T Andrew
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Lister
authors.forename: Richard T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Hoppe
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dreyling
authors.forename: Kensei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tobinai
authors.forename: Julie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vose
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Connors
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Federico
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Diehl
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D023381:Endpoint Determination / Q000592:standards; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000592:standards; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000592:standards; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000592:standards; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D016019:Survival Analysis; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18