title: Biology and treatment of follicular lymphoma.
abstract: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common lymphoid tumor. It is composed of elements resembling those of normal germinal centers. In particular, it is constituted by small centrocytes and large centroblasts, typically CD10+, CD19+, CD20+, CD79a+ and BCL6+, with follicular growth pattern. The molecular hallmark of FL is the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation, which leads to inappropriate BCL2 expression. This feature, other than representing a pathogenetic primary event, constitutes a suitable diagnostic marker, as well as a target for minimal residual disease monitoring and, hopefully, future therapies. Clinically, FL presents with indolent behavior, characterized by prompt response to initial therapy but almost invariably subsequent relapses. Novel approaches, including stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies and innovative agents, should be then considered for improving long-term results.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Hematopathology Unit, Department of Hematology and Oncological Sciences L and A Seràgnoli, S Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, Italy. pierpaolo.piccaluga@unibo.it
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Piccaluga
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Sapienza
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agostinelli
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sagramoso
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mannu
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sabattini
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Zinzani
authors.forename: Stefano A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Pileri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069461:Bendamustine Hydrochloride; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008224:Lymphoma, Follicular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D009588:Nitrogen Mustard Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009588:Nitrogen Mustard Compounds; D000069283:Rituximab; D000069461:Bendamustine Hydrochloride