title: Pathobiology of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
abstract: The authors revise the concept of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in the light of the recently updated WHO classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues both on biological and clinical grounds. The main histological findings are illustrated with special reference to the cytological spectrum that is indeed characteristic of the tumor. The phenotype is reported in detail: the expression of the ALK protein as well as the chromosomal abnormalities is discussed with their potential pathogenetic implications. The clinical features of ALCL are presented by underlining the difference in terms of response to therapy and survival between the ALK-positive and ALK-negative forms. Finally, the biological rationale for potential innovative targeted therapies is presented.
authors.affiliation: Hematopathology Section, Department of Hematology and Oncological Sciences "L. and A. Seràgnoli", S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Paolo
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Piccaluga
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gazzola
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mannu
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agostinelli
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bacci
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sabattini
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sagramoso
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Piva
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Roncolato
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Inghirami
authors.forename: Stefano A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Pileri