A critical analysis of the classifications of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Abstract

The Rappaport classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas was proposed almost a quarter century ago, before the advent of modern immunology. This classification, which is based entirely on morphologic features, has proved its clinical usefulness. In light of recent scientific advances, however, its terminology is not appropriate. Five new classifications have been proposed recently, each claiming to have more merit than the others. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze and evaluate these newly proposed classifications to determine which classification is conceptually and scientifically acceptable as well as clinically useful. The results of the study show that there are more similarities than differences among the Rappaport. Lukes and Collins, Dorfman, British, and WHO classifications; the Kiel classification, however, is fundamentally different (Tables 8, 9, 11). None of these classifications can be used in its proposed form. Based on the analysis of these classifications, a compromise working classification is proposed which incorporates the relevant concepts and terminology from the Rappaport, Berard, Dorfman, WHO, and Lukes and Collins classifications (Tables 15, 16). The proposed compromise classification is an attempt to reconcile the various classifications, and to stimulate others to offer modifications which may bring about a final solution to the problem of classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle in human lymphoma determined by flow cytometry. Correlation with labeling index and patient survival

“…No patient was undergoing antineoplastic therapy at the time of study. The diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was made on conventional morphologic preparations according to a modification of the classification of Rappaport (17). In 5 patients staging procedures were not performed.…”

Radiation Sensitivity of Human Histiocytic Lymphomas in Vitro

“…There has been a great uncertainty about the nature of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and consequently several classifications have been introduced (for review see NATWANI 1979). During the past decades the main classification used has been the RAPPA-PORT classification from 1966.…”

Cytosine arabinoside transport and metabolism in acute leukemias and T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.

“…The peripheral blood contained 175,000/,ul white cells, of which 94% were large, immature lymphoid cells possessing strongly reacting surface immunoglobulin. The three patients with T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, who were aged 6, 15, and 29, were diagnosed from histology of a lymph node biopsy (20). All had a mediastinal mass as well as hepatosplenomegaly and peripheral lymphadenopathy.…”