New insights into the biology of molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma

Abstract

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma are two distinct lymphoma entities recognized by the current World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms. Although diagnostic criteria to distinguish these two subtypes have been established, a subset of cases have overlapping characteristics and therefore, the distinction can be challenging. Thus, the World Health Organization classification introduced an intermediate subtype referred as "B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma". This review summarizes our current understanding of the biology of these lymphoma subtypes.