Context: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most commonly diagnosed subtype of lymphoma worldwide. The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification includes several subtypes, based on a combination of clinical, immunohistochemical, and genetic differences. Immunohistochemical staining is essential in evaluating diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and many related large B-cell lymphomas and aggressive B-cell lymphomas.
Objective: To address different immunohistochemical features used for identification, subclassification, prognosis and in some cases, therapy, of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and related lymphomas.
Data sources: The information outlined in this review article is based on our experiences with routine cases, on the current WHO classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors, and on a review of English-language articles published throughout 2014.
Conclusions: Features and diagnostic criteria of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, aggressive variants of B-cell lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma and "double-hit" lymphomas, are discussed. Identification of cell of origin (germinal center type versus activated B-cell type) is discussed at length. Finally, practical approaches for diagnosis are discussed.