Clinical Impact of the 2016 Update to the WHO Lymphoma Classification

Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2017 Jul;18(7):45. doi: 10.1007/s11864-017-0483-z.

Abstract

The 2016 revision of the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms includes new entities along with a clearer definition of provisional and definitive subtypes based on better understanding of the molecular drivers of lymphomas. These changes impact current treatment paradigms and provide a framework for future clinical trials. Additionally, this update recognizes several premalignant or predominantly indolent entities and underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessarily aggressive treatment in the latter subsets.

Keywords: ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL); BCL6 translocations; Burkitt lymphoma; Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL); Double hit lymphoma; Follicular lymphoma; High grade B cell lymphoma NOS; Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma; Mantle cell lymphoma; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / classification*
  • Lymphoma / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma / pathology
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • World Health Organization*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor