Peter W. Marks, MD, PhD
2009-12-05
For those of us who have been exposed to the Rappaport Classification, the Working
Formulation, or the Revised European American Lymphoma Classification schemes,
the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
may represent yet another set of initials attached to a complex mix of diseases.
However, as we learn more about the molecular abnormalities present in the various
NHL sub-types, the importance of continued revision in classification, with its
implications for treatment, becomes clear.
There will be a variety of opportunities to learn more about the biology and
treatment of NHL at this year’s annual meeting. Dr. Elaine Jaffe from
the National Cancer Institute will lead off the Education Program Session that
will
take place today from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and again Sunday from 7:30 to 9:00
a.m. in Conference Auditorium ABC of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
She will
discuss implications of the WHO classification scheme for clinical practice,
including in situ neoplasia, age-related conditions, and a new classification
scheme for aggressive lymphomas. Dr. Steven Bernstein from the University of
Rochester will then discuss the challenges involved in managing transformed
lymphomas. Finally, Dr. Martin Dreyling of the University of Munich, Germany
will discuss
the management of mantle-cell lymphoma. Mantle-cell lymphoma is particularly
challenging, as outcomes remain poor and there is considerable controversy
about optimal management, including ongoing debate about the best conventional
chemotherapy
regimen and how to integrate stem cell transplantation.
In today’s Poster Session from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Hall E, there will
be further opportunity to learn more about the biology, pathophysiology,
and prognosis of NHL, with numerous posters on pathways involved and prognostic
factors identified. On Sunday, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in room E-1, the
Oral Session on
clinicopathological correlations in NHL will cover a variety of laboratory
and radiographic data that appear to predict prognosis. Following this
from 6:00
to 8:00 p.m. in Hall E, the second Poster Session will include posters
that focus on the biology underlying NHL. On Monday, there will be continued
coverage
of
the biology of NHL focusing on lymphoma cell biology in an Oral Session
from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. in room E-1 followed by another session in this same
room
from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon focusing on genetic factors in lymphoma,
and in the
same room again (perhaps you want to stay seated!) from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
on
the biology and prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
For those whose interests lean toward therapy, there are also a variety of
sessions. For example, there will be an Oral Session held Sunday from 4:30
to 6:00 p.m.
in rooms 208-210 of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on lymphoma chemotherapy
using PET strategies and therapy adapted to special populations such as those
with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. You will need to choose
between this session and a simultaneously held Oral Session in rooms R02-R05,
where uncommon
lymphomas and supportive care will be discussed. Other sessions will take
place on Monday as noted in the 2009 Program Book.
Dr. Marks indicated no relevant conflicts of interest.
back to top
