What is new in lymphoma?

The lymphomas are a diverse group of malignant disorders that vary with respect to their molecular features, genetics, clinical presentation, treatment approaches, and outcome. Over the past few years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the biology of these diseases, leading to a universally adopted World Health Organization classification system. New therapies are now available with the potential to improve patient outcome, and the International Prognostic Index and standardized response criteria help make clinical trials interpretable. Most notably, the chimeric antiCD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has altered our therapeutic paradigms for B-cell disorders. Combinations of this antibody with chemotherapy and other biologic agents have shown promise in treating lymphoma. Other antibodies, radioimmunoconjugates (such as Y-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan and 1-131 tositumomab), and oblimerson sodium (a BCL-2 antisense oligonucleotide) have all shown promise. New chemotherapy regimens such as bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP), agents such as gemcitabine, and monoclonal antibodies directed against CD30 are also being studied in Hodgkin Lymphoma. The challenge of clinical research is to optimize the use of these agents, select patients most likely to respond, and develop multitargeted strategies based on sound scientific rational, with the potential to increase the cure rate of patients with lymphomas.