[Update on lymphomas]

Abstract

Important progress have been recently achieved in the management of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Prognostic factors are now better defined in HD thanks to new biologic and radiologic information which complete old and relevant clinical factors. These parameters are expected to improve decision making in patient's management. However, treatment strategy is under new discussion and controversies about the role of radiotherapy and its doses. There are now enough arguments to consider radiotherapy unnecessary in advanced stages when a complete remission is achieved by chemotherapy. There is also important concern about late effects of treatment and not only secondary cancers. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are heterogeneous and different entities are now better defined and described, thanks to a common and similar language for immunological clinical data and treatment outcome. New strategies are under investigation using monoclonal antibodies with or without radioisotopes, in association with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Undoubtedly, these new approaches are going to improve the overall prognosis of NHL.