Molecular cytogenetics of lymphoma: where do we stand in 2010?

Abstract

For the past 20 years most malignant lymphomas have been classified as clinicopathological entities, each with its own combination of clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic characteristics. Molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities can be detected by a wide range of techniques, ranging from conventional karyotyping to single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. In this review, we consider the common genetic abnormalities found in lymphoma and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of individual techniques used in their detection. Finally, we discuss briefly possible novel developments in the field of lymphoma diagnostics.