Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Twenty-Five Years of Discovery

Abstract

Abstract Context—The year 2010 commemorates the 25th year since the seminal publication by Karl Lennert and Harald Stein and others in Kiel, West Germany, describing an unusual large cell lymphoma now known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Investigators at many universities and hospitals worldwide have contributed to our current in-depth understanding of this unique peripheral T-cell lymphoma, which in its systemic form, principally occurs in children and young adults. Objective—To summarize our current knowledge of the clinical and pathologic features of systemic and primary cutaneous ALCL. Particular emphasis is given to the biology and pathogenesis of ALCL. Data Sources—Search of the medical literature (Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE: 1950 to Present [National Library of Medicine]) and more than 20 years of diagnostic experience were used as the source of data for review. Conclusions—Based on immunostaining for activation antigen CD30 and the presence of...