Outline of a prospective multicentric study on the clinical significance of the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Retrospective analysis of 405 patients suggested the clinical relevance of the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In order to further clarify the clinical and prognostic features of the lymphoma entities diagnosed according to this histopathologic scheme, a prospective multicentric study was initiated by the Kiel Lymphoma Group. Initial staging evaluation is performed according to the Ann Arbor classification. On the basis of the hypothesis that like Hodgkin's disease non-Hodgkin's lymphomas originate, at least in part, as localized nodal or extranodal tumors, extended field irradiation is performed in localized disease (stages I and II) (with the exception of lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and young adults) whereas in more widespread disease (stages III and IV) (with the exception of stage III of centroblastic-centrocytic lymphoma) chemotherapy with additional radiotherapy is applied.