Clinical, histologic and genetic characterization of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in Mexicans

We describe the anatomical distribution, histological and molecular characteristics of 32 cases of NHL. Staging of the NHL was made according to conventionally accepted schemes. Histologically the NHL were classified in grades following the criteria defined by the Working Formulation. Rearrangements in one or more Ig or TcR receptor genes were detected in Southern blots and allowed us to determine the cell type and stage of differentiation. Serological analysis of 26 serum samples revealed the existence of antibodies against EBV epitopes; eight of these patients carried viral sequences in the tumor genome as determined by slot blot hybridization. Our studies indicate that the use of various methods is of paramount importance in order to improve our understanding of the natural history of NHL.