Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of childhood include high-grade mature B cell lymphoma [Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMLBCL)], anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL). The prognosis for children with NHL is generally excellent, although there are some higher risk groups. In this regard, PMLBCL is generally associated with a poorer outcome than BL or DLBCL of comparable stage. The long-term event-free survival for children with ALCL is approximately 70 %. Novel biological agents, including those that target CD-30 or ALK, may hold promise for improving treatment results. Children with LL are treated with regimens derived from those used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recent biological study of LL may provide insights into revising treatment stratification. The challenge in pediatric NHL, a group that already has a relatively good prognosis, is to improve treatment outcome without increasing concerning late effects.