Immunophenotyping of malignant lymphomas--a clinico-pathological approach

The use of monoclonal antibody especially in immunophenotyping of lymphomas is firmly established in clinical practice. This has helped in refining the classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and the updated Kiel Classification is now much favoured by the Europeans. Nonetheless, clinicians by and large preferred the National Cancer Institute Working Formulation Classification. This article explores the potential usage of monoclonal antibodies reactive to the so-called Clusters of Differentiation antigens on lymphoid cells and the role of a clinical pathologist in achieving an accurate clinical diagnosis. Such immunophenotyping is only complementary to the morphological diagnosis of lymphomas.