Current cooperative clinical trials in the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Current cooperative group trails in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been analyzed for their overall methods and strategies. There has been more frequent application of staging procedures and individualization of protocols for favorable and unfavorable histologies according to the Rappaport classification. Early-stage protocols are evaluating the extent of radiotherapy and the need for chemotherapy as maintenance. In later stages the incorporation of new agents in induction regimens, use of cycle-active agents, development of non-cross-resistant combinations, and use of radiation in bulk disease are being examined. In childhood lymphoma, strategies using both leukemia- or lymphoma-type approaches are being tested. Cooperative group trials should also serve as an extensive repository of data on late effects of treatment and on alterations of the course of the disease for future analysis.