[The relations between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Contrary to the generally accepted dogma that Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas represent two clearly distinct tumor entities, studies with morphologic and immunological methods revealed many overlappings. Thus Sternberg-Reed cells are not specific to Hodgkin's lymphoma. In addition, the reactivity of the monoclonal antibody Kil, which was developed from Hodgkin cell lines, is by no means restricted to Hodgkin and Sternberg-Reed cells. Moreover, some high grade malignant variants of Hodgkin's lymphoma are morphologically identical to high grade malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Although the borders between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are often poorly defined, clinical and therapeutic considerations demand that a distinction be attempted whenever possible. It is likely that molecular-genetic methods will enable us to recognize whether and where clear-cut borders exist.