[Clinical relevance of the Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (author's transl)]

The Kiel classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, based on morphological, cytochemical and functional criteria, differentiates between lymphomas of low-grade malignancy and high-grade malignancy, which are themselves subdivided into several distinct entities. The probability of survival, the symptomatology and some important laboratory parameters are described in 138 cases of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, classified according to the Kiel classification. The results show that this classification has not only prognostic and clinical relevance, but also explains some uncommon clinical courses of malignant lymphomas. It is to be hoped that this classification will also promote further progress in therapy.