[New findings on the classification, diagnosis and therapy of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas]

Based on available recent data from the literature the authors review recent findings pertaining to the etiopathogenesis, immunology, clinical manifestations and treatment of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas. From the pathogenetic aspect in particular the close association with infections and immune disorders in various portions of the gastrointestinal tract is important. In their review the authors draw attention to new aspects of the histological and immunological classification of these tumors, in particular as far as definition of lymphomas of the MALT-system is concerned. They evaluate also data from their own group of 83 patients with regard to the incidence and site of the disease. In the conclusion they draw attention to the importance of some new therapeutic approaches, incl. antibacterial treatment.