[Prognostic factors in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Therapeutic implications]

This review considers the prognostic factors recently distinguished in malignant lymphomas. Whatever the histological type, clinical and biological factors have a major role in defining the forms having poor prognosis. These prognostic factors are essentially linked to the tumoral mass (stage, number of metastases, and LDH and beta-2-microglobulin levels). Age is also an important factor. When treatment of lymphoma is considered, whatever the histological type, the presence or absence of these prognostic factors must be taken into account in choosing treatment.