Immunopathological lymph node findings in Hodgkin's disease: correlation to survival.

217 diagnostic lymph nodes biopsies from cases of Hodgkin's disease were classified according to the criteria established by the Rye Conference. These were later subdivided into survival groups using immunopathological parameters solely. In the light of findings based upon 63 cases whose progress has been followed, it appears that the classification of Hodgkin's disease according to immunopathological parameters may serve to eliminate many of the inconsistencies encountered with the utilization of classical procedures, especially in the correlation between histopathological analysis and prognosis. The new classification consists of three groups: I. Long survivals (greater than 5 years): extensive lymph node preservation of antibody mediated (average approximately 65%) and cell mediated (average approximately 37%) immunity, and/or a nodular birefringent fibrosis-hyalinosis. - - - (15,9%). II. Medium survivals (less than or equal to 5 greater than 2 years): partial lymph nodes preservation of antibody mediated (average approximately 42%) and/or cell mediated (average approximately 17%) immunity, and/or numerous epithelioid cal to 2 years): minimal lymph node antibody mediated (average approximately 7%) and cell mediated (average approximately 1%) immunological activity, no epithelioid cell infiltrates and no birefringent fibrosis-hyalinosis. - - - (41,2%).