[Malignant lymphoma competence network].

The competence network Malignant Lymphomas is one out of 3 oncological networks which have been funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research since 1999. The network's activities are based on the work of the German lymphoma research groups, which have led to significant progress in the diagnosis and therapy of malignant lymphoma over the last few years. Based on this infrastructure, the network aims to establish a professional quality management for the diagnostics and treatment of malignant lymphomas. Key aspects of activity include: 1st the establishment of an IT-based information and communication platform, 2nd IT-based networking of study groups and collaborating centres of pathology and radiotherapy, 3rd epidemiological and health care-economical research, 4th research on improved and new therapeutical approaches, 5th evidence-based medicine. Further information is presented in http://www.lymphome.de.