Gene expression signatures and outcome prediction in mature B-cell malignancies.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas comprise a diverse group of diseases that are subclassified by the state of differentiation of the malignant B cells, presence of specific cytogenetic abnormalities, and characteristic morphology. Gene expression profiling has revealed that within each category of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, there exists a significant molecular heterogeneity that can be reflected in differences in tumor behavior and patient outcome. Appreciation of gene expression signatures that are associated with patient outcome will allow better prognostication of disease course and aid the application of molecularly selective patients to improve patient outcome.