[Cytological classification and nomenclature of leukaemias in childhood. Present situation of the cytomorphological and cytochemical differentiation (author's transl)].

The classification and nomenclature of leukaemias in childhood under cytomorphological and cytochemical criteria is presented base on our own longstanding studies as well as on literature. Particular consideration is given to clinically relevant subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemias (AML) and chronic myeloid leukaemias (CML). The more subtle differentiation leads to a more reliable diagnosis, a better estimation of the individual prognosis and is of immediate importance for the therapeutical decisions. We show the necessity of diagnosis centralisation in cooperative prospective therapy studies and in a risk dependant therapeutical approach.