Morphologic classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I. Retrospective analysis using the Kiel classification.

In a retrospective analysis of 334 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma observed between 1969 and 1978, 250 cases could be classified according to the Kiel classification. Clinicopathologic correlation was analysed for these latter cases. Irrespective of the morphologic appearance, all cases initially in stage I showed an excellent prognosis after radiation therapy alone, whereas the prognosis for stage II was similar to stages III and IV. For stages II-IV, 3 major prognostic groups with significantly differing survival curves were identified. The median survival times were one, 3 and more than 7 years, respectively. The pathologic and clinical significance of the Kiel classification is discussed.