Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Survival in Classic Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Clinically relevant biomarkers for predicting the outcome of treatment in patients with Hodgkin's disease have not been established. In this study, gene profiling and immunohistochemical analysis were used to find such a marker. A strong association was found between a poor outcome of treatment and an increased number of CD68+ cells in the microenvironment of Reed–Sternberg cells. CD68, a marker of macrophages, outperformed the conventional International Prognostic Score and is available for immunohistochemical staining of diagnostic samples of Hodgkin's lymphoma. A strong association was found between a poor outcome of treatment and an increased number of CD68+ cells in the microenvironment of Reed–Sternberg cells. Current therapies do not cure at least 20% of patients with classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, and a similar proportion of patients are overtreated. 1 It remains a challenge to identify patients whose disease will not be eradicated by standard therapies. Currently, most patients receive at least four cycles of polychemotherapy and, if indicated, radiotherapy. 2 Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation can rescue about 50% of patients in whom primary therapy has failed. Initial clinical decisions and risk stratification for patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma are largely based on clinical variables that distinguish those who are at high risk from those at standard risk. Classic Hodgkin's . . .