A STUDY OF BCL-2 AND BCL-6 AS PROGNOSTIC FACTORS GOVERNING RESPONSE TO CHEIVIOTHERAPEUTIC SCHEDULES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMAS

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma compnses one group of tumors of immune system. They are malignancies of B or T lymphocytes that originate in lymph nodes & grow in tumors masses. The spectrum of these disorders ranges from some of the most indolent malignancies encountered clinically (e.g. certain follicular lymphomas) to the most aggressive and rapidly growing of all malignancies (e.g. small non­ cleaved lymphoma) (7).

Before considering the complexity of treatment strategies, it is important to examine which disease characteristics are associated with a favorable or unfavorable outcome. Prognostic variables must be considered in the context of the histopathologic subtype or grade ofNHL Although most of these parameters have been identified within the context of a specific therapeutic regimen, investigators now agree that most prognostic variables are independent of treatment strategy (ISO). The two major categories of prognostic variables include clinical parameters, and biologic parameters.