Understanding the New WHO Classification of Lymphoid Malignancies: Why It's Important and How It Will Affect Practice

Abstract

Improved delineation of lymphoid malignancy biology has prompted refinement of the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors with a new framework introduced in 2016. This knowledge has provided valuable insights regarding management. Early clonal proliferations have been set apart given their limited potential for malignant dissemination. Increasing knowledge of molecular drivers of aggressive lymphomas has allowed subclassification and opportunity for clinical investigations to personalize therapy. New insights into T-cell pathophysiology has allowed grouping based on shared molecular and cellular features. This article will summarize the key changes in terms of diagnosis and histopathologic definitions, the impact of these changes on clinical management, and the challenges of future research in this field.