Malignant lymphoma of follicular center cell origin in humans. IV. Small transformed (noncleaved) cell lymphoma of the non‐burkitt's type

Abstract Small transformed cell lymphoma (STC) is the least common follicular center cell neoplasm in the Lukes‐Collins classification system. If the cells are homogenous in size and shape, Burkitt's lymphoma (STC‐BL) is diagnosed; otherwise STC lymphoma of the non‐Burkitt's type (STC‐nBL) is present. The authors have reviewed their experience with 17 cases of STC‐nBL. This neoplasm affects all ages, both sexes equally, and most commonly is Stage IV based either on a visceral abdominal mass or bone marrow involvement. Surface immunoglobulin analysis revealed IgM in all cases tested. In spite of aggressive treatment protocols, there were only 5 of 17 (29%) clinical complete responses. Four of these five have continuous remission from 8 to 23 months after diagnosis; all four of these patients were treated with regimens containing high‐dose cyclophosphamide. Future analyses including viral studies, chromosomal analyses, and uniform treatment protocols will help determine whether STC‐nBL and Burkitt's lymphoma are truly distinct entities.