The aggressive lymphomas are a group of diseases that affect the lymphatic system, or rather cells and tissues that are responsible for defending the body against external agents and disease and to ensure proper circulation of fluids in the body. The aggressive lymphomas include non-Hodgkin lymphomas that can develop into different organs (lymph nodes, but also the stomach, intestine, skin and central nervous system) from B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes (T lymphomas treated by the T lymphomas Commission).
The aggressive lymphomas can develop in any part of the body. The most frequent localizations are found in the lymph nodes of the neck, armpit, diaphragm, inguinal, abdominal and in different organs.
The Aggressive Lymphomas Commission deals with studies involving:
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL);
- Mantle Cell lymphomas (MCL);
- Burkitt lymphoma;
- Primary Mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas (PMLBCL).
The goals of Aggressive Lymphomas Commission are:
- Approve the proposals for Phase III national and international studies, aimed at comparing standard therapy with therapeutic strategies in aggressive lymphomas listed above;
- Approve the proposals for Phase II trials with drugs or combinations of innovative drugs, in groups of patients selected for age or for specific clinical features;
- Cooperate with the Commission for Biological Studies conducting integrated analysis on the clinical prognosis of biological parameters, such as minimal residual disease;
- Cooperate with the Commission Imaging and Radioimmunotherapy and Commission Radiotherapy for prospective analysis on the prognostic significance of imaging techniques such as PET and analysis regarding radiotherapy;
- Participate and collaborate with the International Cooperative groups in prospective clinical trials;
- Carry out scientific advice for prospective studies sponsored by international companies in aggressive lymphomas.