New Concept for ALK Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma——Review

ALK negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALK-ALCL) lacks the specific expression of ALK protein,although it also strongly expresses CD30 and resembles the morphologic characteristics of ALK positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALK+ ALCL).Recently,some new researches indicate that there exist molecular and genetic differences between these two types of ALCL.Moreover,the treatment response,prognosis,and long-term survival of ALK-ALCL are far worse than that of ALK+ ALCL,such as ALK-ALCL is associated with older age persons,B group syndrome,disease advanced stage,high International Prognostic Index(IPI) and poor prognosis(49% 5-year survival).As a consequence,some new advances on basis(cell morphology and tissue pathology,immunophenotypes,cell genetics and molecular marker),diagnosis and treatment of ALK-ALCL are summrized in this review.