Madrid, 25 April 2024. Mediastinum lymphomas are a special group of haematological diseases, which we can essentially divide into three categories: Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma of the large primary mediastinum cells and grey zone lymphomas. These types of tumour stand out due to their specific biology and present particular difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. They will provide the central topic at the LXXXVIII Meeting of the Lymphoma Club of the Spanish Society of Anatomical Pathology (SEAP), held this year at the MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid Hospital, with the aim of updating diagnosis criteria and analysing the advances in therapy for these types of tumour.
On this occasion, the meeting has been organised by Dr. Juan Fernando García, from the MD Anderson Madrid Anatomical Pathology Service, and Dr. Santiago Montes, from the Anatomical Pathology Service at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. This event has established its position as one of the most important educational forums on lymphoid pathology, attracting numerous specialists in the diagnosis of haematological diseases, especially lymphomas and leukaemias.
Specifically, this edition will bring together more than 80 professionals specialising in the diagnosis of haematological diseases. Among their number are prominent hematopathologists, haematologists, oncologists, researchers, biologists, and biochemists, all with a strong interest in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lymphatic system.
Mediastinal lymphomas, tumours with a particular biology and special difficulties in diagnosis and treatment
As Dr. García clarifies, the main theme for the session will be mediastinal lymphomas, a special group of diseases that share particular characteristics and largely fall into three categories: Hodgkin's lymphoma, primary large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum and grey zone lymphomas, which are lymphomas difficult to classify and which have some intermediate characteristics of rare tumours.
"These are unique tumours with a specific biology and particular diagnostic and treatment difficulties. In fact, within the current classification of lymphomas, mediastinal lymphomas occupy a special chapter of their own,” advises the expert.
This complexity has inspired the experts to hold this particular meeting at MD Anderson Madrid with a special focus on new diagnosis criteria and advances in therapy.
This scientific conference, which has been held for more than 50 years on a semi-annual basis, is fundamentally educational in nature. The program consists of various sessions for updating criteria and diagnostic tools, as well as topics of current interest related to therapy and patient treatment. Expert speakers will also present and address specific clinical-pathology cases.
"In addition, there will be administrative meetings to provide updates on ongoing scientific projects, present future projects and discuss company organization and administrative issues," explains Dr. Juan Fernando García.
Update of the WHO Book of Classification of Lymphomas and Leukemias
This year 2024, sees the publication of the World Health Organization’s new and updated classification of lymphomas and leukaemias. This is a work on which Dr. Juan Fernando García participated, as well as several other attendees at the conference, and which they had an opportunity to analyse during the course of the event. The classification details the diagnostic criteria and applicable terminology for approximately 170 different types of hematologic cancer.
"This includes terminological modifications, in other words the taxonomy and terminology used to name the diseases. This is not an arbitrary process, but follows the homogeneous international criteria that are compiled and listed in these books," clarifies Dr. García. "These updates are very important for pathologists working in the diagnostic field and it is essential that we are up to date on such tools and terminology. Of course, all haematologists, oncologists and other clinicians involved in the management of patients have a fundamental interest in knowing about advances in genetics and biology, as well as the classification of diseases because they also have an impact on clinical practice”, concludes the expert.
Photo caption: Dr. Juan Fernando García and Dr. Santiago Montes.