This page is part of a frame-set. The infiltrate consists of large lymphoid cells. The immunophenotype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is variable indicting that this is heterogenous group of tumours. Some cases have a typical germinal centre cell phenotype identical to that seen in follicle centre lymphoma. Most of the remainder have a post germinal centre phenotype - absence of IgD and CD23.
Most cases are nodal tumour.
There is uncertainty as to how these relate to Follicle Centre lymphoma. Bcl-6 is a key regulator of germinal centre formation and tumours of germinal centre origin express the protein without the translocation. The initial treatment for most patients is CHOP type combination chemotherapy. Radiotherapy may have a role in early stage or bulky disease. The role of High Dose therapy with stem cell support may improve the outcome for some patients but its role has not been fully defined.