Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) describes a group of cancers arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is distinct from Hodgkin lymphoma in its pathologic features, epidemiology, common sites of involvement, clinical behavior, and treatment. The non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a diverse group of diseases with varying courses, treatments, and prognoses.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may develop in any organ associated with the lymphatic system (e.g. spleen, lymph nodes, or tonsils). Most cases start with infiltration of lymph nodes, but some subtypes may be restricted to other lymphatic organs.

The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma requires a biopsy of involved tissue. The numerous subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are typically grouped into three distinct categories based on their aggressiveness, or histologic grade. These categories are indolent (or low-grade), aggressive (or intermediate-grade), and highly aggressive (or high-grade). The treatment of indolent or low-grade lymphoma may initially involve a period of observation, while aggressive or highly aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

CA125

• important prognostic factor in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), may be used for staging, monitoring response to treatment, and follow-up of patients with NHL. PMID: 15266095

CD30

• sCD30 appears to be a new biologic serum tumor marker of possible use in the clinical setting of CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). PMID: 7751879

Thymidine kinase (TK)

• a tumor marker with prognostic value for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and a broad range of potential clinical applications. PMID: 1643153