SP3: Pathology

The precise histomorphological diagnosis of malignant lymphomas and their correct classification which are important for therapy - are difficult in many cases. For these reasons, most lymphoma cases are sent from the primary pathologists to specialised reference centres with a longstanding expertise in the field of lymphoma diagnosis and research to confirm or to modify the initial diagnosis. In Germany, the reference centres for lymph node pathology are located in Berlin, Frankfurt, Kiel, Lübeck, Ulm und Würzburg. This procedure is proven of value over more than ten years and is regarded as a model for other countries.

On the basis of this fortunate situation, the Germany lymphoma study groups decided to link this diagnostic procedure very closely to their therapeutic strategies. Unfortunately, the exchange of information between the primary pathologists, the reference centres for lymph node pathology and the coordination centres for clinical trials is completely paper-based and therefore slow and error-prone. It is the aim of this subproject to establish a complete automatic and computer-based exchange of patient information in order to accelerate and to secure the reference pathological process. This should guarantee that the reference pathological diagnosis is available prior to the initiation of the patient treatment. In the second funding period, an exchange of histological and immunohistological images will be established in order to allow an interactive establishment of a consensus diagnosis. In addition, high resolution scans of tissue sections from selected cases should facilitate the preparation of the panel meetings which take place at regular intervals.

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