The Role of Immunologic Aberrations in the Pathogenesis of Lymphoma: With Particular Reference to Mycosis Fungoides and Exfoliative Erythroderma

AUNITARIAN theory of the pathogenesis of malignant lymphoma seems improbable considering the multiplicity of morphologic types, histopathologic distinctions and variable clinical courses suggesting that there are multiple etiologic determinants of lymphoid malignancies. The induction of lymphoma in mice by oncogenic viruses^1-4 and chemical carcinogens,^5-8 epidemiologic⁹ and hereditary influences^10-12 in Hodgkin's disease, the development of lymphomas as a consequence of the administration of anticonvulsant drugs¹³ and exposure to x-radiation,^14,15 and studies of Burkitt's lymphoma¹⁶ all bespeak a great diversity of inductive influences. During the past decade persuasive insight into the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies has been advanced by the revelation that immunologic aberrations predispose to, are inductive, or are important associated features of malignant lymphoproliferative disease. The purpose of this paper is to review the experimental studies and clinical research relevant to the determinant role of abnormalities of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis