To evaluate the SIOP protocols in the treatment of mesenchymal tumors.

Flow cytometry has become the preferred method for the lineage assignment and maturational analysis of malignant cells in acute leukemias and lymphomas. Multiparametric immunophenotyping allows the detection of aberrant antigen coexpression and the analysis of heterogeneity and clonality of malignant cells in leukemias and lymphomas. The complexity of multiparameter analysis techniques and the multitude of available monoclonal antibodies demand a standardization of protocols for the use of flow cytometry in clinical laboratories in order to achieve interlaboratory reproducibility. Therefore, the Working Group on Flow Cytometry and Image Analysis has started an initiative in order to establish a consensus protocol on the current methods of the phenotyping of hematological neoplasias as a basis for quality assurance and support for upcoming technologies such as quantitative analysis of antigen densities and automated knowledge-based analysis software. In addition to general recommendations on assay procedures and quality control specific recommendations are given for the selection of two-color reagent panels and data interpretation in an attempt to define a basis for cross-evaluation against the different currently established laboratory protocols.

The Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology have developed recommendations for the surgical pathology report for common malignant tumors. The recommendations for carcinomas of the urinary bladder are reported herein.

An international group of epidemiologists, clinicians and pathologists with a special interest in oral white lesions and their precancerous significance has reviewed earlier work on this topic and identified some of the problems associated with previous definitions, descriptions and classifications. Modifications to these definitions, descriptions and classifications have been proposed, accompanied by explanations of the reasons for identifying the need for changes to be made. Leukoplakia may be a provisional or definitive diagnosis dependent upon the circumstances of oral examination and the availability of other information. Guidelines are provided to assist in the application of the definitions of oral leukoplakia and illustrations depict the homogeneous and non-homogeneous clinical variants. Consideration is also given to the importance of a red component in a white lesion, or a lesion that is entirely red (erythroplakia). A new clinical staging procedure for oral leukoplakia is also proposed.