Comparative evaluation of PCR-based methods for the assessment of T cell clonality in the diagnosis of T cell lymphoma.

Aims: The accurate diagnosis of T cell lymphoma often depends on the demonstration of a monoclonal T cell population in a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate four polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods used to analyse T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements in the assessment of T cell clonality.

Methods: DNA was tested from 23 T cell neoplasms, seven B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL), three Hodgkin's lymphomas (HL), 14 benign LPD and peripheral blood from a healthy donor.