Working Formulation Explained

The Working Formulation is a classification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, first proposed in 1982.^[1] It has become outdated in light of modern shifts in the understanding and classification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, leading to the rise of new systems such as the Revised American European Lymphoma classification.^[2] The Working Formulation is still in use, although it is usually applied when analyzing historical data.^[3]

Low Grade

• Malignant lymphoma, small lymphocytic (chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
• Malignant lymphoma, follicular, predominantly small cleaved cell
• Malignant lymphoma, follicular, mixed (small cleaved and large cell)

Intermediate grade

• Malignant lymphoma, follicular, predominantly large cell
• Malignant lymphoma, diffuse, small cleaved cell
• Malignant lymphoma, diffuse, mixed small and large cell
• Malignant lymphoma, diffuse, large cell

High grade

• Malignant lymphoma, large cell, immunoblastic
• Malignant lymphoma, lymphoblastic
• Malignant lymphoma, small noncleaved cells (Burkitt lymphoma)

Miscellaneous

• Composite
• Mycosis fungoides
• Histiocytic
• Extramedullary plasmacytoma
• Unclassifiable

Notes and References

1. MacKenzie RG, Rusthoven JJ . Management of localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma . CMAJ . 133 . 6 . 559–64 . 1985 . 3896450 . 1346220 .
2. Web site: 2023-12-15 . Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI . 2024-01-22 . www.cancer.gov . en.
3. Web site: 2023-07-24 . Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Guidelines: Classification, Diagnosis, Staging .