[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. Two names for one disease (author's transl)].

Of 14 non-T-cell malignant non-Hodgkin lymphomas (mNHL) 5/14 presented with leukemic transformation of the bone marrow; in three more cases bone marrow involvement developed during an observation period of 60--200weeks. In 2/14 cases mNHL terminated the first continuous and complete remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). CNS involvement has been observed without preceding bone marrow involvement. Only 4/14 mNHL remained local diseases. These clinical courses as well as hematological findings and further clinical observations suggests a very close relationship between mNHL and ALL if not basic identity. With the same systemic treatment additional to local treatment, prognosis of mNHL is by no means worse but rather better than the prognosis of ALL.