Both subclasses share similar histological features, although ALK+ ALCL patients are typically children or young adults and have a relatively good prognosis, with 88–95% of patients achieving complete remission [2,3], whereas ALK- ALCL patients are usually 40–65 years of age at diagnosis and have a less favourable prognosis, with a 5 year overall survival of 49% [4]. The gene discussed is ALK; the disease is anaplastic large cell lymphoma.