Progress in the treatment of large-cell lymphocytic lymphoma during the last decade has been such that cure has replaced palliation as the objective of treatment. In pathologically proven stage I or II disease appropriate radiotherapy is adequate. It is of major importance to recognize that even in stage III or IV disease cure is possible, and it is therefore in the patient's best interests that initial assessment take into account the morphological and immunobiological features of the tumour as well as other prognostic factors, and that a chemotherapeutic regimen of established efficacy be prescribed. Newer challenges are a need to define optimum chemotherapy and explore the roles of bone marrow transplantation and immunological manipulation of the tumour with monoclonal antibodies.