In this issue

Excerpt

This issue opens with two review papers of a rather different nature. Kench et al. (https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s00428-019-02574-0) introduce the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) dataset for prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy specimens. This new dataset is an update of one of the earlier ICCR datasets, now taking into account changes in Gleason grading and the latest WHO classification and TNM staging systems. Evidence based cancer datasets are essential for the development of structured reports, which provide standardized comprehensive information to the requesting physicians as well as facilitating the collection of standardized data for cancer registries, allowing more accurate global cancer epidemiology. Importantly, the ICCR datasets are established through a global concertation process with the intention to establish universally used standards. Leone et al. (https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s00428-019-02615-8) review the complex subject of myocarditis. This heterogeneous group of inflammatory conditions of the myocardium is presently categorized according to the prevalent histopathologic pattern (e.g. lymphocytic, lympho-histiocytic, eosinophilic neutrophilic, giant cell and granulomatous forms). A still burning problem is the lack of correlation between histological pattern and clinical presentation and disease course. This is to a large extent due to the difficulty of obtaining serial biopsy samples at specific stages of disease. The authors argue that despite this incomplete understanding, aetiology driven approaches to the work-up of biopsy specimens, notably in combination with detailed clinical information, multimodal imaging and molecular analyses, will support clinical management and increase insight into aetiology and pathogenesis. …