Bulk

Medical term for the presence of large tumour masses (= Bulky Disease or Bulk). Bulk is usually defined as lymphoma masses with a diameter of more than 7.5 cm before the start of therapy. For certain lymphomas (e.g. diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), a very large lymphoma manifestation is a risk factor independent of the International Prognostic Index (Pfreundschuh M et al. 2008).

The common definition of a 'bulk' in Germany is a diameter ≥7.5 cm. In some countries a diameter ≥10 cm is required

1. Pfreundschuh M et al. (2008) Prognostic significance of maximum tumour (bulk) diameter in young patients with good-prognosis diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma treated with CHOP-like chemotherapy with or without rituximab: an exploratory analysis of the MabThera International Trial Group (MInT) study. Lancet Oncol 9:435-444.