OBJECTIVETo review the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signal pathway in the pathogenesis of lymphoma and explore a potential lymphoma therapy targeted on this signaling pathway.

DATA SOURCESThe data cited in this review were mainly obtained from the articles listed in Medline and PubMed, published from January 1995 to June 2009. The search terms were "cAMP" and "lymphoma".

STUDY SELECTIONArticles regarding the role of the cAMP pathway in apoptosis of lymphoma and associated cells and its potential role in targeted therapy of lymphoma.

RESULTSIn the transformation of lymphocytic malignancies, several signal pathways are involved. Among of them, the cAMP pathway has attracted increasing attention because of its apoptosis-inducing role in several lymphoma cells. cAMP pathway impairment is found to influence the prognosis of lymphoma. Targeted therapy to the cAMP pathway seems to be a new direction for lymphoma treatment, aiming at restoring the cAMP function.

CONCLUSIONScAMP signal pathway has different effects on various lymphoma cells. cAMP analogues and phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) inhibitors have potential clinical significance. However, many challenges remain in understanding the various roles of such agents.