The 11th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), the main international forum devoted to basic and clinical research in lymphoid neoplasms, took place in Lugano, Switzerland, from 15 to 18 June 2011. In 2011, 3200 experts in lymphoma from 76 countries attended the meeting. ICML represents the most important forum for the discussion of all aspects relating to basic research, clinical data and results of trials in the treatment of malignant lymphoma worldwide. The incidence of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is increasing. Treatment of lymphoma is heterogeneous, with effective results seen with standard chemotherapy, immunotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with transplantation and radiotherapy. The biological basis of the growth of lymphoma explains the rationale for the introduction of experimental new drugs in monotherapy or in combination with consolidate schemes. The results have been promising and these issues were discussed during the meeting. On this basis, the ICML report was focused on the most topical, interesting or thought-provoking issues in the treatment of lymphoma.