Mantle Cell Lymphoma: General Overview

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Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive (fast-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are related malignancies (cancers) that affect the lymphatic system (lymphomas).

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

It is marked by small to medium-sized cancer cells that may be in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood, and gastrointestinal system.

Alternate Names:

• B-cell lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

MCL is a B-cell lymphoma that develops from malignant B-lymphocytes within a region of the lymph node known as the "mantle zone."

MCL results from errors in the production of a lymphocyte or transformation of a lymphocyte into a malignant cell.

Abnormal, uncontrolled growth and multiplication (proliferation) of malignant lymphocytes may lead to

• Enlargement of a specific lymph node region or regions;
• Involvement of other lymphatic tissues, such as the spleen and bone marrow
• Spread to other bodily tissues and organs, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications

The specific symptoms and physical findings may vary from case to case, depending upon the extent and region(s) of involvement and other factors.

MCL primarily affects men over the age of 50 years.

Many affected individuals have widespread disease at diagnosis, with active regions often including multiple lymph nodes, the spleen, and, potentially, the bone marrow, the liver, and regions of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract.

MCL diagnosis is obtained by pathologic review of a lymph node biopsy and bone marrow specimen. This usually includes flow cytometry testing and chromosomal analysis, which show CD5-positive cells, cyclin D1 protein over-expression, and translocation of chromosomes 11 and 14.

The treatment is chemotherapy, but the exact regimen of drugs may vary. Refractoriness to chemotherapy is usual, and unfortunately, high-dose stem cell transplants have not shown an overall survival benefit.

Classical MCL is characterized by an inferior prognosis. This cancer has the shortest average survival of all lymphoma types. Long-time survivors are rare; only a few patients with an overall survival over ten years have been reported.

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