Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare form of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) which accounts for about 5% of all NHLs. MCL is considered incurable and has a median survival rate of 3–5 years. MCL is caused by a malignant change in the B lymphocytes found in the outer region of a lymph node follicle known as the mantle zone. These transformed cells grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to lymph node enlargement. The lymphoma cells can invade the bloodstream and the lymphatic channels, thereby spreading to other lymph nodes (eg adenoids and tonsils) and organs or tissues such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract. Other sites, such as the lacrimal glands, lungs, skin, and the central nervous system, may also be affected. In 30–50% of patients, more than two extranodal sites are involved. Almost all MCL patients have a characteristic t(11;14)(q13;q32) chromosomal translocation which causes an excessive production of cyclin D1, a protein that triggers cancer cell division and growth. On rare occasions, MCL is caused by overexpression of other genes such as cyclin D2 or D3. However, overexpression of transcription factor SOX11 is seen in nearly all MCL cases, irrespective of the presence of cyclin D1. 

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