Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It has its name due to the involvement of B lymphocytes from the mantle zone of the lymph nodes.
On average, patients are ill at the age of 65, men are more frequently affected than women. The MCL accounts for 6-9% of all lymphomas. It is found among indolent lymphomas, but in most cases shows a clinically aggressive course.
At the time of diagnosis, most patients already suffer from the advanced disseminated form of the disease. This is manifested by generalized lymphadenopathy, gastrointestinal disorders and signs of bone marrow infiltration (anemia, coagulation disorders, susceptibility to infection).
Often it comes to the flushing of lymphoma cells into the peripheral blood. Splenomegaly, fever and reduced general condition are other possible symptoms. The cause of the disease is a chromosome translocation t (11; 14) (q13; q32), through which the cyclin D1 gene enters the vicinity of the IgG immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and is activated.
This is followed by a strong expression of cyclin D1. As a result, loss of control of the cell cycle and restriction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) result in accelerated proliferation of the tumor cells.
Only about 30% of patients respond fully to current therapies. The prospect of a complete cure usually exists only in the early stages. The median survival time is given in the literature at 3-5 years.