Mantle Cell Lymphoma What it is and does.

MCL is a rare subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with an annual incidence of one case per 200,000 people. MCL comprises around 5% of all non-Hodgkins lymphomas.

The lymphatic system has tubes that branch throughout the entire body. It carries a colourless liquid called lymph which circulates around the body tissues. It contains a high number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) which fight infection.
When you have lymphoma, some of your white blood cells (lymphocytes) don't work properly. They still divide but don't fully develop and unable to fight infections like normal cells.

The two main types of lymphocytes are B-cells and T-cells.
Mantle cell lymphoma affects the B-cells. It develops in the part of the lymph node called the mantle zone. The abnormal B lymphocytes start to collect in the lymph nodes or body organs. They can then form tumours and cause problems within the lymphatic system or the organ itself.
Most cases of mantle cell lymphoma have a particular genetic change (mutation) in the abnormal cells. Scientists don't know why this genetic change develops. The mutation means the B-cells make too much of a protein called cyclin D1.
Mantle cell lymphoma cells in the bone marrow can lead to a low platelet count. This is called thrombocytopenia causing internal bleeding. Platelets prevent internal or external bleeding by clotting blood vessels.
Treatment of lymphoma is by Chemotherapy and drugs in combination with immunotherapy and steroids.

Severe stage 4 MCL where it has spread to other parts of your body, requires a more agressive ongoing Chemotherapy treatment and specific drugs like Rituximab.
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeted cancer drug it marks proteins on the surface of cancer cells. This enables B-cells to easily identify the marked cell and kill it.

Most people respond well to their first round of chemotherapy going an average of 20 months without their cancer getting worse. If you have mantle cell lymphoma, depending on severity you can expect a minimum lifespan of 8 to 10 years, but many live for 20 or more years.

Younger MCL patients can receive stem cell transplants. This is very effective but intense option only suitable for younger healthy patients. It is usually followed by monoclonal antibody treatment for up to three years.
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