Overview
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It starts in a type of white blood cell called a B-cell, specifically in a region of the lymph node known as the 'mantle zone.' These abnormal B-cells grow out of control and can spread to lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, the digestive tract, and other organs throughout the body. MCL is considered a rare but aggressive cancer, meaning it tends to grow and spread faster than some other lymphomas. The most common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck, armpits, or groin), fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen or liver. Some people also develop digestive problems if the cancer affects the gut. Treatment has improved significantly in recent years. Options include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy (such as rituximab), and stem cell transplants. Newer drugs like ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and venetoclax have been approved by the FDA and have changed how MCL is managed. While MCL is generally not considered curable with standard therapy, many patients achieve long periods of remission. Research into new treatments is very active, giving patients and families reason for hope.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groinPersistent fatigue or low energyUnexplained weight lossDrenching night sweatsFever without a clear causeFeeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomenEnlarged spleen causing discomfort under the left ribsEnlarged liverDigestive problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or blood in stoolFrequent infections due to a weakened immune systemShortness of breathItchy skinBone marrow involvement leading to low blood counts (anemia, easy bruising, or bleeding)
Clinical phenotype terms (9)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
10 eventsM.D. Anderson Cancer Center — PHASE2
Guangzhou Lupeng Pharmaceutical Company LTD. — PHASE3
Fondazione Italiana Linfomi - ETS — PHASE2
Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, China — PHASE2
Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital — PHASE2
Ruijin Hospital — PHASE2
Stefano Zaffagnini
AstraZeneca — PHASE2
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
5 availableVelcade
VELCADE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma
BRUKINSA
BRUKINSA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
Jaypirca
treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after at least two lines of systemic therapy, including a BTK inhibitor
CALQUENCE
Treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy
TECARTUS�
TECARTUS� is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Center
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
Kingman Regional Medical Center
📍 Kingman, Arizona
Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's
📍 Phoenix, Arizona
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
📍 Fairbanks, Alaska
University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute
📍 Mobile, Alabama
Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona
📍 Phoenix, Arizona
Mayo Clinic in Arizona
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
Mobile Infirmary Medical Center
📍 Mobile, Alabama
Financial Resources
3 resourcesBreyanzi
Juno Therapeutics, Inc.
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Mantle cell lymphoma.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Mantle cell lymphoma.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Mantle cell lymphoma
5 articlesCaregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my MCL and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Do my cancer cells have any high-risk features like TP53 mutations, and how does that affect my prognosis?,Am I a candidate for stem cell transplant, and should that be part of my treatment plan?,What are the differences between the chemotherapy regimens and targeted therapies available to me, and which do you recommend for my situation?,Are there any clinical trials I should consider?,What signs or symptoms should prompt me to call your office or go to the emergency room right away?,What support services — such as social work, nutrition counseling, or mental health support — are available to me and my family?
Common questions about Mantle cell lymphoma
What is Mantle cell lymphoma?
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It starts in a type of white blood cell called a B-cell, specifically in a region of the lymph node known as the 'mantle zone.' These abnormal B-cells grow out of control and can spread to lymph nodes, the spleen, bone marrow, the digestive tract, and other organs throughout the body. MCL is considered a rare but aggressive cancer, meaning it tends to grow and spread faster than some other lymphomas. The most common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes (often in the neck, armpits, or groin
How is Mantle cell lymphoma inherited?
Mantle cell lymphoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Mantle cell lymphoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Mantle cell lymphoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Mantle cell lymphoma?
Yes — 20 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Mantle cell lymphoma on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Mantle cell lymphoma?
25 specialists and care centers treating Mantle cell lymphoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.
What treatment and support options exist for Mantle cell lymphoma?
3 patient support programs are currently tracked on UniteRare for Mantle cell lymphoma. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.