Mantle cell lymphoma FAQs

Frequently asked questions from patients

The causes of MCL are mostly unknown;[1] however, there are certain risk factors that are associated with the disease. These include[2]

  • Infection with certain viruses or bacteria
  • Weakened immune system
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Previous cancer;
  • Having a close blood relative with MCL

It’s important to remember that having these risk factors does not mean that you will develop MCL.[1]

The most common sign of MCL is painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. Some people also experience what are known as B symptoms: drenching night sweats, fevers with no obvious cause and unexplained weight loss.[1]

Testing for MCL is most commonly done by removing part, or all, of an enlarged lymph node (a biopsy). The biopsy is then sent to a laboratory to be checked for lymphoma cells. You may also have biopsies taken from other areas of your body. Biopsies can be performed under general or local anaesthetic. In addition, you may have[1][^2]:

  • A scan (CT scan, PET-CT scan or MRI scan) to see whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body
  • A lumbar puncture (a needle is inserted between the bones of the lower back to take a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord – in some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the lymphoma cells may get into this fluid);
  • A bone marrow test (to check for abnormal cells)

During a bone marrow test, a doctor or nurse takes a small sample of bone marrow from the back of the hip bone (pelvis). The area is numbed with local anaesthetic – you may receive a mild sedative or remain awake.[1][3]

It can take a few days to a few weeks for test results to be ready.[4]

Yes. If you are diagnosed with MCL, a team of specialists will meet to discuss the best possible treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT).[1]

Chemotherapy[1]
This treatment uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or as tablets. As there are several chemotherapy drugs available, the right one will be selected for you based on your general fitness and possible side effects. Chemotherapy can be used in a combination with other treatments.

Steroids[1]

Frequently given with chemotherapy to make the chemotherapy more effective.

Stem cell transplant[1]
This is an intensive treatment which isn’t suitable for everyone. If the decision is made for you to have a stem cell transplant, it will be performed using your own stem cells (autologous stem cell transplant).

Radiotherapy[1]
This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, while doing as little harm as possible to nearby healthy cells. It can either be used to treat stage 1 or 2 MCL or to relieve symptoms such as pain.

Targeted therapies[1][5]
Targeted therapies are therapies that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival, such receptors or signalling molecules.

All treatments have the potential to cause side effects, which can either develop during treatment or may continue to develop months or years later.[1][6]

Side effects include[6]:

  • Tiredness
  • Weakened immune system
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Early menopause
  • Thyroid changes
  • Second cancer
  • Effects on the heart
  • Effects on the lungs

Not everyone has long-term effects, and many side effects get better over time.[6]

Back to discussing MCL with your patients

CT=computed tomography; MCL=mantle cell lymphoma; MDT= multidisciplinary team; MRI=magnetic resonance imaging; PET-CT=positron emission tomography and computed tomography.

This site has been developed by Janssen-Cilag International NV. Janssen-Cilag International NV is the responsible editor of this document.

ITEM CODE: CP-233134 | DATE OF PREPARATION: June 2021