Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma: targeting the microenvironment

Mantle cell lymphoma is a distinct entity among the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas characterized by a specific chromosomal translocation, the t(11;14)(q13;q32), overexpression of cyclin-D1 and frequent disease manifestations at extranodal sites. Mantle cell lymphoma remains difficult to treat and belongs to the lymphomas with the poorest long-term outcome. Recent advances in our understanding of lymphoma biology suggest that both alterations of the lymphoma cells themselves and interactions with the microenvironment are important for the growth and survival of the malignant B-cell clone. This novel approach to therapy is being exploited by evaluating drugs such as bortezomib and thalidomide that target interactions between tumor cells and cells of the microenvironment. Thus, with the use of novel therapeutic interventions, it is hoped that clinicians will be able to improve the outcome of patients with mantle cell lymphoma.