Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Tumor Engraftment in a Xenograft Mouse Model of Human Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Published on: March 30, 2018
[Longterm indolent course of pleomorphic mantle cell lymphoma with multiple chromosomal abnormalities]
Marina Pazur1, Alen Ostojić, Biljana Jelić-Puskarić
1Merkur University Hospital, Department of Clinical Cytology and Cytogenetics, Zagreb, Croatia. marina.pazur@gmail.com
Abstract:
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell neoplasm characterized by aggressive clinical course with an average 3- to 5-year patient survival. We present a patient whose illness turned from initial classical morphological variant to a more aggressive pleomorphic form of MCL in only a few months, but with unchanged long-term indolent clinical course. At the time when lymphoid cell pleomorphism was proven, the disease presented itself through recurrent peripheral lymphadenopathy without extranodal involvement or general symptoms. Other numerous abnormalities were found next to typical cytogenetic translocation t (11,14). Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of MCL, pleomorphic type. After autologous stem cell transplantation, the disease remained morphologically the same, but the patient was in a good general condition for a long period of time. More than two years after the pleomorphic MCL had been diagnosed and one year after the transplantation, major lymphadenopathy occurred. Our case report points to a large spectrum of morphological and cytogenetic variability of MCL, which often does not correlate with the clinical course of the disease.
Insights
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can shift from classical to pleomorphic forms rapidly, yet maintain an indolent clinical course. This variability highlights that MCL morphology doesn't always predict patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell neoplasm with a poor prognosis.
- The classical variant of MCL typically follows an aggressive clinical course.
Observation:
- A patient initially diagnosed with classical MCL rapidly developed a pleomorphic MCL variant.
- Despite morphological changes, the patient maintained an indolent clinical course with recurrent lymphadenopathy but no extranodal involvement or systemic symptoms.
- Cytogenetic analysis revealed the characteristic t(11;14) translocation alongside other abnormalities.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed MCL, pleomorphic type.
- Autologous stem cell transplantation did not alter the disease's morphology, and the patient remained in good condition long-term.
- Significant lymphadenopathy recurred over two years after pleomorphic MCL diagnosis and one year post-transplantation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the wide spectrum of morphological and cytogenetic variability in MCL.
- MCL's clinical course may not always correlate with its observed morphological or cytogenetic features.
- Further research is needed to understand the prognostic implications of MCL heterogeneity.
