Racial differences in mantle cell lymphoma in the United States

MCL (mantle cell lymphoma) is a rare subtype of NHL (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) with mostly poor prognosis. Different races have different etiology, presentation, and progression patterns.

Data were analyzed on MCL patients in the United States reported to the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database between 1992 and 2009. SEER contains the most comprehensive population-based cancer information in the U.S., covering approximately 28% of the population. Racial groups analyzed included non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic whites, blacks, and Asians/PIs (Pacific Islanders). Patient characteristics, age-adjusted incidence rate, and survival rate were compared across races. Stratification by age, gender, and stage at diagnosis was considered. Multivariate analysis was conducted on survival.

In the analysis of patients' characteristics, distributions of gender, marital status, age at diagnosis, stage, and extranodal involvement were significantly different across races. For all three age groups and both male and female, non-Hispanic whites have the highest incidence rates. In the analysis of survival, for cancers diagnosed in the period of 1992-2004, no significant racial difference is observed. For cancers diagnosed in the period of 1999-2004, significant racial differences exist for the 40-64 age group and stage III and IV cancers.

Racial differences exist among MCL patients in the U.S. in terms of patients' characteristics, incidence, and survival. More extended data collection and analysis are needed to more comprehensively describe and understand the racial differences.