Marginal zone lymphoma: 2023 update on diagnosis and management

Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are collectively the second most common type of indolent lymphoma.

Three subtypes of MZL are recognized: splenic, extranodal, and nodal. The diagnosis is secured following biopsy of an involved nodal or extranodal site demonstrating a clonal B-cell infiltrate with CD5 and CD10 negative immunophenotype most common. Some cases will features IgM paraprotein, but MYD88 L256P mutations are less frequent than in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Prognostication Several prognostic models have been developed, including the MALT-IPI and the MZL-IPI. The latter is broadly applicable across MZL subtypes and incorporates elevated serum LDH, anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and nodal or disseminated subtypes as independent predictors of outcome.

We discuss suggested approach to therapy for both early and advanced-stage disease, with reference to chemo-immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and emerging treatments in relapsed/refractory disease such as BTK inhibitors.