Mantle cell lymphoma is one type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

From a practical viewpoint doctors divide all the various types of NHL into one of three groups: low grade, high grade or intermediate grade. This division is based on the appearances under the microscope and helps predict how the condition will behave.

Low grade NHLs usually have a relatively slow growth rate, running a long course and often needing little or no treatment for months or possibly years. When they do need treatment they respond well but are likely to come back again at some time in the future. They frequently respond to treatment on several occasions over the years but may eventually become resistant or transform to a high grade form of NHL.

High grade types of NHL usually grow more rapidly and behave more aggressively and so need immediate treatment. Despite this they are more likely to be completely cured than low grade NHLs. Around half of all people with high grade forms of NHL will be cured by the use of intensive chemotherapy.

Intermediate types of NHL lie somewhere between these two extremes in their behaviour.

Mantle cell lymphoma was originally thought of as a low grade lymphoma but it is now recognised as being more aggressive, behaving more like an intermediate or high-grade tumour, and so requires prompt treatment.

The treatment of mantle lymphoma is based on chemotherapy. Usually a quite intensive form of chemotherapy is required with a combination of different drugs being given by injections or drips into veins. This will normally involve some time in hospital. These lymphomas usually respond to chemotherapy but most come back again and unfortunately none of the combinations of drugs which have been used so far have been able to bring about a cure in this condition. This means that clinical trials continue to try and find better treatments.