Scientists Perform First Comprehensive Sequencing of Mantle Cell Lymphomas

Scientists have undertaken the first truly comprehensive analysis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Scientists led by Xose S. Puente and Carlos López Otín from the University of Oviedo, and researchers Sílvia Beà and Elías Campo, from the Faculty of Medicine of the UB, IDIBAPS and the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona have published the sequenced genomes of more than 30 mantle cell lymphomas in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Examining samples for genetic changes

Said co-author Dr. Sílvia Beà:

The study provides insight into causes and evolution of this complex neoplasm and has identified targets for new treatments.

Their samples included early-stage tumors as well as advanced-stage tumors, a range which allowed them to identify genetic changes linked to this lymphoma subtype. They were also able to find genes that participate in the progression of MCL as well as mechanisms that cause treatment resistance.

Patients with MCL either have an aggressive form of the disease or a slow-growing form, and typically doctors don't know which one the patient has until they can see through scans and other data whether or not the disease is growing quickly.

But this research has genetic mutations believed to be associated with the more aggressive form, as well as mutations associated with the non-aggressive form.

This is the kind of finding that could lead to much quicker and smarter initial treatment decisions by doctors for their patients.

Source: University of Barcelona