Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) are rare subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that together comprise <5% of all cases of NHL in adults. Both diseases are associated with poor outcomes with standard front line NLH chemotherapy. Additionally, investigations into new therapies for MCL and PTCL have been historically difficult due to their rarity.
According to the American Cancer Society, it was estimated in 2011 there were 44,600 cases of leukemia, 66,360 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 8,830 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma, and 20,520 cases of myeloma diagnosed for the first time. In addition, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates that one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer approximately every four minutes in the U.S. The outcome for patients with hematologic malignancies has dramatically changed with the use of novel therapies.
Heterogeneous in nature the management of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma all present complex clinical problems, requiring an ever evolving multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing that patient quality of life and survival are significantly improved when these cancers are detected early and treated appropriately.