Identification of potential molecular markers and therapeutic targets involved in the progression of mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive cancer of the lymphatic system that is incurable with chemotherapy or radiation. MCL has a survival rate of approximately three years, with no long-term survivors. Ronald deLeeuw is studying the biology of this disease to learn more about how it progresses. He is focusing on secondary genetic alterations concurrent to a characteristic feature of MCL: the switching of a genetic segment from one chromosome to another (translocation), which results in uncontrolled growth of lymphatic cells and an unregulated growth signal. Using new technology that reveals previously undetectable genetic changes, Ronald is compiling a comprehensive list of secondary genetic alterations that could contribute to progression of MCL. The research could provide insights about potential targets in treatment of MCL.