Radiotherapy in mantle cell lymphoma: A literature review

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell malignancy, comprising between 3% and 10% of all adult-onset non-Hodgkin lymphomas. MCL is considered incurable with current treatment modalities and most patients require multiple lines of treatment during their lifetime. MCL is very sensitive to radiotherapy (RT), even when delivered in low doses. In limited-stage MCL, RT can enable the de-escalation of systemic therapy. RT monotherapy is a valid option for frail patients. In advanced-stage disease, RT is very potent mode of palliation, even in heavily pretreated and chemo-resistant patients. Furthermore, it can provide a respite during which systemic treatment is unnecessary. In general, RT has a favorable toxicity profile and can be repeated as necessary for local relapse or distant disease. This effective, safe, and relatively inexpensive modality of therapy has been underutilized for patients with MCL. In this review, we will outline the use of RT for limited and advanced-stage disease and its potential application in combination with novel drugs.