identify in time cell lymphoma Mantle cancer, a type of cancer considered rare but highly aggressive, is the main challenge of this disease so that it can be treated and improve the expectation and quality of life of patients, said an expert.
Elia Apodacaa specialist in internal medicine and hematology, explained that mantle cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which arises from cells that originate in the “mantle zone,” that is, the outer ring of small lymphocytes that surround the center of a lymph node.
“The most common sites affected by this disease are the lymph nodes, spleen, peripheral blood, and bone marrow,” he explained.
Although, he added, they can also be found in the gastrointestinal tract and cause nausea, threw up, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
In Mexico, this disease is considered “infrequent” or “rare”, that is, it affects about 5 patients for every 10,000 inhabitants and registers about 350 cases per year.
In addition, older adults are the most affected population and it occurs to a greater extent in men than in women.
“It is cancer comes from immune cells called B lymphocytes. In most cases, cancer cells have an acquired mutation that causes the aggressive behavior of this disease,” said Arturo Vázquez, medical director of Asofarma México.
For his part, Apodaca explained that if diagnosed in a timely manner, this type of cancer does not need immediate generalized medical treatment.
“In these cases, close surveillance is considered an appropriate strategy; but it is also considered appropriate chemotherapy short course, followed by radiotherapy maintenance,” he said.
However, most cases in Mexico are detected in late stages, when the disease is not cured, so patients have to undergo various treatments.
“These vary depending on certain factors such as age, the general condition of the patient and the levels of lymphocytes and lactic dehydrogenase, a protein (enzyme) that helps produce energy so that our body’s cells can function properly,” said Vázquez.
Treatment options for this disease include therapies that inhibit the Bruton tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, which blocks the process of cell growth and multiplication.
This can slow or stop the proliferation of the cancer cells and cause his early death.
Finally, the experts asked to raise awareness so that patients have timely access to health services and medicines in order for them to receive treatment.
With information and image from EFE