Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a new subtype of lymphoma, potentially transforming treatment options for patients suffering from this aggressive blood cancer. The discovery focuses on a specific type known as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which affects B cells, crucial components of the immune system. This groundbreaking work reveals a unique sugar present on the lymphoma cells, which appears to enhance the cancer’s survival and growth.
The newly identified subtype has been named Mann-type DLBCL. This classification is significant, especially for patients who historically have not responded well to traditional therapies. The findings, published in the journal Blood, result from collaboration among scientists from the University of Southampton and researchers in Canada and the United States.
Understanding Mann-type DLBCL
Lead researcher Professor Francesco Forconi from the Cancer B-cell Group highlights the importance of recognizing Mann-type DLBCL. He states, “Patients with this new subtype have a high-risk cancer that cannot respond well to conventional therapies, so identifying this as a distinct group is very important to their treatment program.” This understanding allows for more tailored approaches in treating DLBCL, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The research team analyzed data from 595 DLBCL patients using two comprehensive cohorts: the de-novo DLBCL cohort from the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). They discovered that approximately one-third of DLBCL patients exhibited a specific sugar called mannose on their B-cell receptors. This sugar is notably absent from normal human cells but is found on various infectious agents, such as viruses.
The presence of mannose on Mann-type DLBCL lymphoma cells contributes to their aggressive nature, increasing resistance to standard anti-cancer treatments. Consequently, many patients face poorer prognoses as a result.
Implications for Future Treatments
Co-author Professor Max Crispin, director of the Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Southampton, commented on the significance of these findings. He mentioned, “It is highly unusual to see these kinds of carbohydrates play such a defining role in cancer biology. Finding mannose structures driving tumor growth is remarkable and a powerful example of how interdisciplinary science can transform our understanding of disease.”
The identification of Mann-type DLBCL will enable healthcare providers to recognize this subtype more readily through conventional laboratory tests. This advancement opens the door for researchers to develop more effective, tailored treatments specifically targeting this subtype, providing hope for better outcomes for patients diagnosed with this challenging form of blood cancer.
For further details, refer to the research paper titled “The Origin, Diagnosis, and Prognosis of Oligomannose-Type Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma,” authored by Dylan James Tatterton et al., published in Blood Journal in 2025.
