Zanubrutinib for previously treated mantle cell lymphoma

Zanubrutinib is in clinical development for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in adults
who have received at least one prior treatment. MCL is a rare type of B-cell non-Hodgkin
lymphoma (NHL), a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system branches through all
parts of the body carrying a liquid called lymph. The lymph contains a high number of white blood
cells (lymphocytes) which fight infection. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B-cells and
T- cells. MCL affects the B-cells. It develops in the part of the lymph node called the mantle zone.
These abnormal B lymphocytes start to collect in the lymph nodes or body organs where they can
then form tumours and begin to cause problems within the lymphatic system or other organs. A
relapsed MCL is one that comes back after treatment and refractory MCL is one that fails to
respond to medical treatment. Some symptoms of MCL include heavy sweating at night,
fluctuating body temperatures, weight loss and unexplained itching. Relapsed/refractory MCL
responds poorly to chemotherapy thereby posing a major therapeutic challenge.