Researchers Discover New Lymphoma Subtype, Boosting Treatment Options

Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a new subtype of lymphoma, potentially transforming treatment strategies for patients suffering from a particularly aggressive form of blood cancer. This discovery focuses on a subtype known as Mann-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is characterized by the presence of a specific sugar that fosters the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Lymphoma, a cancer affecting lymphocytes, includes various subtypes, with DLBCL being one of the most common and challenging to treat. The research team, which collaborated with scientists in Canada and the United States, has detailed their findings in a paper published in the journal Blood in March 2025.

The lead researcher, Professor Francesco Forconi, part of the University’s Cancer B-cell Group, emphasized the significance of this discovery. He stated, “Patients with this new subtype, Mann-type DLBCL, 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 classification could lead to more tailored therapeutic approaches for affected patients.

Through their analysis of data from 595 DLBCL patients sourced from two major datasets—the BC Cancer Agency and the National Cancer Institute—the researchers sought to identify the presence of a sugar called mannose. They found that approximately one-third of DLBCL cases exhibited this sugar on key B-cell receptors, a significant marker for Mann-type DLBCL.

Mannose, typically found on the surfaces of various infective agents such as viruses, is not prevalent on healthy human cells. Its presence in lymphoma cells enhances their ability to survive and proliferate, thereby increasing resistance to standard anti-cancer treatments. This characteristic leads to more aggressive cancer forms and poorer prognoses for patients.

In a statement, Professor Max Crispin, Director of the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences and a co-author of the study, remarked on the uniqueness of this discovery. “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, combining molecular insight with clinical data, can transform our understanding of disease,” he noted.

The identification of Mann-type DLBCL allows for more precise diagnostics, enabling healthcare professionals to recognize specific cases more readily through standard laboratory tests. This advancement paves the way for scientists to develop more effective, personalized treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

This research marks a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against blood cancers, highlighting the vital role of collaborative scientific inquiry. The findings not only enhance the understanding of DLBCL but also foster hope for better therapeutic strategies for patients facing this challenging diagnosis. Further studies and developments are expected as the scientific community continues to explore the implications of this newfound lymphoma subtype.