Researchers at the University of Southampton have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against an aggressive form of blood cancer by identifying a new subtype of lymphoma. This discovery could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for patients suffering from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of cancer that affects B lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in the immune system.
The research team, which included scientists from Canada and the United States, published their findings in the journal Blood in March 2025. They focused on the presence of a specific sugar, known as mannose, which was found on the surface of lymphoma cells in approximately one-third of DLBCL patients. This new subtype, named Mann-type DLBCL, was identified as having unique characteristics that contribute to its resilience against conventional therapies.
Lead researcher, Professor Francesco Forconi, of the University of Southampton’s Cancer B-cell Group, emphasized the importance of this classification. “Patients with this new subtype, Mann-type DLBCL, have a high-risk cancer that cannot respond well to conventional therapies,” he stated. “Identifying this as a distinct group is very important to their treatment program.”
The research involved an analysis of data from 595 DLBCL patients, sourced from two major datasets: the de-novo DLBCL cohort from the BC Cancer Agency and data from the National Cancer Institute. The findings revealed that Mann-type DLBCL cells consistently carry mannose, which not only aids in their survival but also contributes to their aggressive nature and resistance to standard cancer treatments.
Mannose is typically found on the surface of various infectious agents, such as viruses, but is scarce on normal human cells. Its presence in lymphoma cells enables these cancerous cells to thrive and proliferate, resulting in poorer outcomes for patients.
Commenting on the research, Professor Max Crispin, Director of the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences and co-author of the paper, noted the unusual role of carbohydrates 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 said.
The identification of Mann-type DLBCL has practical implications for clinical practice. Doctors will be able to recognize specific cases of this subtype more easily using standard laboratory tests. This advancement opens the door to developing tailored therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes for those diagnosed with this challenging form of blood cancer.
Overall, this groundbreaking research highlights the importance of understanding the underlying biology of cancers like DLBCL. By doing so, scientists aim to pave the way for new therapeutic strategies that could significantly enhance the survival and quality of life for patients battling this aggressive disease.
For further details, see the study by Dylan James Tatterton et al, titled “The Origin, Diagnosis, and Prognosis of Oligomannose-Type Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma,” published in the Blood Journal in March 2025.
