Incidence trends of mantle cell lymphoma in the United States between 1992 and 2004

Abstract

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a distinct subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding its incidence patterns and associated factors. The purpose of the current study was to examine the incidence of MCL over a period of 13 years and to identify the factors associated with the incidence patterns.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with MCL between 1992 and 2004 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Tumor registries. SEER*Stat statistical software was used for analysis.

Results: Of the 87,166 patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma during the 13-year period between 1992 and 2004, 2459 (2.8%) had confirmed MCL. The overall incidence of MCL (per 100,000) was 0.55, which increased with age: 0.07 in patients aged <50 years, 2.97 in patients aged 70 to 79 years, and 2.78 in those aged > or =80 years. The age-adjusted incidence rate increased from 0.27 of 100,000 in 1992 to 0.69 of 100,000 in 2004, and the annual percent change was 5.87% (P < .05). The median age at diagnosis was 68 years. The incidence of MCL was higher in men (0.84 of 100,000) than in women (0.34 of 100,000) (P < .05), and was higher in Caucasians (0.61 of 100,000) than in African Americans (0.32 of 100,000). Late-stage (III-IV) MCL was diagnosed in 74.6% of patients. There were significant geographic variations noted (P < .05).

Conclusions: The incidence of MCL increased from 1992 to 2004, and was significantly higher in men, in Caucasians, and patients aged > or =50 years. Most patients were diagnosed with late-stage MCL, and there also were considerable geographic variations observed in incidence rate.