Marginal Zone Lymphoma International Scientific Workshop

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a rare, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that comprises an estimated 7% of all mature NHL diagnoses and is the third most common NHL subtype. Marginal zone lymphomas are generally thought to originate from the marginal zone of B-cell follicles, which can be found in the spleen, lymph node, and mucosal lymphoid tissues. The rarity of these groups of disorders means that the medical oncologist will likely see a limited number of patients each year. In addition, the study of this population and the development of clinical trials is more challenging than in larger patient populations. The rarity of MZL and the small number of key opinion leaders pursuing the study of this lymphoma subtype and related clinical trials presented a serious challenge for scientists and patients. 

The Lymphoma Research Foundation’s (the Foundation) scientific experts studied the situation and agreed that a platform through which they could discuss research findings and opportunities for future collaboration was a necessity. Such a platform could give rise to new research and the prioritization of these studies. The Foundation proposed to provide such a platform and invest in the development of a global MZL Scientific Workshop that would bring together the world’s leading MZL experts to discuss the latest research findings, foster collaboration within the MZL research community, and create a research agenda which in turn could prioritize MZL research and ultimately improve MZL diagnosis and treatment. 

The inaugural International Scientific Workshop on Marginal Zone Lymphoma was convened in New York City in Spring 2019. Over the course of two days, the gathered international MZL experts discussed the current state of MZL treatment and research and highlighted new lines of inquiry intended to move the MZL field forward, in terms of both understanding the core biology of the disease and treating the disease most effectively. The need for greater collaboration and larger, pooled datasets emerged as a central theme, with widespread support from researchers on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as from representatives from the pharmaceutical industry. Topics including the biology and pathology of MZL, the epidemiology and natural history of MZL, MZL transformation, MZL assessment and response criteria, MZL treatment, and MZL clinical trials were discussed by the expert speaking faculty and attendees. The proceedings of the meeting were published in Fall 2020. 

The Foundation’s convened a second International Marginal Zone Lymphoma Scientific Workshop virtually in May of 2024. Researchers gathered to discuss recent developments in both basic scientific and clinical research to continue to deepen our understanding of MZL and improve outcomes for patients. Through this type of exchange, thoughts on the current and future direction of MZL research are shared, and researchers are provided with a unique opportunity to develop collaborations needed to continue to drive MZL research forward. The proceedings of the meeting will be published in February of 2025. 

Steering Committee

Resources

• “Foundation’s Inaugural International Scientific Workshop Addresses Current State of Marginal Zone Lymphoma Treatment and Research.” Research Report. Fall 2019.
• “Proceedings of the 2019 Lymphoma Research Foundation Marginal Zone Lymphoma Scientific Workshop.” Lymphoma Research Foundation. January 2021.