Advancing the MZL Landscape Through the MZL Workshop

Davide Rossi, MD, spoke about the impact of the MZL workshop and his hopes for the future of treatment and medicine in MZL.

The Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) Workshop, an initiative by the Lymphoma Research Foundation, has been an incredible asset in developing further methods of care for MZL, a relatively rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to Davide Rossi, MD.

Rossi, deputy head of the Division of Hematology of the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and head of the Laboratory of Experimental Hematology at the Institute of Oncology Research in Bellinzona, Switzerland, spoke with CancerNetwork® about the workshop and the collaboration that it fosters among the medical community.

He emphasized the introduction of targeted therapies into the landscape as one of the most recent, impactful advancements, particularly because of how less toxic it is compared with traditional chemotherapy. Rossi also hopes to see further growth in precision medicine that target biomarkers and T-cell redirecting therapies.

Q / What is the significance of the MZL Workshop hosted by the Lymphoma Research Foundation?

Rossi / The MZL Workshop is an invaluable initiative by the Lymphoma Research Foundation. MZL is a relatively rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and workshops like this create a dedicated space for researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to focus specifically on advancing our understanding of MZL. It’s significant because it fosters collaboration, shares the latest research findings, and ultimately aligns the entire community on strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Q / How does the MZL Workshop contribute to advancing research and improving outcomes for patients with MZL?

Rossi / The workshop serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. By bringing together experts from around the world, it encourages the sharing of novel research findings and clinical trial updates. This accelerates the development of new therapeutic approaches. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to discuss challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, which helps refine clinical guidelines and improve the standard of care for MZL patients. Most importantly, the patient-focused aspect of the workshop ensures that the research priorities remain aligned with what truly matters to those living with MZL.

Q / Looking at the updates and advancements made in MZL over the years, what is something you think has impacted the field?

Rossi / One of the most impactful advancements has been the introduction of targeted therapies, such as Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. These have revolutionized how we approach treatment for MZL, offering more effective and less toxic options than traditional chemotherapy. The growing understanding of the molecular and genetic underpinnings of MZL has also been transformative, enabling more precise and personalized treatment strategies. I’d also highlight the role of collaborative research networks like the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group, which has significantly expanded the pool of data available for study in what is a rare lymphoma subtype.

Q / Where do you hope to see the field advance?

Rossi / I hope to see continued progress in precision medicine, particularly with biomarkers that can predict response to specific therapies. This would help diagnostics and tailor treatments even more effectively. Another promising area for growth is T-cell redirecting therapies, which have shown remarkable success in treating other types of lymphoma but have yet to establish a clear role within the MZL treatment landscape. Lastly, I’d love to see more global collaboration to expand clinical trial access and ensure equitable care for all patients, regardless of where they live.