Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of mycophenolic acid in human B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Mycophenolic acid (MPA)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a powerful immunosuppressive agent was tested on human B-lymphoma cells (Epstein-Barr virus +/-) in vitro and in SCID mouse xenograft model. Proliferation, apoptotic activity and tumor volume were evaluated. MPA inhibited lymphoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis (50-60% at 72 h). In vivo, oral administration significantly inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry showed significantly decreased proliferation rate and higher apoptotic activity in tumors treated with MMF. Xenografted lymphoma cells remained sensitive to MPA. Our results suggest that MPA may be recommended as an additional component of lymphoma chemotherapeutical regimens, with special considerations to post-transplant lymphomas.