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Real members of MyLymphomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLymphomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Australia

Know LDH level is 220 just recent test of LDH level this has risen to 216 unknown what it was before wbc are rising but within 50000 lymphocytes rising as well not classified yet still watch and wait mantle cell lymphima , also positive smudge cells and positive t11-14 . Just interested in the LDH marker . Thanks

August 4
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A MyLymphomaTeam Member

LDH is an enzyme in cells. If used as a marker for lymphoma, the LDH levels in the blood reflect tumor burden, how much cell death there is (or how much tissue damage there us), and/or metabolic activity of the cancer cells. The higher the level, generally the more aggressive the lymphoma or the higher the lymphoma burden. Normal ranges vary from lab to lab, but under 200 is most certainly going to be normal… normal levels can be as high as mid 200s. It is only one of several tests used to monitor your disease and assess prognosis. (The AI explanation above from my lymphoma team is actually pretty good)

September 3
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

My LDH is at 180. I am also watch and wait. All my blood tests came back in the normal range recently so my MCL does not appear to be of the aggressive variety. I go back in 4 months.

August 5
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

@A MyLymphomaTeam Member
Amazing questions and one that everyone in this wonderful community wants to know the answer to, across the board of all sub-types of lymphoma NHL.
Well done 👏 you

August 4
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

@A MyLymphomaTeam Member
Mary, congratulations 👏 that’s brilliant!!
I know nothing about LDH at all. Is 180 the norm then? And, what is LDH and how important is it? Many thanks
Scottie 🩵

August 5
MyLymphomaTeam

What is the significance of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels as a monitoring marker in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?

LDH is an enzyme produced by nearly every organ in your body. When MCL damages your organs or tissues, they release LDH into your bloodstream — and that's when a simple blood test can pick it up. Here's why Show Full Answer

What is the significance of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels as a monitoring marker in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)?

LDH is an enzyme produced by nearly every organ in your body. When MCL damages your organs or tissues, they release LDH into your bloodstream — and that's when a simple blood test can pick it up. Here's why LDH levels matter in MCL monitoring:

- Higher LDH = more cell damage — elevated levels suggest active lymphoma is destroying tissue
- Prognosis indicator — high LDH levels are associated with a poorer outlook in MCL and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas
- Treatment response — tracking LDH over time can help show whether your treatment is working
- Staging support — LDH is one of several factors doctors use alongside staging to assess how advanced your MCL is

It's worth noting that LDH can be elevated for reasons beyond MCL, so your care team will always look at it alongside other test results and your overall clinical picture.

Keeping an open conversation with your oncologist about your LDH trends is a great way to stay informed about how your MCL is responding to treatment.

August 4

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