∙ All patients must meet the following criteria:

• Histologically confirmed diagnosis of MCL according to WHO classification

• suitable for high-dose treatment including high-dose Ara-C

• Stage II-IV (Ann Arbor)

• Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 65 years

• Previously untreated MCL

• At least 1 measurable lesion; in case of bone marrow infiltration only, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is mandatory for all staging evaluations.

• ECOG/WHO performance status ≤ 2

• The following laboratory values at screening (unless related to MCL):

‣ Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1000 cells/µL

⁃ Platelets ≥100,000 cells/µL

⁃ Transaminases (AST and ALT) ≤3 x upper limit of normal (ULN)

⁃ Total bilirubin ≤2 x ULN unless due to known Morbus Meulengracht \[Gilbert-Meulengracht-Syndrome\])

⁃ Creatinine ≤2 mg/dL or calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min

• Written informed consent form according to ICH/EU GCP and national regulations

• Sexually active men and women of child-bearing potential must agree to use highly effective contraceptives (eg, condoms, implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, sexual abstinence, or sterilized partner) while on study; this should be maintained for 90 days after the last dose of study drug.