Update on erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: report of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas

Extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: a single center clinical experience with long-term follow-up data and a brief overview of the literature

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a therapeutic procedure in which leukapheresed peripheral blood mononuclear cells are exposed to ultraviolet A in the presence of the photosensitizer 8-methoxypsoralen and then reinfused. Several guidelines recommend ECP as a treatment of choice in erythrodermic primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (E-CTCL). However, the level of evidence is low due to the rarity of this disease and the lack of randomized controlled trials. We performed a review of the English literature, restricting our analysis to studies including erythrodermic patients and more than 10 cases. Based on these criteria, we identified 28 studies, with a total of 407 patients. The median response rate in erythrodermic patients was 63% (range 31-86%), with a complete response rate ranging between 0 and 62% (median 20%). In our experience, we treated 51 patients with E-CTCL since 1992. A clinical response was obtained in 32 of 51 patients (63%), with a 16% complete response rate. The median time for response induction was eight months (range: 1-23). The median response duration was 22.4 months (range six months to 11 years). The treatment was generally well tolerated without systemic toxicities grade III-IV. The pretreatment parameters significantly associated with a higher likelihood to obtain a clinical response were the B-score in the peripheral blood, CD4/CD8 ratio, and amount of circulating CD3+CD8+ cells. Literature data together with our personal experience clearly support the clinical activity and tolerability of ECP in patients with E-CTCL. Prospective controlled clinical trials are strongly recommended to better document the evidence.

Mycosis fungoides: report of the 2011 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology workshop

Session 1 of the 2011 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology and European Association for Haematopathology focused on mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common cutaneous lymphoma. The 62 cases in this case group demonstrated a wide spectrum of clinicopathologic features, including those seen in typical cases as well as those, by contrast, with atypical clinical history, morphology, immunophenotype, and/or genotype. Of the 62 cases, 27 (44%) were presented at the workshop and highlighted diagnostic challenges plus related issues. This report summarizes the approach recommended for making a confident diagnosis of MF and its clinically significant variants; emphasizes pitfalls in evaluating early MF, assessing nodal involvement, and diagnosing transformed MF; and discusses the relationship between MF and primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Last, Sézary syndrome is discussed, with concentration on those features distinct from MF.

Prevalence and treatment of palmoplantar keratoderma and tinea pedis in patients with Sézary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sézary syndrome (SS) are non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that present with cutaneous lesions. Sézary syndrome is characterized by blood involvement, exfoliative eryrthroderma, lymphadenopathy, pruritus, keratoderma, and immunosuppression. This study was to estimate the prevalence of palmoplantar keratoderma and tinea pedis in Sézary syndrome and to analyze the effectiveness of anti-fungal treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 1562 prospectively collected patients at the MD Anderson Cancer Center Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic over sixteen years. All patients' palms and soles were evaluated for clinical evidence of keratoderma (hyperkeratosis) and for dermatophytosis (tinea pedis or unguum) by examining scales under 10% potassium hydroxide by light microscopy for hyphae.

RESULTS

Of 138 Sézary syndrome patients (88 men, 50 women, median age at diagnosis 64 years), 85 (61.6%) had palmoplantar keratoderma; 45 of the 85 Sézary syndrome patients (52.9%) also had coexisting tinea pedis. Only 14 (10.1%) had tinea pedis without keratoderma. Treatment for tinea pedis resulted in microscopy cure of keratoderma in 12 of 45 (26.7%) patients and clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of palmoplantar keratoderma in Sézary syndrome is 61.6%, with co-existing tinea pedis found in 52.9%. Palmoplantar keratoderma with tinea pedis showed clinical improvement with fungicidal therapy suggesting that tinea often contributes to the pathogenesis and severity of Sézary syndrome-related keratoderma.

Oral retinoids and rexinoids in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Retinoids are biologically active derivatives of vitamin A modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and altering the immune response. They have been used for years in therapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) but the exact mechanism of retinoids' action is unclear. It is based on the presence of specific receptors' families, mediating the biological effects of retinoids on the tumor cells: retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoic X receptor (RXR). Orally administrated bexarotene, the first synthetic selective RXR retinoid, was revealed to be active against the cutaneous manifestation of CTCL. The toxicity profile caused by bexarotene seems to be more limited to laboratory values and better tolerated than classical retinoids, but generally associated with more severe grades of toxicity. Both selective retinoic acid receptor- and retinoic X receptor-mediated retinoids have modest objective response rates and, therefore, most likely will have limited impact as monotherapeutic agents. However, the immunomodulatory effects of RAR and RXR retinoids provide a rational basis for using retinoids in combination with other biologic immune response modifiers, phototherapy and radiotherapy. The authors reviewed the literature on the results of the use of retinoids and rexinoids in patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

HIV-related CD8+ cutaneous pseudolymphoma: efficacy of methotrexate

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related CD8+ cutaneous pseudolymphoma (CD8+ cytotoxic T cell skin infiltrative disease) is an inflammatory process resulting from a massive infiltration of the skin by activated, oligoclonal, HIV-specific, cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Usually, CD8+ cutaneous pseudolymphoma affects patients with a deep immunosuppression, and is rare in patients with mild immunosuppression. In deeply immunocompromised patients, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is considered as the first-line treatment. In contrast, the choice of therapy in moderately immunocompromised patients and/or patients already receiving HAART remains nonconsensual. We report a case of HIV-related CD8+ cutaneous pseudolymphoma in a moderately immunocompromised patient who was successfully and safely treated with methotrexate. We review the literature on HIV-related CD8+ pseudolymphoma and the use of methotrexate in HIV-positive patients.

Mycosis Fungoides: Tumour d'emblee

Mycosis Fungoides is a Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by infiltration of skin with patches, plaques, and nodules composed of T-lymphocytes. It is the most common type of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and accounts for almost 50% of all primary cutaneous lymphoma. Tumour d’ emblee is the term used for the patient presenting with skin tumors not preceded by patches or plaques. We report a rare case of mycosis fungoides d’ emblee variant with tumors of only 3 months duration without any preceding skin lesions.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical review and update

This paper reviews the diagnostic and classificatory concepts of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in light of the latest normative publications. It describes the great variability of the clinical expression of mycosis fungoides in its early stages as well as the histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects that help with diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria required for characterizing Sézary syndrome and the staging system used for both mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are described.

Sézary syndrome, Kaposi sarcoma and generalized dermatophytosis 15 years after sulfur mustard gas exposure

BACKGROUND

The relationship between compromised immune system and the development of malignancy, generalized dermatitis, and infection after sulfur mustard gas exposure has been established.

MAIN OBSERVATION

We introduce a 58-year-old man with an abrupt, de novo and erythrodermic eruption in 2002 that was previously exposed to sulfur mustard during the Iran - Iraq war in 1987. Six weeks after the onset of diffuse eruption, he developed papules on the glans penis and generalized dermatophytosis. A biopsy of his eruption was consistent with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/Sézary syndrome. A complete blood count demonstrated leukocytosis, eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis. Subsequently, Sézary syndrome was confirmed and T-cell count with increased CD4/CD8 in flow cytometry. The biopsy of his penile papules was consistent with Kaposi's sarcoma.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest a causative relationship between sulfur mustard gas exposure, cutaneous T cell lymphoma and immune compromised state with opportunistic infections.

Association of the numbers of CD163(+) cells in lesional skin and serum levels of soluble CD163 with disease progression of cutaneous T cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Classically activated macrophages produce IL-12, IL-23, and TNF-α, whereas alternatively activated macrophages (M2 cells) produce IL-10 and express several receptors such as mannose receptor and CD163. Tumor-associated macrophages exhibit M2 phenotype, whose presence has been associated with poor prognosis in various tumors.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate distribution of CD163(+) cells in lesional skin and serum levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163) in patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), atopic dermatitis (AD), or psoriasis.

METHODS

The numbers of CD163(+) and CD68(+) cells in lesional skin of CTCL, AD, or psoriasis, and in normal skin were examined by immunohistochemistry. Serum soluble CD163 (sCD163) levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The numbers of CD163(+) cells in lesional skin of CTCL, AD, or psoriasis were significantly larger than in normal skin. In CTCL, the numbers of CD163(+) or CD68(+) cells increased as more tumor cells infiltrated and they decreased after treatment with topical steroid and ultraviolet light. Moreover, CTCL patients with an increased number of CD163(+) cells showed worse prognosis. Serum sCD163 levels in patients with CTCL, AD, or psoriasis were significantly higher than those in normal controls. In CTCL patients, serum sCD163 levels significantly correlated with serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor and CCL17 levels. In AD patients, serum sCD163 levels correlated with serum IgE levels.

CONCLUSION

The numbers of CD163(+) cells in lesional skin and serum sCD163 levels were associated with disease progression of CTCL. Further study focusing on CD163(+) cells in CTCL lesional skin would be an interesting research field.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of the oral histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

A phase I study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of the oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor vorinostat in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Six patients received vorinostat (400 mg p.o., once daily). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were evaluated in all six patients during the 28 days of the first cycle. One of the six patients who received vorinostat developed a DLT (grade 4 thrombocytopenia). The most common drug-related adverse events included nausea (4/6, 67%), thrombocytopenia (4/6, 67%), hyperbilirubinemia (3/6, 50%) and vomiting (3/6, 50%). Most of these events were reversible and were resolved by supportive care and/or the interruption of vorinostat treatment. The safety and PK profiles of vorinostat in Japanese patients with CTCL did not appear to differ from those previously observed in non-Japanese and Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. None of the patients achieved an objective response in this study. However, one unconfirmed partial response and two cases of sustained stable disease for 12 weeks or longer were observed among the six patients in the study. One of the three evaluable patients experienced pruritus relief. Vorinostat was well tolerated at a dose of 400 mg p.o. once daily and showed potential efficacy in Japanese patients with CTCL, warranting further investigation.

Romidepsin: a new drug for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) have a rare, disfiguring, and life-threatening subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma primarily localized to the skin. Their immune systems are altered and their skin is compromised. In addition, they are highly prone to infections-the most common cause of death in patients with this disease. Patients presenting with early-stage disease involvement typically are treated with topical therapies; patients with advanced-stage and recurrent disease require systemic treatment. Specialized knowledge is required by oncology healthcare providers to manage the wide array of symptoms experienced by these patients as a part of the natural course of this disease. A new drug, romidepsin, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is indicated in the treatment of relapsed CTCL. The authors discuss use of romidepsin in the context of CTCL and the information needed to safely administer romidepsin and manage its side effects.

Increased CCL18 expression in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: association with disease severity and prognosis

BACKGROUND

CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 18 is expressed by monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), and has potent chemotactic activity for T cells, B cells and DCs. CCL18 expression is up-regulated in lesional skin of atopic dermatitis and bullous pemphigoid, suggesting its important roles in the development of these skin diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate roles of CCL18 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

METHODS

The CCL18 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in CTCL skin (n = 21) and in normal skin (n = 7) was examined by quantitative RT-PCR. CCL18 expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry. Serum CCL18 levels were measured in 38 patients with CTCL and 20 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also analysed correlation between serum CCL18 levels and other clinical and laboratory data.

RESULTS

The CTCL lesional skin contained higher levels of CCL18 mRNA than normal skin. CCL18 was expressed by dermal macrophages and DCs in CTCL skin. Serum CCL18 levels in patients with CTCL were significantly higher than those of healthy controls and correlated with types of skin lesions. They also significantly correlated with modified severity-weighted assessment scores, serum sIL-2R, LDH, IL-4, IL-10, IL-31, CCL17 and CCL26 levels. Patients with high serum levels of CCL18 showed significantly poor prognosis compared with those with low CCL18 levels.

CONCLUSION

CCL18 mRNA is up-regulated in CTCL lesional skin, and serum CCL18 levels are significantly increased and correlated with the severity of CTCL. These results suggest that CCL18 may be associated with the development of CTCL.

Immunophenotypic stability of Sézary cells by flow cytometry: usefulness of flow cytometry in assessing response to and guiding alemtuzumab therapy

Flow cytometry (FC) is frequently used to detect aberrant peripheral blood (PB) T cells ("Sézary cells") in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). However, immunophenotypic stability of MF/SS over time is not well characterized. We analyzed 141 PB samples from 9 cases (2 SS, 7 MF). At diagnosis, there were 3 to 5 immunophenotypic aberrancies per case (median, 4), including dim or absent CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, or CD26 and bright CD45RO. Of 9 patients, 7 had a subsequent change in immunophenotype. All patients retained multiple aberrancies at follow-up (median, 3 per analysis; range, 2-6), of which 22.0% (81/369) were new. In 5 patients, a more than 99% decrease in absolute Sézary cell (ASC) counts by FC after alemtuzumab therapy or total skin electron beam radiation was associated with clinical improvement. We observed minor immunophenotypic changes over time in most patients with MF/SS; however, the Sézary clones maintain persistently aberrant immunophenotypes and seem amenable to follow-up with limited FC panels. ASC counts by FC correlated well with clinical response.

IL-22, but not IL-17, dominant environment in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE

Both patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and those with atopic dermatitis (AD) have pruritus, T(H)2-biased T cells, and a tendency to have bacterial infections, suggesting a common pathologic basis for these two diseases. Recently, interleukin (IL)-22-producing T cells were reported in skin of patients with AD. In this study, we investigated expression levels of T(H)22- and T(H)17-related molecules in lesional skin and sera isolated from patients with CTCL.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Skin biopsies and sera were collected from patients with CTCL or psoriasis and from healthy volunteers. Protein and mRNA expression levels of IL-22, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23p19, IL-10, IL-4, CCL20, CCR6, IL-8, and IL-20 were examined in lesional tissue and a subset of these molecules in sera. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was also assessed in lesional skin of CTCL and psoriasis by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

IL-22, IL-10, IL-4, CCL20, and CCR6 mRNA and protein levels, but not IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23p19, IL-8, or IL-20, were significantly elevated in lesional skin of CTCL. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was detected in epidermis of CTCL skin. Moreover, serum IL-22, IL-10, and CCL20 levels were increased in CTCL and correlated with disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that IL-22 is important in establishing the tumor microenvironment for CTCL. Enhanced expression of CCL20 may explain epidermal hyperplasia and migration of CCR6(+) cells, such as Langerhans cells, into lesional skin. Relatively low expression of IL-17 may explain the lack of neutrophils in lesions of CTCL, which correlates with bacterial infections that commonly occur in skin affected by CTCL.

Simplified flow cytometric assessment in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

By using flow cytometry with markers for CD3, CD4, CD26, and CD7, we examined the blood samples of 109 patients for abnormal T cells: 69 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS), 31 hospitalized control subjects, and 9 patients with inflammatory skin disease. T cells were identified as quantitatively abnormal (>15% CD26- or CD7- T cells) or phenotypically abnormal (CD26- or CD7- T cells with bright or dim CD3 or CD4 or bright CD7). Patients were followed for a median of 82 months, and abnormal T cells were correlated with diagnosis, clinical outcome, and other laboratory parameters. Abnormal T-cell populations were identified in 46% of patients with MF/SS (32/69) and correlated with disease extent. Quantitative abnormalities were more frequent than phenotypic abnormalities, and CD4+/CD26- T cells were more frequent than CD4+/CD7- T cells. CD26- T cells correlated better with disease extent than did CD7 -. Increasing numbers of abnormal T cells were associated with worsening disease. Flow cytometry provides valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy in MF/SS.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are a heterogenous group of T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders involving the skin, the majority of which may be classified as Mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS).

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of MF or SS requires the integration of clinical and histopathologic data.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

Tumor, node, metastasis, and blood (TNMB) staging remains the most important prognostic factor in MF/SS and forms the basis for a "risk-adapted," multidisciplinary approach to treatment. For patients with disease limited to the skin, expectant management or skin-directed therapies is preferred, as both disease-specific and overall survival for these patients is favorable. In contrast, patients with advanced-stage disease with significant nodal, visceral, or blood involvement are generally approached with biologic-response modifiers, denileukin diftitox, and histone deacetylase inhibitors before escalating therapy to include systemic, single-agent chemotherapy. Multiagent chemotherapy may be used for those patients with extensive visceral involvement requiring rapid disease control. In highly-selected patients with disease refractory to standard treatments, allogeneic stem-cell transplantation may be considered.

Peripheral blood findings in erythrodermic patients: importance for the differential diagnosis of Sézary syndrome

Although Sézary syndrome (SS) represents an advanced stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, this diagnosis presents a challenge even for the most experienced dermatologic clinicians. SS is characterized clinically by erythroderma, but can also be identified in the presence of specific histologic and peripheral blood findings. Erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can mimic a number of nonmalignant disorders with erythroderma, including pityriasis rubra pilaris, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and graft-versus-host disease. The diagnosis is made even more challenging because the histology of SS is often nonspecific and rarely pathognomonic. As a result, peripheral blood studies in patients with erythroderma are frequently informative in the diagnosis of SS. Peripheral blood abnormalities including elevated CD4/CD8 ratio, aberrant CD26, CD27 and CD7 expression, and T-cell clonality can all be used to help arrive at a diagnosis. This review evaluates current data on the usefulness and limitations of specific peripheral blood markers detected by flow cytometry and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement polymerase chain reaction.

Initial cutaneous manifestation of lymphomas in children

Cutaneous lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders with skin involvement and are classified as a subgroup of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. From 1981 to 2007, 100 children with non-Hodgkin lymphomas were admitted to the Hematology Unit of the Federal University of Minas Gerais Teaching Hospital. In nine of these children, the skin was involved at the onset of the disease. Three patients were classified as having primary cutaneous lymphoma, while in six the disease was systemic with cutaneous involvement. In seven patients, the immunophenotype was T-cell, in one it was B-cell, and in the remaining case the immunophenotype was indefinable. No deaths occurred in any of the children with primary cutaneous lymphoma.

Regulatory T cells and immunodeficiency in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the term for diseases characterized by primary accumulation of malignant T cells in the skin. Patients with the two predominant clinical forms of CTCL called mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) characteristically develop severe immunodeficiency during disease progression and consequently patients with advanced disease frequently die of infections and not from the tumor burden. For decades, it has been suspected that the malignant T cells actively drive the evolving immunodeficiency to avoid antitumor immunity, yet, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The identification of a subset of highly immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) triggered a variety of studies investigating if MF and SS are malignant proliferations of Tregs but seemingly discordant findings have been reported. Here, we review the literature to clarify the role of Tregs in MF and SS and discuss the potential mechanisms driving the immunodeficiency.

Evolving insights in the pathogenesis and therapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome)

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies derived from skin-homing T cells. The most common forms of CTCL are Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS). Accurate diagnosis remains a challenge due to the heterogeneity of presentation and the lack of highly characteristic immunophenotypical and genetic markers. Over the past decade molecular studies have improved our understanding of the biology of CTCL. The identification of gene expression differences between normal and malignant T-cells has led to promising new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that now need validation to be incorporated into clinical practice. These biomarkers may also provide insight into the mechanism of development of CTCL. Additionally, treatment options have expanded with the approval of new agents, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors. A better understanding of the cell biology, immunology and genetics underlying the development and progression of CTCL will allow the design of more rational treatment strategies for these malignancies. This review summarizes the clinical epidemiology, staging and natural history of MF and SS; discusses the immunopathogenesis of MF and the functional role of the malignant T-cells; and reviews the latest advances in MF and SS treatment.

Primary cutaneous lymphoma: two-decade comparison in a population of 263 cases from a Swiss tertiary referral centre

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological data on primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs) are rare and have not previously been investigated in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse variations in demographics, the pattern of subtypes and staging during the two 10-year intervals, 1990-1999 and 2000-2009.

METHODS

This was a descriptive study of 263 patients with PCL based on a retrospective review and reassessment according to the World Health Organization/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification.

RESULTS

Change was observed in the pattern of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma subtypes: the frequency of Sézary syndrome decreased from 17% to 7% and the frequency of CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders increased from 7% to 18% (overall P = 0·04). Staging of PCL showed a higher number of cases of early-stage mycosis fungoides (P = 0·01). In relation to the international data, the Zürich group had a higher number of patients with Sézary syndrome (11% vs. 3%) and marginal cell lymphoma (14% vs. 5-7%). In addition, comparison of the survival data showed prolonged median overall survival of Zürich patients with Sézary syndrome in the second 10-year interval (6·5 vs. 2-4 years).

CONCLUSION

The increasing frequency of marginal cell lymphoma and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders might depend on an increased awareness of these diseases in the medical community, driven by progress in the classification and staging of these disease entities.

Clinical end points and response criteria in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a consensus statement of the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas, the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium, and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), the major forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, have unique characteristics that distinguish them from other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Clinical trials in MF/SS have suffered from a lack of standardization in evaluation, staging, assessment, end points, and response criteria. Recently defined criteria for the diagnosis of early MF, guidelines for initial evaluation, and revised staging and classification criteria for MF and SS now offer the potential for uniform staging of patients enrolled in clinical trials for MF/SS. This article presents consensus recommendations for the general conduct of clinical trials of patients with MF/SS as well as methods for standardized assessment of potential disease manifestations in skin, lymph nodes, blood, and visceral organs, and definition of end points and response criteria. These guidelines should facilitate collaboration among investigators and collation of data from sponsor-generated or investigator-initiated clinical trials involving patients with MF or SS.

Malignant cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells express IL-17 utilizing the Jak3/Stat3 signaling pathway

IL-17 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is crucial for the host's protection against a range of extracellular pathogens. However, inappropriately regulated expression of IL-17 is associated with the development of inflammatory diseases and cancer. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), malignant T cells gradually accumulate in skin lesions characterized by massive chronic inflammation, suggesting that IL-17 could be involved in the pathogenesis. In this study we show that IL-17 protein is present in 10 of 13 examined skin lesions but not in sera from 28 CTCL patients. Importantly, IL-17 expression is primarily observed in atypical lymphocytes with characteristic neoplastic cell morphology. In accordance, malignant T-cell lines from CTCL patients produce IL-17 and the synthesis is selectively increased by IL-2 receptor β chain cytokines. Small-molecule inhibitors or small interfering RNA against Jak3 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) reduce the production of IL-17, showing that the Jak3/Stat3 pathway promotes the expression of the cytokine. In summary, our findings indicate that the malignant T cells in CTCL lesions express IL-17 and that this expression is promoted by the Jak3/Stat3 pathway.

Deficiency of SATB1 expression in Sezary cells causes apoptosis resistance by regulating FasL/CD95L transcription

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that is characterized by circulating leukemic Sézary cells. The accumulation of these malignant cells has been shown to be the result of the resistance to apoptosis, in particular, activation-induced cell death. However, the mechanism of apoptosis resistance remains unknown. By characterizing the gene transcription profiles of purified CD4(+)CD7(-) Sézary cells from patients with SS and cultured Sézary cells, it was found that Sézary cells are deficient in the expression of special AT-rich region binding protein 1 (SATB1), a key regulator of T-cell development and maturation. Retrovirus-mediated gene transduction revealed that SATB1 restoration in cultured Sézary cells (Hut78) triggered spontaneous cell death and sensitized Hut78 cells to activation-induced cell death, with associated activation of caspase 8 and caspase 3. Furthermore, endogenous expression of FasL in Sézary cells was increased in transcriptional and translational levels on restoration of SATB1 expression in cultured Sézary cells. These results suggest that deficiency in SATB1 expression in Sézary cells plays an important role in SS pathogenesis by causing apoptosis resistance. Thus, restoration of SATB1 expression may represent a potential molecular targeted therapy for SS, which does not have a cure at present.

Absence of modulation of CD4+CD25 regulatory T cells in CTCL patients treated with bexarotene

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders, characterized by the infiltration of the epidermis by mature and activated malignant CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Retinoids such as retinoic acid and synthetic analogues have long been used alone or in combination with other therapies for CTCL. Bexarotene, the first synthetic highly selective RXR retinoid, was approved for the treatment of all stages of CTCL in patients refractory to at least one systemic therapy. Recently, six cases in which the initiation of bexarotene therapy for CTCL was associated with the progression of internal disease despite improvement of cutaneous signs and symptoms were reported. Moreover, it has been established that retinoids promote the generation of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, raising the question of an induction of regulatory T-cells by bexarotene. The aim of this work was to determine if bexarotene induces an increase of functional regulatory T cells which could play a role in the development of secondary extra-cutaneous lymphomas. Regulatory T cells were studied both in cutaneous biopsy specimens using an immunohistochemical analysis of CD4, CD25 and Foxp3 and in blood where proportion and functionality of circulating CD4+CD25(high) T-cells were determined. The study was performed in 10 patients [five patients with Sézary syndrome (SS) and five mycosis fungoïdes (MF)], treated for 6 months with bexarotene. Four healthy donors were used as controls for phenotypic and functional analysis on PBL. We found that the frequency of CD4+CD25(high) Treg cells was not significantly different before starting bexarotene and after 6 months of treatment in CTCL patients. However, we observed that the frequency of CD4+CD25(high) Treg cells before the beginning of the treatment was significantly increased compared to healthy donors. In addition, functional assays demonstrated that Foxp3 expressing CD4+CD25(high) T-cells were capable of suppressing autologous CD4 + CD25- T-cell proliferation. In the present work, we detected the presence of functional circulating CD4+CD25(high) Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells in CTCL patients, with an increased frequency compared to healthy donors. The treatment with bexarotene does not seem to affect the regulatory T-cell compartment.

Predictors of response to extracorporeal photopheresis in advanced mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been utilized for more than 20 years to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), but a clinical response can take up to 9 months to manifest. This study was undertaken to determine whether clinical features, laboratory values, cytokine levels, or gene expression levels of tumor markers are useful to predict the subsequent response to ECP in CTCL patients with blood involvement.

METHODS

Twenty-one patients with CTCL treated with ECP as monotherapy for at least 6 months were retrospectively identified. Laboratory and clinical data and blood obtained at baseline, 3, and 6 months of treatment were used for analysis.

RESULTS

In pretreatment blood specimens, a lower percentage of Sézary cells and a higher absolute eosinophil count were associated with a favorable clinical response. Clinical evidence of an early response after 3 months of ECP did not reliably predict a favorable response at 6 months or beyond. Comparison of cytokines, gene transcripts, and other laboratory measures of disease did not correlate with the subsequent clinical response, although lactate dehydrogenase levels tended to decrease progressively in ECP-responsive cases and increase progressively in ECP-non-responsive cases. Additionally, serum levels of TNF-alpha significantly increased from baseline to 6 months of ECP, but was not found to correlate with the clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we found that increased eosinophils and decreased percentage of Sézary cells were associated with a favorable clinical response to ECP, we were not able to identify the predictors of ECP response within the first 3 months of treatment.

A practical approach to the flow cytometric detection and diagnosis of T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

The flow cytometric analysis of T-cell malignancies is difficult due to the heterogeneity of T-cells and the lack of convenient methods to detect T-cell clonality. Neoplastic T-cells are most often detected by their altered level of surface antigen expression, and detection requires an extensive knowledge of the phenotype of normal T-lymphocytes. This review focuses on the methods to distinguish malignant T-cells from their normal counterparts and the phenotypic features of the T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Current and emerging treatment strategies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a rare group of mature T-cell lymphomas presenting primarily in the skin. The most common subtypes of CTCL are mycosis fungoides and its leukaemic variant Sézary's syndrome. Patients with early-stage disease frequently have an indolent clinical course; however, those with advanced stages have a shortened survival. For the treating physician, the question of how to choose a particular therapy in the management of CTCL is important. These diseases span the disciplines of dermatology, medical oncology and radiation oncology. Other than an allogeneic stem cell transplant, there are no curative therapies for this disease. Hence, many treatment modalities need to be offered to the patient over the course of their life. An accepted treatment approach has been to delay traditional chemotherapy, which can cause excessive toxicity without durable benefit. More conservative treatment strategies in the initial management of CTCL have led to the development of newer biological and targeted therapies. These therapies include biological immune enhancers such as interferon alpha and extracorporeal photopheresis that exert their effect by stimulating an immune response to the tumour cells. Retinoids such as bexarotene have been shown to be effective and well tolerated with predictable adverse effects. The fusion toxin denileukin diftitox targets the interleukin-2 receptor expressed on malignant T cells. Histone deacetylase inhibitors such as vorinostat and romidepsin (depsipeptide) may reverse the epigenetic states associated with cancer. Forodesine is a novel inhibitor of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and leads to apoptosis of malignant T cells. Pralatrexate is a novel targeted antifolate that targets the reduced folate carrier in cancer cells. Lastly, systemic chemotherapy including transplantation is used when rapid disease control is needed or if all other biological therapies have failed. As response rates to most of the biological agents used to treat CTCL are 25-30%, it is also reasonable to consider clinical trials with novel agents if one or two front-line therapies have failed, especially before considering chemotherapy. CTCL is largely an incurable disease with significant morbidity and more active agents are needed.

Combination therapy with extracorporeal photopheresis, interferon-alpha, PUVA and topical corticosteroids in the management of Sézary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is recommended for the treatment of Sézary syndrome (SS), the leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Several combination therapies are used to increase response rates to ECP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report our experience with the combination therapy of ECP, interferon-alpha, PUVA and topical corticosteroids in SS.

RESULTS

The treatment outcome in 12 SS patients was retrospectively analyzed and showed an overall response rate to this combination treatment of 42 % with 4/12 patients achieving a partial remission and 1/12 patients a stable disease. The median overall survival time was 42 months. We investigated several clinical and laboratory parameters as an indicator for a response to treatment in our patient cohort. A combined analysis of the erythroderma assessment scale, WBC, LDH, CD4/CD8 ratio and the number of Sézary cells revealed that a reduction of several parameters significantly correlated with response to treatment. The parameters which correlated best with response were number of Sézary cells, CD4/CD8 ratio and WBC.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated combination therapy was effective and well-tolerated in a subgroup of SS patients but needs to be evaluated in a larger patient population.

Role of denileukin diftitox in the treatment of persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Denileukin diftitox (Ontak(®)) is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of the skin. Denileukin diftitox was the first fusion protein toxin approved for the treatment of a human disease. This fusion protein toxin combines the IL2 protein with diphtheria toxin, and targets the CD25 subunit of the IL2 receptor, resulting in the unique delivery of a cytocidal agent to CD-25 bearing T-cells. Historically, immunotherapy targeting malignant T-cells including monoclonal antibodies has been largely ineffective as cytocidal agents compared to immunotherapy directed against B-cells such as rituximab. This review will summarize the development of denileukin diftitox, its proposed mechanism of action, the pivotal clinical trials that led to its FDA approval, the improvements in quality of life, and the common toxicities experienced during the treatment of patients with CTCL. CTCL is often a chronic progressive lymphoma requiring the sequential use of treatments such as retinoids, traditional chemotherapy, or biological response modifiers. The incorporation of the immunotoxin denileukin diftitox into the sequential or combinatorial treatment of CTCL will also be addressed.