Primary cutaneous CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in childhood: report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Pediatric primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with associated hypovitaminosis D

CD30+ lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) are relatively uncommon in the general population, especially in children. Distinguishing between the two main CD30+ LPDs, lymphomatoid papulosis and cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is crucial, as the latter requires different treatment and systemic malignancy workup. We outline an uncommon presentation of a primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) accompanied by hypovitaminosis D in a young Hispanic child and a holistic approach to treatment. While baseline testing of vitamin D levels in patients with cutaneous lymphoma and LPDs is not yet the standard in dermatology, it is being increasingly performed by other specialties who care for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies, since low levels can portend poorer prognosis and outcomes. Although there are no precise treatment guidelines for pediatric PC-ALCL located in cosmetically sensitive areas, a minimally invasive therapeutic program comprised of shave removal, topical steroids, and correction of a potentially disease modifying comorbidity (hypovitaminosis D if present) offers a comprehensive approach.

Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma-A Review of Clinical, Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after mycosis fungoides and belongs to the spectrum of cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Although primary cutaneous ALCL usually presents as a localized nodule or papule with or without ulceration, multifocal lesions may occur in up to 20% of cases. Histologically, primary cutaneous ALCL consists of a diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium to large anaplastic/pleomorphic cells with abundant amphophilic-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm, horseshoe-shaped nuclei, strong and diffuse expression of CD30, and with focal or no epidermotropism. The neoplastic infiltrate may show angiocentric distribution and may extend to the subcutis. Patients with localized or multifocal disease have a similar prognosis with a 10-year overall survival rate of 90%. Approximately 30% of primary cutaneous ALCLs harbor a DUSP22 (6p25.3) gene rearrangement that results in decreased expression of this dual-specific phosphatase, decreased STAT3 activation, and decreased activity of immune and autoimmune-mediated mechanisms regulated by T-cells.

Diagnosis and management of cutaneous lymphomas and lymphoid proliferations in children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA)

Cutaneous lymphomas and lymphoid proliferations (LPD) in children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms that present formidable diagnostic challenges to clinicians and pathologists alike. Although rare overall, cutaneous lymphomas/LPD occur in real-world settings and awareness of the differential diagnosis, potential complications, and various therapeutic approaches will help ensure the optimal diagnostic work-up and clinical management. Lymphomas/LPD involving the skin can occur as primary cutaneous disease in a patient that characteristically has lymphoma/LPD confined to the skin, or as secondary involvement in patients with systemic disease. This review will comprehensively summarize both primary cutaneous lymphomas/LPD that occur in the CAYA population as well as those CAYA systemic lymphomas/LPD with propensity for secondary cutaneous involvement. Focus on the most common primary entities occurring in CAYA will include lymphomatoid papulosis, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, and hydroa vacciniforme lymphoproliferative disorder.

Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma of the Nasal Dorsum and Nasal Tip

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is described as a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects only the skin, with no evidence of an extracutaneous disease during the first six months following the diagnosis. We present an unusual case of a 53-year-old man with developed fever and a rapidly increasing ulcerated skin lesion located on the nasal dorsum and nasal tip. The nasal endoscopy revealed a reddish polypoid lesion over the anterior edge of the superior turbinate which had extended through the roof of the nasal cavity in the adjacent area of the nasal septum.

Pediatric Cutaneous Hematologic Disorders: Cutaneous Lymphoma and Leukemia Cutis: Experience of a Tertiary-Care Pediatric Institution and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous hematologic malignancies are rare in children, and the literature about them is still sparse.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to report our experience with pediatric cases of cutaneous hematologic disorders and describe their clinical and histological features.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from the histopathologic database of the CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada. All patients up to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of a primary cutaneous lymphoma (including lymphomatoid papulosis), secondary cutaneous lymphoma or cutaneous manifestations of leukemia, followed from 1980 to 2019 at our center were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included. Age at presentation ranged from birth to 18 years of age (mean 7.83 ± 5.16; median 7.0). Ten different hematologic disorders were identified according to the WHO-EORTC classifications: lymphomatoid papulosis (10 cases), mycosis fungoides (6 cases), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (4 cases), pre-B acute lymphoid leukemia (5 cases), primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (4 cases), primary cutaneous CD4⁺medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (1 case), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (1 case), hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoproliferative disorder (1 case), B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (1 case) and acute myeloid leukemia (3 cases).

CONCLUSION

The most common subtype of cutaneous hematologic disease in our single institution study was lymphomatoid papulosis (type A and type C), followed by mycosis fungoides. Recognition of this large clinical and histological spectrum by dermatologists is important because diagnosis is often established by biopsy of skin lesions, even in secondary cutaneous cases. Moreover, the clinicopathological correlation is of utmost importance for the final diagnosis of those pathologies.

ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Current Concepts and Molecular Pathogenesis of a Heterogeneous Group of Large T-Cell Lymphomas

Simple Summary

ALK- anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK- ALCL) is a rare subtype of CD30+ large T-cell lymphoma that typically affects older adults and has a poor prognosis. Recognition of its histopathologic spectrum, subtypes, and of other tumors that can resemble ALK- ALCL is crucial to avoid making a wrong diagnosis that could result in inappropriate treatment for a patient. In recent years, several important studies have identified recurrent molecular alterations that have shed light on the pathogenesis of this lymphoma. However, on the other hand, putting all this vast information together into a concise form has become challenging. In this review, we present not only a more detailed view of the histopathologic findings of ALK- ALCL but also, we attempt to provide a more simplified perspective of the relevant genetic and molecular alterations of this type of lymphoma, that in our opinion, is not available to date.

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a subtype of CD30+ large T-cell lymphoma (TCL) that comprises ~2% of all adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Based on the presence/absence of the rearrangement and expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ALCL is divided into ALK+ and ALK-, and both differ clinically and prognostically. This review focuses on the historical points, clinical features, histopathology, differential diagnosis, and relevant cytogenetic and molecular alterations of ALK- ALCL and its subtypes: systemic, primary cutaneous (pc-ALCL), and breast implant-associated (BIA-ALCL). Recent studies have identified recurrent genetic alterations in this TCL. In systemic ALK- ALCL, rearrangements in DUSP22 and TP63 are detected in 30% and 8% of cases, respectively, while the remaining cases are negative for these rearrangements. A similar distribution of these rearrangements is seen in pc-ALCL, whereas none have been detected in BIA-ALCL. Additionally, systemic ALK- ALCL—apart from DUSP22-rearranged cases—harbors JAK1 and/or STAT3 mutations that result in the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The JAK1/3 and STAT3 mutations have also been identified in BIA-ALCL but not in pc-ALCL. Although the pathogenesis of these alterations is not fully understood, most of them have prognostic value and open the door to the use of potential targeted therapies for this subtype of TCL.

Pediatric primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma treated with brachytherapy

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is a CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder that rarely occurs in children. Although there are currently no consensus guidelines for the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma in the pediatric population, the isolated form of PC-ALCL is typically managed by surgical excision or external beam radiation therapy. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma that was treated with brachytherapy with no recurrence after 21 months of follow-up, suggesting that brachytherapy may be considered as a treatment for pediatric cutaneous large cell anaplastic lymphoma.

Pathology and genetics of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas are a rare subtype of peripheral/mature T-cell lymphomas which are clinically, pathologically and genetically heterogeneous. Both ALK-positive (ALK+) and ALK-negative (ALK-) ALCL are composed of large lymphoid cells with abundant cytoplasm and pleomorphic features with horseshoe-shaped and reniform nuclei. ALK+ ALCL were considered as a definite entity in the 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. ALK-ALCL was included as a provisional entity in the WHO 2008 edition and in the most recent 2017 edition, it is now considered a distinct entity that includes cytogenetic subsets that appear to have prognostic implications (e.g. 6p25 rearrangements at IRF4/DUSP22 locus). ALK+ ALCLs are distinct in epidemiology and pathogenetic origin and should be distinguished from ALK-ALCL, cutaneous ALCL and breast implant associated ALCL which have distinct clinical course and pathogenetic features. Breast implant-associated ALCL is now recognized as a new provisional entity distinct from other ALK-ALCL; notably that it is a noninvasive disease associated with excellent outcome. In this article, we will provide an overview of the salient themes relevant to the pathology and genetic mechanisms in ALCL.

CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30+ LPD) encompass lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), and borderline lesions [1]. CD30+ LPD are the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) after mycosis fungoides (MF) and represent approximately 25% of all CTCL cases [2]. Their common phenotypic hallmark is an expression of the CD30 antigen, a cytokine receptor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Both LyP and pcALCL show numerous clinical, histological and immunophenotypic variants, and generally have an indolent course with a favorable prognosis. Overlapping features of LyP and pcALCL with other CD30+ T-cell lymphomas, inflammatory, and/or infectious conditions emphasize the importance of careful clinicopathologic correlation and staging.

Cutaneous Hematolymphoid and Histiocytic Proliferations in Children

This article focuses on cutaneous hematopoietic neoplasms that are more likely to be encountered in the pediatric age-group and includes both lymphoproliferative and histiocytic disorders. The cutaneous hematologic disorders in children have a different epidemiologic profile to what is seen during adulthood. Although mycosis fungoides is the most frequent form of cutaneous lymphoma in adults, it is very rare in children. Because lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas are more frequent in the pediatric setting, cutaneous leukemic infiltrates are relatively common in this age-group. Similarly, histiocytic disorders are more common in children, particularly Langerhans cell histiocytosis and juvenile xanthogranuloma. Notably, the histiocytic disorders have undergone significant modifications on their nomenclature in the basis of the molecular characteristics that are present in them. A summary of the most frequent cutaneous hematopoietic disorders in children will be discussed further in this review.

Pediatric case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma forming a solitary skin tumor on the forearm

A 5-year-old girl noticed a rapidly growing reddish nodule on her right forearm. Although oral antibiotics had been administrated for 2 weeks, the tumor enlarged. Skin biopsy revealed excessive infiltration of atypical neoplastic cells expressing CD4, CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). These histological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Computed tomography showed multiple lymphadenopathy, but lymph node biopsy and bone marrow examination did not show any evidence of systemic dissemination. However, due to the positive results for ALK and multiple lymphadenopathy, we diagnosed ALK-positive ALCL forming a solitary skin tumor on the forearm. The patient received chemotherapy and presented marked improvement. This paper discusses the difficulty of diagnosing pediatric ALK-positive ALCL limited to the skin and reviews the medical published work.

Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas in Children and Adolescents

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare in children and mostly represented by mycosis fungoides and CD30(+) lymphoproliferative disorders. Most pediatric cutaneous lymphomas have similar clinical/pathological features as their adult counterparts, particularly the T-cell subtypes. With regard to outcome, adult cutaneous mature T-cell lymphomas have a tendency to progression, while this appears to be relatively infrequent in children. The outcome of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas depends on subtype, with the B-lymphoblastic entity being associated with similar outcomes to precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while there are insufficient data on other entities. The diagnosis and treatment of these patients require a close collaboration between experienced pediatric pathologists, dermatologists, and oncologists. Prospective collection of longitudinal clinical and biological data from children with these rare lymphomas is needed to better understand their biological and clinical behavior and to ultimately discover the best therapeutic strategies.

Paediatric cutaneous lymphomas: a review and comparison with adult counterparts

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CL) in children is rare. Only a few studies focused specifically on paediatric CL and therefore little is known whether primary CL in children are similar to or different from their adult counterparts with respect to the clinicopathological presentation, behaviour and prognosis. An extensive literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE from January 1995 through July 2014 was undertaken for articles reporting cases of paediatric CL. In addition, we identified 31 children with CL in our institutions. Mycosis fungoides and lymphomatoid papulosis are the two most prevalent lymphoma forms in children. A few entities of cutaneous lymphomas such as cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma leg type, and Sézary syndrome have not been reported so far in children. Other lymphoma entities such as hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma are mostly seen in certain geographic areas (Asia, Central and South America). In the paediatric population, low-malignant indolent forms such as primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma and primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma are very rare, whereas the more aggressive forms of B-cell lymphomas, precursor lymphoblastic lymphomas, and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm are the most common forms in children, mostly involving the skin secondarily. Most paediatric lymphomas have similar clinicopathological features and course as their adults counterparts, particularly in the group of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The spectrum of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas in children significantly differs from the one in adults. Diagnostic work-up and treatment of paediatric patients with lymphomas are best achieved in close collaboration with paediatric haematopathologists and oncologists.

High-risk ALK negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma presenting with hypereosinophilic syndrome in a 2.5-year-old child

The hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are characterized by prolonged nonreactive peripheral blood hypereosinophilia with tissue damage. The lymphocytic HES variant can precede malignant clonal T-cell disease in adults but it is extremely rare to be the presenting feature of lymphomas in children. Here we present a 2.5-year-old boy with HES and mediastinal T-cell anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) negative systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Mature and immature eosinophils without blasts were shown on bone marrow aspiration while biopsy revealed malignant infiltration. The patient responded well to initial corticosteroid therapy, but high-risk features make a challenge of finding the cure in this extremely rare case.

ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma limited to the skin: clinical, histopathological and molecular analysis of 6 pediatric cases. A report from the ALCL99 study

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas are peripheral T-cell lymphomas that are characterized by a proliferation of large anaplastic blasts expressing CD30. In children, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas often present at advanced clinical stage and harbor translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene leading to the expression of chimeric anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-fusion proteins. Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is regarded as an ALK-negative variant confined to the skin and is part of the spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Thirty-three of 487 pediatric patients registered within the Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma-99 trial (1999 to 2006) presented with a skin limited CD30-positive lympho-proliferative disorder. In 23 of the 33 patients, material for international histopathological review was available, and the cases were studied for histopathological, immunophenotypical and clinical features as well as for breaks within the ALK gene. Five of 23 cases and one additional case (identified after closure of the trial) expressed ALK-protein. Complete staging excluded any other organ involvement in all children. Expression of ALK proteins was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in all cases and the presence of breaks of the ALK gene was genetically confirmed in 5 evaluable cases. The histopathological and clinical picture of these skin-restricted ALK-positive lymphomas was indistinguishable from that of cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Five children presented with a single skin lesion that was completely resected in 4 and incompletely resected in one. Three of these patients received no further therapy, 2 additional local radiotherapy, and one chemotherapy. All children remain in complete remission with a median follow up of seven years (range 1-8 years). We present 6 pediatric cases of ALK-positive primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas. After thorough exclusion of systemic involvement, therapy confined to local measures seems to be sufficient to induce cure.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: an unusual presentation in a 7-year-old girl

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) accounts for 10% to 30% of all childhood lymphomas and approximately 5% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. ALCL is considered to be a T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that can be divided into two major groups with distinct genetic, immunophenotypic, and clinical behaviors. The first group consists of a spectrum of CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders that include primary cutaneous ALCL (C-ALCL) and lymphomatoid papulosis. The second group is systemic ALCL (S-ALCL), which is further divided into two subgroups: anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) and ALK-negative. Between 30% and 60% of S-ALCL express ALK, which is usually the result of a t(2;5) translocation that correlates with onset in the first three decades of life, male predominance, and good prognosis. Although morphologically similar, ALK- ALCL shows varied clinical behaviors and immunophenotypes; is commonly seen in older age groups, with a peak incidence in the sixth decade of life with no preference as to sex; and has an overall poorer prognosis. We present a case of CD30+, ALK- S-ALCL in a 7-year-old girl.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the nasal tip in a child

A 4-year-old boy with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma located on the nasal tip is presented. The lesion healed spontaneously in 4 months without any evidence of residual disease. Cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, though rare in children, may occur, and should be considered when a rapidly growing ulcerating skin lesion appears.

EORTC, ISCL, and USCLC consensus recommendations for the treatment of primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders: lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma

Primary cutaneous CD30(+) lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30(+) LPDs) are the second most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and include lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Despite the anaplastic cytomorphology of tumor cells that suggest an aggressive course, CD30(+) LPDs are characterized by an excellent prognosis. Although a broad spectrum of therapeutic strategies has been reported, these have been limited mostly to small retrospective cohort series or case reports, and only very few prospective controlled or multicenter studies have been performed, which results in a low level of evidence for most therapies. The response rates to treatment, recurrence rates, and outcome have not been analyzed in a systematic review. Moreover, international guidelines for staging and treatment of CD30(+) LPDs have not yet been presented. Based on a literature analysis and discussions, recommendations were elaborated by a multidisciplinary expert panel of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas, and the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium. The recommendations represent the state-of-the-art management of CD30(+) LPDs and include definitions for clinical endpoints as well as response criteria for future clinical trials in CD30(+) LPDs.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma: twenty-five years of discovery

CONTEXT

The year 2010 commemorates the 25th year since the seminal publication by Karl Lennert and Harald Stein and others in Kiel, West Germany, describing an unusual large cell lymphoma now known as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Investigators at many universities and hospitals worldwide have contributed to our current in-depth understanding of this unique peripheral T-cell lymphoma, which in its systemic form, principally occurs in children and young adults.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize our current knowledge of the clinical and pathologic features of systemic and primary cutaneous ALCL. Particular emphasis is given to the biology and pathogenesis of ALCL.

DATA SOURCES

Search of the medical literature (Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE: 1950 to Present [National Library of Medicine]) and more than 20 years of diagnostic experience were used as the source of data for review.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on immunostaining for activation antigen CD30 and the presence of dysregulation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (2p23), the diagnosis of ALCL has become relatively straightforward for most patients. Major strides have been made during the last decade in our understanding of the complex pathogenesis of ALCL. Constitutive NPM-ALK signaling has been shown to drive oncogenesis via an intricate network of redundant and interacting pathways that regulate cell proliferation, cell fate, and cytoskeletal modeling. Nevertheless, pathomechanistic, therapeutic, and diagnostic challenges remain that should be resolved as we embark on the next generation of discovery.

Emerging non-transplant-based strategies in treating pediatric non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Lymphomas represent the third most common cancer in children and adolescents. The non-Hodgkin's lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors, with distinct clinical and pathologic features. Although intensive multi-agent chemotherapy has made non-Hodgkin's lymphoma one of the most curable malignancies in children and young adults, there is room for improvement in treatment, particularly for those with advanced-stage disease and those who relapse after conventional therapy. New approaches are now attempting to reduce the burden of treatment, to focus on novel and more specific biologic targets, and to improve outcomes for patients with advanced-stage disease while reducing the potential for late effects. A comprehensive review of all potential agents is beyond the scope of this review, which will focus on some of the newer strategies for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that are coming into clinical use today.

Primary cutaneous CD30 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in an adolescent

We present a case of a 14-year-old boy with a large ulcerated plaque on the scalp for 6 months, who was found to have primary cutaneous CD30-positive, anaplastic kinase-negative, anaplastic large cell lymphoma with post-auricular lymphadenopathy. MRI, bone marrow biopsy, and laboratory data demonstrated no other systemic involvement. He was treated with radiation and low-dose oral methotrexate, with improvement of the lesion and lymphadenopathy. Very few cases of primary cutaneous CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the pediatric population have been reported, and our case represents one of the first pediatric patients with local lymph node involvement.

Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma: report of a rare case

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma comprising approximately 0.9-9.0% of all cutaneous lymphomas. PCALCL is characterized by the absence of systemic involvement, spontaneous regression and low recurrence rate especially in localized lesions.We present a 47-year-old female with a 1½-year history of two asymptomatic erythematous indurated plaques on the right arm. Skin punch biopsy revealed dense infiltrates of non-epidermotropic, large, irregularly-shaped lymphocytes with hyperchromatic and pyknotic nuclei. Immunohistochemistry revealed that these atypical cells are anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive, CD30+, CD3-, CD20- and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) negative. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are consistent with PCALCL. Work-ups revealed no systemic involvement. Short course CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone) chemotherapy resulted in total resolution of skin lesions; however, recurrence was noted 12 months after treatment. She then underwent radiotherapy and achieved complete remission.Because the clinical presentation of PCALCL can be variable, a high index of suspicion is necessary in patients presenting with chronic plaques and nodules unresponsive to topical or oral medications.

Isolated cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma progressing to severe systemic disease with myocardial involvement and central nervous system infiltration

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare tumor comprising around 10-15% of childhood lymphomas. We describe the case of a female who initially presented with localized skin disease associated with an insect bite. However, she subsequently relapsed with widespread systemic ALK-positive ALCL that included lymphoma deposits in the myocardium, a very rare manifestation. Her disease responded well to chemotherapy but she later developed a fatal relapse in the CNS. We also present data on an immune response to ALK, demonstrating a fluctuation in the levels of circulating antibodies to ALK corresponding to the different phases of her illness.

Seroma-associated primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma adjacent to breast implants: an indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas of the breast are rare, encompassing approximately 0.04-0.5% of all malignant breast tumors, and the vast majority are B-cell lymphomas. In contrast, lymphomas of T-cell phenotype have been rarely reported and some of these have been in close proximity to a breast implant. In our consultation practice, we have identified four patients with primary T-cell anaplastic large-cell lymphoma presenting adjacent to silicone or saline breast implants. All patients presented with seroma and neoplastic cells were identified in suspension in the serous fluid without solid tissue invasion. Three patients had no evidence of systemic disease (stage 1E), and one patient was not staged. The mean age of the patients was 46 years (range, 34-59 years). In all patients, the neoplastic cells had a T-cell phenotype, expressed CD30, cytotoxic granule-associated proteins, EMA and clusterin, and were anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1-negative. Clonal T-cell receptor gamma-chain gene rearrangements were identified in three patients. All patients underwent capsulectomy with removal of the implant. One patient subsequently received chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and another was treated with radiation alone. The third patient received no further therapy and the fourth patient has been recently diagnosed. After a mean time of 13 months (range, 9-20 months), all three patients with follow-up were alive and well without any recurrence or systemic disease. Although the follow-up time was relatively short, our series and other reported cases suggest that primary anaplastic large-cell lymphoma adjacent to breast implants is an indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

Mycosis fongoïde transformé chez un enfant : traitement par transplantation médullaire allogénique avec effet « graft-versus-lymphoma »

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides is the most frequent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma but has been rarely reported in children and teenagers. Although transformation into large-cell T-cell lymphoma has been described in 10% of adult cases, it is seen very rarely in children. We report here the clinical case of mycosis fungoides in a child with an unusual transformed form at presentation and treated by bone marrow allograft.

CASE-REPORT

A 13 year-old boy, presenting guttate parapsoriasis for 5 years was referred to our Dermatology Department with a 2-month history of infiltrated plaques throughout the body and face. Large erythematous-squamous plaques on the trunk and face as well as a nodular lesion of the arm were also noted. On histology, typical features of mycosis fungoides were observed, in addition to transformed cells which were CD30-negative. Local treatment comprising caryolysin and dermal corticosteroids allowed initial regression of the lesions. However, a few months later, nodular lesions reappeared as well as axillary lymph nodes. Repeated histology confirmed the diagnosis of transformed mycosis fungoides with large CD30-positive cells. Despite chemotherapy, cutaneous and lymph node disease recurred, and bone marrow allograft was performed, resulting in rapid disease regression. Following the recurrence of skin lesions 2 years later, donor lymphocytes were administered in addition to treatment with interferon alpha, aiming at stimulating a graft-versus-lymphoma reaction. One year post-lymphocyte injection, the patient is in full remission.

DISCUSSION

This is a new case report of juvenile mycosis fungoides with unusual clinical features such as rapid course and transformed form at presentation. Juvenile mycosis fungoides represents 2.5 to 5% of cases of mycosis fungoides and transformation to large cell lymphoma is exceptional. Our case illustrates the aggressive pattern observed in some teenage patients as well as the efficacy of bone marrow allograft, most likely thanks chiefly to its graft-versus-lymphoma effect.

Cutaneous T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas: the WHO-EORTC classification and the increasing recognition of specialized tumor types

Cases drawn from Session 5 of the 2005 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop on progress in T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell malignancies are used as a framework to review the current classification of T-cell and NK-cell malignancies in skin. In comparison with the typical pattern and course of mycosis fungoides (MF), selected variants of MF that can be difficult to diagnose are discussed. Cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders are also presented in detail. Particular focus is placed on the recognition of rare but clinically more aggressive cytotoxic lymphomas in the skin. Overall, diagnostic pitfalls and new information regarding disease pathogenesis brought up by the Workshop cases are provided. In addition, a general approach to the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas is discussed.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children and adolescents

Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in children and adolescents. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct pathologic and clinical characteristics. Over the past three decades, significant advancements have been made in the molecular characterization of these disorders. With the use of intensive multiagent chemotherapy, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are now among the most successfully treated cancers in the pediatric population. Future goals of therapy include reduction of treatment duration for early-stage patients and identification of novel targets and therapeutics for advanced-stage patients.

Anaplastic Large‐Cell Lymphoma, T‐/Null‐Cell Type

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, T-/null-cell type (ALCL), is a rare disease that has only been well characterized for two decades. Despite this, the biology of ALCL is better understood than that of many other more common variants of lymphoma. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and therapy of ALCL, including stem cell transplantation. In particular, the text emphasizes how novel prognostic features and the evolving understanding of the biology of this disease will influence treatment selection and drug development.