Novel therapies targeting cutaneous T cell lymphomas and their microenvironment

What Is New in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on updates in prognosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL).

RECENT FINDINGS

Cohort studies indicate imaging may be necessary in early-stage CTCL. Risk factors for progression of CTCL have been identified. Interactions between malignant cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the skin microbiome advance the understanding of pathogenesis and tumor cell dissemination. Studies support a hypothesis of circulating malignant tumor cells. MicroRNA (miR) influence tumor progression and prognosis; the IL22-STAT3-CCL20 cascade may be a novel target. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-31 cytokines are relevant for pruritus and could be targets for therapeutic interventions. Systemic therapies, such as JAK inhibitors, targeted antibodies, and checkpoint inhibitors, show promise in advanced stages. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a potential curative option for patients. Further investigations of prognosis and translational research are necessary to improve stratification of patients for treatment.

Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Successful Case of High-Dose Radiotherapy Management

The management of refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is challenging and requires a multimodal approach. Radiotherapy is one of the treatment options used in managing CTCL, particularly for localized disease or as a palliative measure to control symptoms in advanced cases. The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to conduct extensive clinical trials and gather sufficient data on the most effective treatment approaches. Lymphocytes are among the most sensitive cells to radiation's damaging effects. Because of this sensitivity, radiation therapy can be an effective treatment. This case illustrates the efficacy of radiotherapy and its potential as an effective treatment alternative for a severe and resistant CTCL to systemic therapy in a 61-year-old Moroccan patient. The patient underwent curative high-dose radiation therapy, utilizing three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. At the 19-month follow-up post-radiotherapy, no evidence of local recurrence, either clinically or radiologically, was observed, and the patient maintained a good quality of life with unrestricted mobility of his arm.