Follow-up of patients with mycosis fungoides after interferon α2b treatment failure

Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma: A Difficult Diagnosis Demystified

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas in which monoclonal T lymphocytes infiltrate the skin. The mechanism of CTCL development is not fully understood, but likely involves dysregulation of various genes and signaling pathways. A variety of treatment modalities are available, and although they can induce remission in most patients, the disease may recur after treatment cessation. Owing to relatively low incidence and significant chronicity of disease, and the high morbidity of some therapeutic regimens, further clinical trials are warranted to better define the ideal treatment option for each subtype of CTCL.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: modern data of pathogenesis, clinics and therapy

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that are characterized by skin infiltration with malignant monoclonal T lymphocytes. More common in adults aged 55 to 60 years, the annual incidence is about 0.5 per 100 000 people. Mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome and CD30+ lymphoproliferative diseases are the main subtypes of CTCL. To date, CTCL have a complex concept of etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. The article presented summary data on these issues.

An overview of cutaneous T cell lymphomas

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that are characterized by a cutaneous infiltration of malignant monoclonal T lymphocytes. They typically afflict adults with a median age of 55 to 60 years, and the annual incidence is about 0.5 per 100,000. Mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, and primary cutaneous peripheral T cell lymphomas not otherwise specified are the most important subtypes of CTCL. CTCL is a complicated concept in terms of etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. Herein, we summarize advances which have been achieved in these fields.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas: diagnosis and treatment

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative neoplasms, with lymphatic proliferation limited to the skin with no involvement of lymph nodes, bone marrow or viscera at the diagnosis. Cutaneous lymphomas originate from mature T-lymphocytes (65% of all cases), mature B-lymphocytes (25%) or NK cells. Histopathological evaluation including immunophenotyping of the skin biopsy specimen is the basis of the diagnosis, which must be complemented with a precise staging of the disease and identification of prognostic factors, to allow for the choice of the best treatment method as well as for the evaluation of the treatment results.