Primary cutaneous lymphomas: diagnosis and treatment

Lymphoma Mimicking Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Report

Some inflammatory conditions, such as pyoderma gangrenosum, and tumoral conditions, such as lymphoma, may appear as soft tissue infections. Herein, a cutaneous lymphoma patient who was hospitalized with a diagnosis of soft tissue infection and was considered to have pyoderma gangrenosum during follow-up is presented. Immediate histopathological examination should be recommended to diagnose skin soft tissue lesions, especially long-term and unresponsive to treatment.

Determination of T-cell clonality and expression profiles of Toll-like receptors signaling pathway genes and related miRNAs in patients with mycosis fungoides

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) encompass a group of diseases characterized by the presence of malignant clonal CD4+ T lymphocytes in the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most prevalent form of CTCL, accounting for approximately 60 % of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and 50 % of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. Despite ongoing research, the precise pathogenesis of MF remains incompletely understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have the ability to specifically recognize ligands, subsequently induce the expression of diverse genes and activate innate immunity within the cell. Furthermore, miRNAs play a crucial role in regulating various aspects of immune cell function. The aim of our study was to explore the potential roles of TLRs and the genes implicated in their signal transduction, along with the expression status of miRNAs in the mechanisms underlying MF. Additionally, we assessed the clonal status and compared it with clinicopathological data using a T-cell clonality assay. To determine the expression status of TLR pathway genes and miRNAs, we conducted RT-PCR analysis on 52 MF samples and 50 control paraffin block materials. Pathway analysis were conducted using the KEGG database. T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma clonality changes were evaluated. Results from the study revealed increased expressions of TLR-1, -4, -8, IRF7, TRAF3, MEK1, MEK2, Elk1, NFkB, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-155-5p, as well as decreased expressions of hsa-miR-130a-3p, hsa-miR-210-3p, and hsa-let-7e-5p in the MF group. TCR gamma clonal change analysis demonstrated that 55.5 % of the analysed DNAs exhibited monoclonal and biallelic patterns, while 45.5 % displayed polyclonality. These findings collectively suggest the potential influence and therapeutic possibilities of the TLR signalling pathway in the molecular pathogenesis of MF.

F-18 FDG PET/CT in staging and response assessment of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (leg type)

Primary cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare subtype of cutaneous lymphomas, with high frequency of extra-cutaneous relapse and poor prognosis. We report a case of 70-year-old lady who was diagnosed with PCDLBCL-LT on biopsy and underwent a baseline F-18 FDG PET/CT, followed by interim and post-treatment PET/CTs. With this case report, we highlight the findings of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the staging of this cutaneous lymphoma, and also emphasize on its role in the response assessment.

Comprehensive evaluation of a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma education webinar

BACKGROUND

Effective and timely referral, treatment and care of people with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) depend on clinical staff possessing highly specialised knowledge and skills. Because of the fragmented nature of the CTCL workforce, specialist education was delivered via a webinar.

AIM

The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the webinar and test the validity of using an evaluation model for a one-off education event.

METHODS

The webinar was evaluated using Moore et al's conceptual model for evaluation of education. Data were collected using polling questions and post-webinar questionnaires and analysed using descriptive summaries and content analysis.

FINDINGS

Respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the webinar was an effective way to learn, enjoyable, relevant to their role and interesting. Learners also reported improvements in awareness, knowledge and understanding of CTCL, its referral and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Evaluating one-off education events using a conceptual model of evaluation for continuous medical education is recommended, with some adaptations to overcome limitations.

The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in primary cutaneous lymphoma: an educational review

INTRODUCTION

Primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL) is a cutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that originates in the skin and lacks extracutaneous spread upon initial diagnosis. The clinical management of secondary cutaneous lymphomas is different from that of PCLs, and earlier detection is associated with better prognosis. Accurate staging is necessary to determine the extent of disease and to choose the appropriate treatment. The aim of this review is to investigate the current and potential roles of ¹⁸F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of PCLs.

METHODS

A focused review of the scientific literature was performed using inclusion criteria to filter results pertaining to human clinical studies performed between 2015 and 2021 that analyzed cutaneous PCL lesions on ¹⁸F PET/CT imaging.

RESULTS & CONCLUSION

A review of 9 clinical studies published after 2015 concluded that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is highly sensitive and specific for aggressive PCLs and proved valuable for identifying extracutaneous disease. These studies found ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT highly useful for guiding lymph node biopsy and that imaging results influenced therapeutic decision in many cases. These studies also predominantly concluded that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) alone for detection of subcutaneous PCL lesions. Routine revision of nonattenuation-corrected (NAC) PET images may improve the sensitivity of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for detection of indolent cutaneous lesions and may expand the potential uses of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the clinic. Furthermore, calculating a global disease score from ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT at every follow-up visit may simplify assessment of disease progression in the early clinical stages, as well as predict the prognosis of disease in patients with PCL.

Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies for Lymphomatoid Papulosis with Particular Emphasis on the Role of the Immune System

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a very rare disease that belongs to the group of CD30+ lymphoproliferative skin diseases. LyP is localized or generalized and usually presents as isolated or clustered red/brown-red lesions in the form of nodules and/or papules. The course of the disease is in most cases mild; however, depending on concomitant risk factors and history, it may progress to lymphoma, significantly reducing the survival rate and prognosis. Importantly, the clinical picture of the disease remains somewhat ambiguous, leading to a large number of misdiagnoses that result in inappropriate treatment, which is usually insufficient to alleviate symptoms. In addition to clinical manifestations, the histological characteristics vary widely and usually overlap with other conditions, especially those belonging to the group of lymphoproliferative disorders. Although diagnosis remains a challenge, several recommendations and guidelines have been introduced to standardize and facilitate the diagnostic process. This article reviews the available literature on the most important aspects of etiopathogenesis, clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic criteria, and possible treatment strategies for LyP, with particular emphasis on the role of the immune system.

Outcomes in primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL, LT) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma characterized by skin involvement predominantly in the lower extremities. Immunochemotherapy with or without involved-site radiation therapy (ISRT) is considered standard front-line therapy. Over-expression of PD-L1/PD-L2 is seen in a high proportion of PCDLBCL, LT cases, but efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in relapsed/refractory, PCDLBCL, LT has not been thoroughly studied. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with PCDLBCL, LT seen at Mayo Clinic from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, we calculated progression-free survival, duration of response, and overall survival in patients who received front-line rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) with and without ISRT, and salvage ICI therapy for relapsed/refractory disease. A total of 28 patients with PCDLBCL, LT were identified. The median PFS in patients treated with R-CHOP plus ISRT was 58 months (95% CI: 18-112) compared to 14 months (95% CI: 5-not reached; p = 0.04) in those treated with R-CHOP without ISRT. The median PFS from salvage ICI therapy was 10 months (95% CI: 4-not reached), and median DOR from salvage ICI therapy was 23 months [95% CI: 4-26]. R-CHOP with ISRT had a significantly longer median PFS compared to R-CHOP without ISRT as front-line therapy for PCDLBCL, LT. ICIs may have a role in treating relapsed/refractory disease as reasonable activity in heavily pre-treated patients was observed in this study.

Geographic clustering of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in New Jersey: an exploratory analysis using residential histories

PURPOSE

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous studies have reported geographic clustering of CTCL based on the residence at the time of diagnosis. We explore geographic clustering of CTCL using both the residence at the time of diagnosis and past residences using data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry.

METHODS

CTCL cases (n = 1,163) diagnosed between 2006-2014 were matched to colon cancer controls (n = 17,049) on sex, age, race/ethnicity, and birth year. Jacquez's Q-Statistic was used to identify temporal clustering of cases compared to controls. Geographic clustering was assessed using the Bernoulli-based scan-statistic to compare cases to controls, and the Poisson-based scan-statisic to compare the observed number of cases to the number expected based on the general population. Significant clusters (p < 0.05) were mapped, and standard incidence ratios (SIR) reported. We adjusted for diagnosis year, sex, and age.

RESULTS

The Q-statistic identified significant temporal clustering of cases based on past residences in the study area from 1992 to 2002. A cluster was detected in 1992 in Bergen County in northern New Jersey based on the Bernoulli (1992 SIR 1.84) and Poisson (1992 SIR 1.86) scan-statistics. Using the Poisson scan-statistic with the diagnosis location, we found evidence of an elevated risk in this same area, but the results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of geographic clustering of CTCL cases in New Jersey based on past residences. Additional studies are necessary to understand the possible reasons for the excess of CTCL cases living in this specific area some 8-14 years prior to diagnosis.

Antineoplastic effect of a novel nanosized curcumin on cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of heterogeneous, life-threatening, extra-nodal and lymphoproliferative T cell neoplasms. Since chronic inflammation serves a key role in CTCL progression, curcumin, a natural pigment with proven anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties, as well as minimal toxicity, may be used as a therapeutic agent. In the present study, two formulations of curcumin (standard ethanolic and a Pluronic^®P-123/F-127 micellar solution) were compared regarding their cytotoxic efficacy and speed of internalization in three CTCL cell lines, namely HuT-78, HH and MJ. In addition, the modulating effect of curcumin on selected proteins involved in the proliferation and progression of the disease was determined. The results indicated the superiority of the Pluronic^®P-123/F-127 micellar curcumin over the standard ethanol solution in terms of cellular internalization efficiency as determined by spectrophotometric analysis. Notably, the presence of commonly used media components, such as phenol red, may interfere when interpreting the cytotoxicity of curcumin, due to their overlapping absorbance peaks. Therefore, it was concluded that phenol red-free media are superior over media with phenol red in order to correctly measure the cytotoxic efficacy and cell penetration of curcumin. Depending on the cell line, the IC₅₀ values of micellar curcumin varied from 29.76 to 1.24 µΜ, with HH cells demonstrating the highest sensitivity. This cell line had the lowest expression levels of the Wilms' tumor-1 transcription factor. Performing western blot analyses of treated and untreated CTCL cells, selective signal transduction changes were recorded for the first time, thus making curcumin nano-formulation an attractive and prospective option with therapeutic relevance for CTCL as a rare orphan disease.

Genomics of LGL leukemia and select other rare leukemia/lymphomas

Genomic analysis of cancer offers the hope of identifying new treatments or aiding in the selection of existing treatments. Rare leukemias pose additional challenges in this regard as samples may be hard to acquire and when found the underlying pathway may not be attractive to drug development since so few individuals are affected. In this case, it can be useful to identify common mutational overlap among subsets of rare leukemias to increase the number of individuals that may benefit from a targeted therapy. This chapter examines the current mutational landscape of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia with a focus on STAT3 mutations, the most common mutation in LGL leukemia to date. We examined the linkage between these mutations and autoimmune symptoms and disorders, in cases of obvious and suspected LGL leukemia. We then summarized and compared mutations in a set of other rare leukemias that also have JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation brought about by genomic changes. These include T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), select peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Though STAT3 activation is common in these leukemias, the way in which it is achieved, such as the activating cytokine pathway and/or the co-mutational background, is quite diverse.

Unraveling the ECM-Immune Cell Crosstalk in Skin Diseases

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and proteoglycans secreted by keratinocytes, fibroblasts and immune cells. The function of the skin ECM has expanded from being a scaffold that provides structural integrity, to a more dynamic entity that is constantly remodeled to maintain tissue homeostasis. The ECM functions as ligands for cell surface receptors such as integrins, dystroglycans, and toll-like receptors (TLRs) and regulate cellular signaling and immune cell dynamics. The ECM also acts as a sink for growth factors and cytokines, providing critical cues during epithelial morphogenesis. Dysregulation in the organization and deposition of ECMs lead to a plethora of pathophysiological conditions that are exacerbated by aberrant ECM-immune cell interactions. In this review, we focus on the interplay between ECM and immune cells in the context of skin diseases and also discuss state of the art therapies that target the key molecular players involved.

Current and future applications of confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging in skin oncology

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a modern imaging technique that enables the in vivo or ex vivo characterization of skin lesions located in the epidermis and superficial dermis with a high quasi-microscopic resolution. Currently, it is considered to be the most promising imaging tool for the evaluation of superficial skin tumors. The in vivo mode adds the advantage of noninvasive, dynamic, in real-time assessment of the tumor associated vasculature and inflammation. It offers the possibility to repeatedly examine the same skin area without causing any damage and to monitor disease progression and treatment outcome. Furthermore, this novel technology allows the evaluation of the entire lesion and can be used to guide biopsies and to define tumor margins before surgical excision or other invasive therapies. CLSM diagnostic features may differentiate between the various histologic subtypes of skin tumors and therefore helps in choosing the best therapeutic approach. In this study, we present the CLSM characteristic features of the most common melanocytic and non-melanocytic skin tumors, as well as future possible CLSM applications in the study of experimental skin tumorigenesis on animal models.

The clinical value of imaging in primary cutaneous lymphomas: Role of high resolution ultrasound and PET-CT

BACKGROUND:

Primary cutaneous lymphoma is a rare extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma confined to the skin. The data on the imaging findings of primary cutaneous lymphomas are largely lacking and the current diagnosis is based on clinical and histopathological examination. With the advances in dermatological ultrasound and molecular imaging, newer perspectives in the evaluation of cutaneous lymphomas are available.

OBJECTIVE:

To review and describe the imaging findings in patient's with the diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphoma.

METHODS:

A multicentric, retrospective observational study was undertaken in four countries to review the high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) and fluorine 18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging findings.

RESULTS:

We had 41 patients, Female:Male 1:4.1; mean age, 57 years; range, 13-94 years. High resolution ultrasonography of the primary cutaneous lesions revealed thickening of the dermis in all the cases and the lesions were hypoechoic without any calcifications or central necrosis. The sonographic appearances of the lesions were categorised into focal infiltrative, nodular, pseudonodular, and diffusely infiltrative patterns. Nodular and pseudonodular lesions were predominant in B cell lymphomas, while diffusely infiltrative lesions were more common in T-cell lymphomas. On colour Doppler imaging, the lesions were hypervascular. Whole body 18F-fludeoxyglucose PET-CT imaging of the patients revealed increased uptake of the metabolite in the lesions.

CONCLUSION:

Sonographic patterns based on high resolution ultrasonography provide early clues to the non-invasive diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphomas and PET-CT is the recommended modality of imaging for staging and follow-up.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

High resolution ultrasound with colour Doppler and PET-CT imaging are complimentary to the clinical diagnosis of primary cutaneous lymphomas.

New Therapies and Immunological Findings in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Primary cutaneous lymphomas comprise a group of lymphatic malignancies that occur primarily in the skin. They represent the second most common form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and are characterized by heterogeneous clinical, histological, immunological, and molecular features. The most common type is mycosis fungoides and its leukemic variant, Sézary syndrome. Both diseases are considered T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) diseases. Not only the tumor cells but also the tumor microenvironment can promote Th2 differentiation, which is beneficial for the tumor cells because a Th1 environment enhances antitumor immune responses. This Th2-dominant milieu also underlies the infectious susceptibility of the patients. Many components, such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and dendritic cells, as well as humoral factors, such as chemokines and cytokines, establish the tumor microenvironment and can modify tumor cell migration and proliferation. Multiagent chemotherapy often induces immunosuppression, resulting in an increased risk of serious infection and poor tolerance. Therefore, overtreatment should be avoided for these types of lymphomas. Interferons have been shown to increase the time to next treatment to a greater degree than has chemotherapy. The pathogenesis and prognosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) differ markedly among the subtypes. In some aggressive subtypes of CTCLs, such as primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma and primary cutaneous CD8⁺ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered, whereas overtreatment should be avoided with other, favorable subtypes. Therefore, a solid understanding of the pathogenesis and immunological background of cutaneous lymphoma is required to better treat patients who are inflicted with this disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge in the field to attempt to achieve this objective.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a rare cancer belonging to the group of primary T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. C-ALCL is characterized by the presence of single or multiple ulcerated lesions on the skin's surface.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This is the case of a 73-year-old man who reported to the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery and Implantology, Medical University of Warsaw, owing to a skin tumor in the right parotideomasseteric region, initially diagnosed as discoid lupus erythematosus. During treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus, biopsy was repeated because of significant disease progression and dynamic tumor growth. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of pilomatrix carcinoma (trichilemmal carcinoma). Because of the discrepancy between clinical and histopathological findings, the tumor specimen was submitted to another facility, wherein lymphoma infiltration by anaplastic large cells was found in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

DIAGNOSIS

C-ALCL.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was transferred to the Lymphoid Tumours Clinic of the Maria Skłodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, where chemotherapy was initiated.

OUTCOMES

After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, a complete remission of skin lesions was achieved. During the 5-year follow-up, no recurrence occurred.

LESSONS

C-ALCL is a rare type of cancer. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate therapy and result in disease progression or unnecessary harm to the patient.

Acute Cutaneous Necrosis: A Guide to Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Acute cutaneous necrosis is characterised by a wide range of aetiologies and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, warranting complex considerations in management. Early recognition is imperative in diagnosis and management of sudden gangrenous changes in the skin. This review discusses major causes of cutaneous necrosis, examines the need for early assessment, and integrates techniques related to diagnosis and management. The literature, available via PubMed, on acute cutaneous necrotic syndromes was reviewed to summarise causes and synthesise appropriate treatment strategies to create a clinician’s guide in the early diagnosis and management of acute cutaneous necrosis. Highlighted in this article are key features associated with common causes of acute cutaneous necrosis: warfarin-induced skin necrosis, heparin-induced skin necrosis, calciphylaxis, pyoderma gangrenosum, embolic phenomena, purpura fulminans, brown recluse spider bite, necrotising fasciitis, ecthyma gangrenosum, antiphospholipid syndrome, hypergammaglobulinemia, and cryoglobulinemia. This review serves to increase recognition of these serious pathologies and complications, allowing for prompt diagnosis and swift limb- or life-saving management.

The role of polymorphism of interleukin-2, -10, -13 and TNF-α genes in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma pathogenesis

INTRODUCTION

As the pathogenesis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) is not fully understood, inherited gene polymorphisms are considered to play a role in the development of lymphomas.

AIM

To investigate whether certain gene polymorphisms might be involved in the development of CTCL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the case-control study we compared the frequency of nine selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of seven genes (rs1800587/-889 C/T of interleukin (IL)-1α, rs2069762/-330G/T) and rs2069763/+166G/T of IL-2, rs1800925/-1112 C/T of IL-13, rs1800896/-1082 A/G of IL-10, rs4073/-251 A/T of IL-8, rs5370/K198N, rs180054/-1370T/G of endothelin-1 and rs1800629/-308 G/A of TNF-α) in 43 CTCL and Polish cases using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction method.

RESULTS

We have found that two genotypes, -330GG of IL-2 and -1112TT of IL-13 both promoter variants associated with "hypertranscription phenotype", were over-represented in CTCL patients compared to healthy controls, and they increase the risk of malignancy development (OR = 5.82, p = 0.001 for IL-2 -330 GG, and OR = 5.67, p = 0.0024 for IL-13 -1112 TT). On the other hand, high transcription -308A allele of the TNF-α gene and -1082GG of IL-10 genotype is less frequent in lymphoma patients and has protective effects on the development of CTCL (OR = 0.45, p = 0.0466 for -308A of TNF-α, and OR = 0.35, p = 0.0329 for -1082GG of IL-10 genes).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that hypertranscription promoter variants of IL-2 and IL-13 genes could be estimated as the risk factor for development of CTCL, while TNF-α and IL-10 variants have a protective effect.

THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

In the article are presented the questions of classification, pathogenesis and clinical diagnostics of Hodgkin Lymphoma with soft-tissue paravetebral component. The difficulties of early diagnostics, expressed at the expanse by oncological process localization, not typical for this disease, are shown on clinical case. The symptoms, conditioned by the compression of organs by tumor masses depend on pathological process localization: intrahepatic and extrahepatic obstruction of bile duct is manifested by jaundice; obstruction of lymphatic ducts in groin zone or in zone of small pelvic – by legs edema; at tracheobronchial compression is observed the pant and hoarse breathing; pulmonary abscesses or caverns can take place as a result of infiltration of pulmonary parenchyma that can stimulate lobar consolidation or bronchopneumonia; paraplegia can be observed because of epidural invasion with spine cord compression; compression of sympathetic cervical recurrent guttural nerve by increased lymph nodes can cause Horner’s syndrome and laryngoparalysis; neuralgias can be the result of nerve-root incarceration. Differential diagnostics can take a long time that lowers the effectiveness of therapy and decreases chances for recovery because of special treatment delay. The setting of correct diagnosis and choice of adequate therapy raises the chances for recovery, even at spead stage of tumor process that is attained at Hodgkin lymphoma in most cases.