Natural killer reprogramming in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: Facts and hypotheses

To better understand the pathogenesis of Sézary cells, distinguish them from reactive skin-infiltrating T-cells and improve disease treatment, efforts have been made to identify molecular targets deregulated by the malignant process. From immunophenotypic analysis and subtractive differential expression experiments to pan-genomic studies, many approaches have been used to identify markers of the disease. During the last decade several natural killer(NK) cell markers have been found aberrantly expressed at the surface of Sézary cells. In particular, KIR3DL2/CD158 k, expressed by less than 2% of healthy individuals CD4+ T-cells, is an excellent marker to identify and follow the tumor burden in the blood of Sézary syndrome patients. It may also represent a valuable target for specific immunotherapy. Other products of the NK cluster on chromosome 19q13 have been detected on Sézary cells, raising the hypothesis of an NK reprogramming process associated with the malignant transformation that may induce survival functions.

NUCLEOLAR ORGANIZER REGIONS IN CUTANEOUS T CELL LYMPHOMAS

The present work studied the application of AgNOR count to differential diagnosis between cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) and cutaneous pseudolymphoma (CPL). Paraffin sections from 50 mycosis fungoides (22 MFI-Premycotic stage, 24 MF Ⅰ infiltrative stage and 4 MF Ⅲ - tumor stage), 2 nonepidermotropic cutaneous T cell lymphoma (NECTCL) and 9 CPL were investigated. In each case, 200 cells randomly selected were examined using a × 100 oil immersion lens. The mean number, standard deviation and standard error of the mean of AgNOR counts were as follows: MFⅠ 1.17±0.09, SEM = 0.01; MⅡ 1.17±0.01, SEM = 0.01; MF Ⅲ. 3.55±0.87, SEM = 0.43; NECTCL 4.5±0.28, SEM -0.199; CPL 1.17±0.1, SEM ± 0.03. The results revealed a highly significant difference between CTCL (MFⅢ+NECTCL) and CPL (t = 4.75, P<0.001), tumor stage (MF Ⅲ) and pretumor stage (MFI, MF Ⅱ) of mycosis fungoides (t = 4.75, P<0.001). Thus. AgNOR count is valuable in differential diagnosis.

IMMUNOPHENOTYPING OF CUTANEOUS GERMINAL CENTER CELL-DERIVED LYMPHOMAS

Monoclonal antibodies were used to label cutaneous germinal center cell-derived lymphomas <CGCCL) obtained from 10 patients. According to the Kiel classification, they were classified into 2 types. Eight patients had centroblastic/centrocytic <CB/CC) lymphomas while 2 patients and centrocytic (CC) lymphomas. After monoclonal antibody labelling, the results were consistent with those of the clinical and morphologic analyses. Of the 10 cases, 9 were B1 positive, 6 were K positive, and 4 were λ positive. In 8 cases labeled with immunoglobulin, 6 were IgGFab positive, 2 were IgM positive and 8 were IgA negative. Five cases (CB/CC 3, CC 2) were both Bl, K and IgG positive (γ K). Four cases CB/CC were both Bl and A positive. Only one case (CB/CC) was both K and IgM positive (μ K). Two cases (CB CC) were both A and IgG positive (γ λ). The results indicate that Bl, K and A are the most important markers to phenotype cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Our findings also show a higher percentage of y K types in CGCCL as compared with Western countries.

Role of lenalidomide in the treatment of peripheral T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas

T-cell lymphomas(TCLs)represent a group of lymphoid neoplasms characterized by an aggressive clinical course,even after an anthracycline-containing regimen.Novel agents for patients with relapsed/refractory TCL are urgently needed.Lenalidomide is an oral drug with immunomodulatory,antiangiogenic and direct antineoplastic effects.These peculiar mechanisms of action make TCL an attractive target for lenalidomide.We have identified five clinical trials in which lenalidomide monotherapy was investigated to treat TCL,including cutaneous TCL(CTCL)and adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia(ATLL).In the ATLL-002 study,the overall response rate(ORR)was 42%and median progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival were 3.8 mo and 20.3 mo,respectively.In a phase II trial for CTCL,ORR was 28%and median PFS and overall survival were 8 mo and 43 mo,respectively.For nodal peripheral TCL,ORR was between 10%and 43%in three clinical trials,with a median PFS of about 4 mo,even if some patients had a durable response.Overall toxicity is manageable and grade 3-4 events are mainly hematological and reversible.Combination strategies did not improve PFS.In conclusion,lenalidomide could represent a suitable treatment option for relapsed/refractory TCL,especially for neoplasms with a T-follicular helper origin,such as angioimmunoblastic TCL.

Intestinal T-cell lymphomas:A retrospective analysis of 68 cases in China

AIM:To investigate the clinical features,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of intestinal T-cell lymphomas(ITCL)by retrospective analysis.METHODS:Sixty-eight patients who were diagnosed with ITCL in case reports in the Chinese literature were compiled and reviewed.Age,gender,CD56 expression,surgical management,multifocal nature,perforation and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy were analyzed as the prognostic factors.The Kaplan-Meier method was adopted for the univariate analysis and the cumulative survival curve analysis.RESULTS:The male-to-female ratio was 1.52 to 1.The median age was 41.7 years.Twenty-seven patients had symptoms of abdominal pain or diarrhea.Thirty-six of60 patients with temperature records had high fevers at the onset of the illness.Twenty-six of 34 patients who underwent fiberoptic colonoscopy were misdiagnosed with Crohn’s disease,intestinal tuberculosis or cancer.Sixty-one patients underwent surgery.Twelve of 61 surgical patients required a second operation for anastomotic leakage or secondary perforation.The sites of lesion involvement were the jejunum(8.82%),ileum(29.41%),ileum and colon(4.41%),colon(55.88%)and appendix(1.47%).The median cumulative survival rate was 3 mo(3.00±0.48).CONCLUSION:Efforts should be made to correctly diagnose ITCL and select the proper operative approach that may reduce serious complications and create opportunities for further treatment.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of ursolic acid-mediated proliferation suppression on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cells

Background:Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid compound found in natural plants that exhibits antiproliferative effects in various cancer cells.Our study is the first to demonstrate the strong inhibitory effects of ursolic acid on the proliferation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(CTCL)cells.We aimed to further investigate the underlying mechanism of the proliferation inhibition induced by ursolic acid in CTCL cells using transcriptome sequencing.Methods:Cell counting kit-8 assays were used to observe the effects of six traditional medicine monomers on the proliferation of CTCL cells.Transcriptome sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes after ursolic acid treatment.Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the potential mechanism.Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to confirm the sequencing results and verify the possible mechanisms of ursolic acid-mediated proliferation inhibition in CTCL cells.Results:Ursolic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of CTCL cells among the six traditional medicine monomers.Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that 2,466 genes were significantly altered.Combined with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis,the interaction of various pathways and signaling molecules,such as tumor necrosis factor-α,NLR family pyrin domain containing 1,c-Jun N-terminal kinase,and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5,accounted for the anti-tumor effects of ursolic acid in CTCL cells.Conclusion:Ursolic acid significantly inhibited the proliferation of CTCL cells,and our study laid a theoretical foundation for the future treatment of CTCL using ursolic acid.

Relative frequency and survival of primary cutaneous lymphomas： a retrospective analysis of 98 patients

Background The World Health Organization and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer （WHOEORTC） classification in 2005 promoted the comparisons of primary cutaneous lymphoma （PCL） subtypes between different countries.The relative frequency of PCL varied according to geography.The study aimed to analyze the relative frequency and survival of PCLs in China and to compare the data with the published results from other countries.Methods We analyzed 98 patients with PCLs over a 6-year period and reclassified them according to the most recent WHO-EORTC classification （2005）.Disease-specific survival rate and curves according to specific subtypes such as mycosis fungoides,lymphomatoid papulosis,and primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma,unspecified was also calculated.Results The relative rate of PCL in China was distinct from those in Western countries.Our study showed a higher frequency of cutaneous T-and NK-cell lymphomas （CTCLs） （94%）,and a lower frequency of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas （CBCLs） （6%）.The 5-year survival rate of the total PCLs was 82%.There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival rate （P 〉0.05 by Log-rank test） between CTCL （80%） and CBCL （100%）.Conclusions The higher percentage of CTCL in China may provide a clue to further study the etiological factors of PCLs.Racial variations in factors such as HLA determinants may play a role in the development of CTCL.

Absence of enhancement in a lesion does not preclude primary central nervous system T-cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary central nervous system lymphoma(PCNSL)is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that originates in the central nervous system(CNS)and is exclusively limited to the CNS.Although most PCNSLs are diffuse large B-cell lymphomas,primary CNS T-cell lymphomas(PCNSTLs)are rare.PCNSTLs typically demonstrate some degree of enhancement on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).To the best of our knowledge,non-enhancing PCNSTL has not been reported previously.CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old male presented to the neurology department with complaints of mild cognitive impairment and gradual onset of left lower leg weakness over a span of two weeks.Initial MRI showed asymmetric T2-hyperintense lesions within the brain.No enhancement was observed on the contrast-enhanced T1 image.The initial diagnosis was neuro-Behçet’s disease.Despite high-dose steroid therapy,no alterations in the lesions were identified on initial MRI.The patient’s symptoms deteriorated further.An MRI performed one month after the initial scan revealed an increased lesion extent.Subsequently,brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PCNSTL.The patient underwent definitive combined chemoradiotherapy.However,the patient developed bacteremia and died of septic shock approximately three months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION The absence of enhancement in the lesion did not rule out PCNSTL.A biopsy approach is advisable for pathological confirmation.

Plasmacytosis mimicking multiple myeloma in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL)is a common subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.Approximately half of patients with AITL may concurrently present with hypergammaglobulinemia.Increased numbers of plasma cells in the bone marrow are commonly observed at diagnosis.These tumors mimic plasma cell myelomas,hindering a conundrum of clinical diagnoses and potentially delaying appropriate treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 78-year-old woman experienced poor appetite,weight loss of 5 kg,fatigue 2 months before presentation,and shortness of breath 2 d before presentation,but no fever or night sweats.Physical examination revealed splenomegaly and many palpable masses over the bilateral axillary regions,approximately>2 cm in size,with rubbery consistency and no tenderness.Blood tests revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia,lactate dehydrogenase level of 153 U/L,total protein level of 10.9 g/dL,albumin to globulin ratio of 0.2,and immunoglobulin G level more than the upper limit of 3000 mg/dL.The free kappa and lambda light chain concentrations were 451 and 614 mg/L,respectively.A pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of AITL.The initial treatment was the cyclophosphamide,epirubicin,vincristine,and prednisolone regimen.Following this treatment,pleural effusion was controlled,and the patient was discharged in a stable condition and followed up in our outpatient department.CONCLUSION This report highlights the importance of differentiating reactive plasmacytosis from plasma cell myeloma in patients with hypergammaglobulinemia.A precise diagnosis of AITL requires a comprehensive evaluation,involving clinical,immunophenotypic,and histological findings conducted by a multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate treatment.

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma with bone marrow involved: A case report

BACKGROUND Monomorphic epithelial intestinal T-cell lymphoma(MEITL)is a rare type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma.The clinical manifestations are diarrhea,abdominal pain,perforation and an abdominal mass.CASE SUMMARY We present a 52-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with MEITL.Further disease progression was observed after multiline chemotherapy.Eventually,the patient died of a severe infection.CONCLUSION MEITL is a rare intestinal primary T-cell lymphoma with aggressive behavior,a high risk of severe life-threatening complications,and a poor prognosis.

Composite B-cell and T-cell lymphomas:clinical,pathological,and molecular features of three cases and literature review

Composite lymphoma(CL)involving B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma is extremely rare.Herein,we report three such cases using immunohistochemistry,flow cytometry,and the next-generation sequencing(NGS)to identify the pathological and molecular characteristics of CL.In the first case,the patient was admitted to hospital for generalized pruritic maculopapular rash over the whole body.An excisional biopsy of the skin lesions showed T-cell lymphoma.At the same time,the staging bone marrow(BM)biopsy revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).After R-CHOP(rituximab,cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone)therapies,the patient produced a good response with substantial dissipation of the rashes and relief of skin.The other two patients were admitted to hospital due to lymphadenopathy and were diagnosed with DLBCL and follicular lymphoma(FL)after core needle biopsy of lymph nodes,BM biopsy,BM aspiration,and flow cytometry.Following R-CHOP and R-COP(rituximab,cyclophosphamide,vincristine,and prednisone)therapies,they achieved complete remission unconfirmed(CRu)and complete remission(CR).However,one or two years later,they suffered a relapse of lymphadenopathy.The shocking fact was that re-biopsy of lymphadenopathy revealed peripheral T-cell lymphoma(PTCL)and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL).NGS findings identified DNA methyltransferase 3a(DNMT3a),isocitrate dehydrogenase 2(IDH2),Ras homolog gene family,member A(RHOA),splicing factor 3B subunit 1(SF3B1),and tumor protein p53(TP53)mutations.After immunochemotherapy,these patients achieved CRu and CR again.Nevertheless,they suffered a second relapse of T-cell lymphoma.Finally,they died due to progression of disease.We found that the occurrence of CL is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and DNMT3a,IDH2,and TP53 mutations,and the prognosis of the disease is closely related to the T-cell lymphoma components.

EXPRESSION OF PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN IN CUTANEOUS MALIGNANT LYMPHOMAS AND LYMPHOID INFILTRATES

Paraffin-embedded tissue of skin biopsy specimens taken retrospectively from 24 patients with cutaneous malignant lymphomas (CML) and 8 patients with cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates (CLI) and other dennatoses were studied retrospectively with PCIO immunostaining. The results show a statistical significant difference among PCIO indices for cutaneous genuine histiocytic lymphoma (CGHL), cutaneous germinal center cell-derived lymphomas (CGCCL), cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphomas (CPTL), non-mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary's syndrome (SS), and MF when compared with those for CLI. There is a linear relationship between PCIO index and square root of PCIO density, both of which seem to have a parallel relationship to the severity of malignancy in CML. The nuclear volume of the positive tumor cell or lymphocyte with PCIO immunostaining may be also useful in differentiating CML from CLI.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma with overexpressed Ki-67 transitioning into systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma(PC-ALCL)differs from systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma(sALCL)in cell biological behavior,clinical features,treatment,and outcome.PC-ALCL has been reported to rarely transition into sALCL,but the underlying mechanism is not clear.Here we report such a case with certain characteristics that shed light on this.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report a 43-year-old male with symptoms of a skin nodule and histologically confirmed PC-ALCL with high expression of Ki-67.After three months of observation,two skin nodules re-appeared with muscle layer involvement and was histologically confirmed as sALCL.Seventeen months after receiving six cycles of CHOP regimen,the patient had pain in the chest and back,cough,shortness of breath,and night sweats.This was confirmed as relapse of sALCL by immunohistochemistry and several organs,such as the lung were involved as shown by positron emission tomography/computed tomography.After four cycles of DICE plus chidamide regimens followed by auto-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(ASCT),complete remission(CR)duration was achieved for twelve months while the patient was on maintenance with chidamide(20 mg)pills.CONCLUSION This case had significantly high expression of Ki-67 when diagnosed as PC-ALCL initially and then transitioned into sALCL,which is rare.Auto-ASCT combined with demethylation drugs effectively maintained CR and prolonged progression free survival.

Epigenetics of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma:biomarkers and therapeutic potentials

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas(CTCLs)are a heterogeneous group of skin-homing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.There are limited options for effective treatment of patients with advanced-stage CTCL,leading to a poor survival rate.Epigenetics plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.Epigenetic alterations are involved in virtually all key cancerassociated pathways and are fundamental to the genesis of cancer.In recent years,the epigenetic hallmarks of CTCL have been gradually elucidated and their potential values in the diagnosis,prognosis,and therapeutic intervention have been clarified.In this review,we summarize the current knowledge of the best-studied epigenetic modifications in CTCL,including DNA methylation,histone modifications,micro RNAs,and chromatin remodelers.These epigenetic regulators are essential in the development of CTCL and provide new insights into the clinical treatments of this refractory disease.

Low Dose Total Skin Electron Beam Radiation in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Review

The treatment of advanced stage MF is especially challenging as single agent overall response rates are in the 35% range and chronic recurrence is the rule. The treatment of CTCL across all stages of disease is aimed at the goal of achieving and sustaining remission. Increasingly, low dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is being utilized as a skin directed component in combination therapy for advanced stage CTCL. Researchers are seeking to better define the utility of low dose TSEBT as a method of debulking skin disease while simultaneously treating other disease compartments and in combination with sustained maintenance therapies of both the skin directed and systemic varieties. Data exists showing the efficacy of low dose TSEBT in early and advanced disease. There is also data documenting prolonged treatment responses with TSEBT plus adjuvant skin directed therapies such as PUVA and topical nitrogen mustard. Emerging data examining the role of low dose TSEBT in the prestem cell transplant preparation is also promising. This brief review summarizes the utility of low dose TSEBT in multiagent treatment regimens in CTCL.

Palliative Local Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Tumor-stage Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma/ Mycosis Fungoides

Objective To determine the efficacy of palliative radiotherapy in treating tumor-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma/mycosis fungoides(MF).Methods From January 2008 to January 2013,a total of 11 patients with tumor-stage MF were treated with local radiation therapy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.The median age of these patients was 53.36±14.45 years.Female-male ratio was 1:1.2.The average course of disease was 10.82±3.37 years.All the patients were treated with local electronic beam irradiation with a total median dosage of 48.55±9.51(40-74) Gy in an average of 24.55±5.57(20-40) fractions,5 fractions per week.Results The median follow-up time was 55.27±29.3(13-103) months.No severe acute or chronic side effects of irradiation were observed.Complete clinical response(CR) rate of the radiated sites was 54.5%(6/11),partial response(PR) rate was 36.4%(4/11),and the overall response rate(CR+PR) was 90.9%.One patient showed no response.Conclusion Local radiotherapy with psolaren plus ultraviolet A and/or interferon maintaining treatment is an effective palliative therapy in the treatment of tumor-stage MF patients.

T-CELL RECEPTOR GENE REARRANGEMENT ANALYSIS IN THE PRIMARY CUTANEOUS T-CELL LYMPHOMA

Object: The present paper is to evaluate the significance of T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrange ments in primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (PCTCL) as detected by analysis of Southern Blot (SBA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients and Methods: Skin specimens and peripheral blood samples were taken from 44 patients with PCTCL, including 30 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF), 2 patients with Sezary's syndrome (SS), and 12 patients with PCTCL other than MF and SS (PNCTCL). 11 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of MF, 23 patients with lymphoproliferative dermatoses including lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and 8 patients with benign cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates were simultaneously studied by the amplification of junctional V (variable) J (joining) sequences of the rearranged TCRγ genes by PCR(TCRγPCR) and the analysis of TCRb chain genes by SBA(TCRβSBA) for detection of clonal gene rearrangements (GR). One lymph node specimen of a case with MF IIA was also detected by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA. Results: In MF, GR were detected by TCRγPCR and TCRβSBAb in 83.3 85.7% and 66.7% 71.4% of skin specimens of cases IIA IIB and in 57.1% 70.0% and 14.3% 10.0% of those of cases IA IB, respectively. GR were seen in 66.7% 71.4% and 33.3% 43.0.% of blood samples of cases IIA IIB, and 42.9% 40.0% and 0 10.0% of those of cases IA IB, respectively. GR was confirmed by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA in one lymph node showing dermato pathic lymphadenopathy of a case with MF IIA. In 11 patients of clinically suspected MF, GR were present in skin specimens of 5 cases (45.4%) and in blood samples of 3 cases ( 27.3% ) by TCRγ PCR. In PNCTCL, GR were found in 9 skin specimens (90.0%) from 10 patients detected by TCRγ PCR and in 6 skin specimens (75.0%) from 8 patients detected by TCRβSBA. GR were also seen in 6 blood samples (72.8%) from 11 patients detected by TCRγ PCR, and in 7 blood samples (70.0%) from 10 patients by TCRβSBA. In SS and LyP, GR were detected by TCRγ PCR and TCRβSBA in each of the two skin specimens of two cases with LyP and in each of the two blood samples of two cases with SS. GR were seen in one skin specimen of one case with SS and one blood sample of one case with LyP detected by TCRγPCR. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that TCRγ PCR is a rapid, more sensitive tool than TCRβSBA, can be used in the analysis of T cell clonality in skin, lymph node and blood samples of patients with PCTCL and indicated that this method forms a useful supplement to other methods for diagnosis of early and suspected MF, confirmation of PNCTCL and determination of extracutaneous involvement of lymph node and blood.

Atypical Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Disorder: A Fatal Mimic of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with HIV Infection

Atypical cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder (ACLD) is a rare condition that has been associated with HIV infection. Patients with ACLD present with diffuse, erythematous and pruritic skin lesions accompanied by generalized lymphadenopathy. The clinical characteristics of ACLD overlap most notably with several other conditions including Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome (MF/SS), a cutaneous lymphoma of T-cell lineage. Unlike Mycosis Fungoides, the noxious infiltrates of ACLD are not monoclonal but polyclonal and consist of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells instead of CD4+ T-cells or B-cells. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported to improve ACLD. We describe the case of a Caucasian man with longstanding HIV infection who presented with severe erythroderma. Skin and lymph node biopsies showed polyclonal CD8+ T-cell infiltrates. Gene rearrangement studies did not reveal an obvious clonal disorder. Hallmark peripheral blood findings consisting of a severe depletion of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and markedly elevated CD8+ cells provided an important diagnostic clue. Despite the purported benefits of HAART in ameliorating this disorder, erythroderma and extreme pruritus improved only after the patient began taking mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxyurea. Unfortunately, he succumbed to complications of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septicemia. We alert readers to this rare HIV-associated condition which may mimic other benign and malignant skin conditions and briefly discuss diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma invading central nervous system in long-term clinical remission with lenalidomide:A case report

BACKGROUND Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma(SPTCL)involvement in the central nervous system(CNS)is particularly rare.SPTCL with CNS involvement has an exceedingly poor prognosis,and no optimum therapeutic method has been discovered.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first reported case of SPTCL invading the CNS achieving long-term remission with lenalidomide maintenance therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old man diagnosed with SPTCL was admitted to the hospital with severe headache for 15 d after four cycles of chemotherapy.Subsequent to the treatment,the patient developed CNS involvement.Craniotomy biopsy was pathologically diagnosed as CNS T-cell lymphoma,and two courses of chemotherapy were performed postoperatively.Due to the intolerance of the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs,the patient received lenalidomide instead.The magnetic resonance imaging of the head at the 8 mo follow-up indicated no signs of recurrence,and the vital signs were stable.CONCLUSION Lenalidomide deserves further investigation as a targeted drug for SPTCL cases involving the CNS.

Chidamide combined with traditional chemotherapy for primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Traditional chemotherapy has benefited many patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,but results in a very poor response in patients with rare lymphomas or refractory lymphomas.Previous studies have shown that chidamide has potential anti-lymphoma activity and reverses lymphoma cell chemoresistance to increase the chemosensitivity of lymphoma cells to traditional chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY A 14-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with a 5-d history of generalized erythema,papules,and blisters.Initially,the disease was refractory to potent antiallergic and anti-infective treatment,and his condition progressively worsened.Skin biopsy revealed primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma.Considering that the disease is extremely rare in clinical practice,existing case reports have shown poor efficacy with traditional chemotherapy alone.We recommend chidamide combined with traditional chemotherapy for treatment.The regimen was as follows:Chidamide 30 mg/biw,cyclophosphamide 1100 mg/d1,pirarubicin 70 mg/d1,vincristine 2 mg/d1,dexamethasone 20 mg/d1-5,etoposide 100 mg/d1-5,in a 21 d cycle.The treatment effect was considerable,and complete remission was achieved after 4 cycles of treatment,after which the patient completed a total of 6 cycles of treatment.Subsequently,the patient regularly took chidamide 20 mg/biw as maintenance therapy for 1 year.To date,the patient has been disease-free for 3 years.CONCLUSION This case suggests that the combination of chidamide and traditional chemotherapy is effective in primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma.