High-throughput RNA sequencing of the T cell receptor alpha and beta chains for simultaneous clonality and biological analyses in Sezary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations pointed out a role for antigen stimulation in Sezary syndrome (SS). High-throughput sequencing of the T cell receptor (TR) offers several applications beyond diagnostic purposes, including the study of T cell pathogenesis. METHODS: We performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of the TR alpha (TRA) and beta (TRB) genes focusing on the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) in 11 SS and one erythrodermic mycosis fungoides (MF) patients. Five psoriasis patients were employed as controls. Peripheral blood CD4+ cells were isolated and RNA sequenced (HiSeq2500). High-resolution HLA typing was performed in neoplastic patients. RESULTS: Highly expanded predominant TRA and TRB CDR3 were only found in SS patients (median frequency: 94.4% and 93.7%). No remarkable CDR3 expansions were observed in psoriasis patients (median frequency of predominant TRA and TRB CDR3: 0.87% and 0.69%, p < 0.001 compared to SS). CDR3 almost identical to the predominant were identified within each SS patient and were exponentially correlated with frequencies of the predominant CDR3 (R2 = 0.918, p < 0.001). Forty-six different CDR3 were shared between SS patients displaying HLA similarities, including predominant TRA and TRB CDR3 in one patient that were found in other three patients. Additionally, 351 antigen matches were detected (Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, Influenza virus, and self-antigens), and the predominant CDR3 of two different SS patients matched CDR3 with specificity for Influenza and Epstein-Barr viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Besides detecting clonality, these findings shed light on the nature of SS-related antigens, pointing to RNA sequencing as a useful tool for simultaneous clonality and biological analysis in SS.

Effective Treatment of Lymphogranuloma venereum Proctitis With Azithromycin.

BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) serovars L1, L2, and L3 and is endemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. We evaluated weekly oral azithromycin 1 g for 3 weeks as a treatment for LGV proctitis. METHODS: This is an open clinical trial with convenience allocation according to treating physician preferences. Adults with clinical proctitis received a single dose of 1 g of intramuscular ceftriaxone and were subsequently allocated to receive (i) doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 21 days (Doxycycline group) or (ii) azithromycin 1 g orally once weekly for 3 weeks (Azithromycin group). LGV cure (primary endpoint) was defined as resolution of symptoms at week 6 (clinical cure, LGV-CC), with an additional supporting negative rectal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at week 4 (microbiological cure, LGV-MC), if available. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five individuals with LGV clinical proctitis were included. All were MSM, and 96% were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Eighty-two were in the Azithromycin group, and 43 were in the Doxycycline group. LGV cure on a modified intention-to-treat analysis (primary endpoint), occurred in 80 of 82 (98%) in the Azithromycin group versus 41 of 43 (95%) in the Doxycycline group (treatment difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] 2.2% [-3.2, 13.2]). LGV-MC occurred in 70 of 72 (97%) vs 15 of 15 (100%) in the Azithromycin group and Doxycycline group, respectively (treatment difference [95% CI] -2.8% [-9.6; 17.7]). Adverse events were similar in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support extended azithromycin dosing as an alternative treatment option for symptomatic LGV proctitis and provides the rationale for future randomized trials.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas in children: A prospective study from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare in pediatric patients. The clinical and histopathological manifestations may differ from those in adults. Due to their low frequency and the insidious clinical picture, the diagnosis is usually delayed. The Spanish Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry was initiated in 2016 as a multicenter registry that would allow better insight into the epidemiological, clinical, histopathological, and treatment response characteristics of patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of primary cutaneous lymphomas in pediatric patients participating in the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry. RESULTS: At the time of the analysis, 10 patients under 18 years of age out of 799 all-age cases (1.25%) had been included in the registry (7 males, 3 females). The mean age at diagnosis was 9.7 years (SD: 4.8). Seven (70%) had mycosis fungoides, 2 of them had the folliculotropic variant; and 3 (30%) had primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Primary cutaneous lymphomas are extremely rare in pediatric patients and usually have a good prognosis. Therefore, a high level of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis. We suggest management by experienced physicians and follow-up into adulthood.

Primary cutaneous vs secondary cutaneous follicular lymphomas: A comparative study focused on BCL2, CD10, and t(14;18) expression.

BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous follicular center-cell lymphoma (PCFCL) is one of the most common types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Differences in immunohistochemical expression of BCL2 and CD10 antigens along with the presence of t(14:18) translocation in neoplastic cells have been postulated as relevant clues in differentiating PCFCL from cutaneous lesions secondary to a systemic follicular lymphoma (SCFL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance and usefulness of these parameters in a large series of patients. METHODS: Patients with PCFCL and SCFL diagnosed at three university hospitals in Barcelona, from 2000 to 2015 were reviewed. Clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypical, genetic, and outcome parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-one cases (59 PCFCL and 22 SCFL) were included. There were no significant differences between PCFCL and SCFL cases regarding clinical presentation, site of involvement, or predominant type of skin lesions. Most patients in both groups showed positivity for BCL2 and CD10, but strong expression of BCL2 and CD10 was associated with SCFL cases. Although more frequent in SCFL, a small proportion of PCFCL cases also showed the t(14:18) on FISH analysis. CONCLUSION: The intensity of BCL2 expression was found to be the single most valuable clue in differentiating PCFCL from SCFL cases on histopathological grounds.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: Clinical features, therapeutic approach, and outcome in a case series of 16 patients.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare primary cutaneous lymphoma of mature cytotoxic T cells. Initially, patients with SPTCL were treated with doxorubicin-based polychemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical, biologic, immunophenotypical, molecular, imaging, treatment, and outcome data reflecting the current state of knowledge. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of 16 patients with SPTCL that was diagnosed between 1996 and 2016. RESULTS: The female-to-male ratio was 1.7. The median age at diagnosis was 46.5 years. Patients presented with multiple nodular or plaque-like lesions preferentially affecting the legs and/or trunk. Histopathology typically showed a lobular panniculitis with individual adipocytes surrounded by atypical lymphocytes, usually with a CD3+, CD4-, CD8+, CD56-, TIA1 cytotoxic granule associated RNA binding protein 1-positive phenotype and high proliferation rate. SPTCL was associated with autoimmune diseases in 25% of patients, and with the development of hemophagocytic syndrome in 18% of patients. Oral steroids alone or in combination with low-dose methotrexate or cyclosporine A were the most common initial treatment, achieving a complete response in 85% of the treated patients. The median follow-up time was 14 months. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 85.7%. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: SPTCL has an excellent prognosis. Immunosuppressive agents can be considered for first-line treatment.

Pancreatic panniculitis: A case series from a tertiary university hospital in Spain.

Pancreatic panniculitis is a rare type that only occurs in 2-3% of all patients with pancreatic diseases. It is usually described in association with benign pancreatic disease and less commonly in association with pancreatic carcinoma. We describe a case of pancreatic panniculitis as the first manifestation of underlying ampullary adenocarcinoma and a new case of pancreatitis, panniculitis and polyarthritis (PPP-Syndrome). Pancreatic panniculitis may be the cutaneous manifestation of pancreatic allograft rejection after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

CD8-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma with aberrant expression of CD20 and concurrent in situ follicular lymphoma.

A case of a 78-year-old woman with a CD8-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma with aberrant expression of CD20 associated with follicular lymphoma in situ (FLIS) is reported. The neoplasm presented initially as cutaneous macules, papules, plaques and nodules. A skin biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCl) with aberrant expression of CD20 was made. The staging procedures included an excisional inguinal lymph node biopsy that showed findings similar to those of the previous diagnosis. In addition, FLIS was identified. The clinicopathologic features of PTCLs with aberrant CD20 expression involving the skin as well as this uncommon association are reviewed.

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.

Activity and safety of topical pimecrolimus in patients with early stage mycosis fungoides (PimTo-MF): a single-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: The calcineurin pathway is often activated in mycosis fungoides. We aimed to assess the activity and safety of topical pimecrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, in patients with early mycosis fungoides. METHODS: PimTo-MF was a single-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial done at six medical centres in Spain. Patients (aged ≥18 years) had histologically confirmed early mycosis fungoides (stages IA-IIA) and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1. Key exclusion criteria included the use of concurrent treatments for mycosis fungoides, including sunbathing, topical or systemic corticosteroids, and other calcineurin inhibitors. Patients applied topical pimecrolimus 1% cream on their skin lesions twice daily for 16 weeks (1 g per 2% of body surface), with subsequent follow-up of 12 months. Dosage modifications were not allowed. To evaluate adherence to the treatment, patients were instructed to return all empty tubes to the hospital (as per drug accountability protocols). The primary endpoint was the overall response ratein the intention-to-treat population. PimTo-MF is registered with EudraCT, 2014-001377-14, and is complete. FINDINGS: Between March 1, 2015, and Sept 30, 2016, 39 patients were enrolled. All patients were assessable, with a median age of 51·5 years (IQR 45-62), and the population was predominantly male (24 male [62%], 15 female [38%]). Median follow-up after baseline was 5·7 years (IQR 5·7-6·2). 22 (56%) of 39 patients had an overall response (one complete response, 21 partial responses). Responses were observed across IA (14 [54%] of 26 patients) and IB (eight [73%] of 11 patients) clinical stages, but not IIA. Topical pimecrolimus was well tolerated and no patient required a dose reduction or discontinued treatment because of unacceptable drug-related toxicity. No patients were lost to follow-up or discontinued treatment. 13 (33%) of 39 patients reported adverse events; transitory mild burning or pruritus (grade 1) was the most common, seen in eight (21%) patients. In three (8%) of these patients, the burning or pruritus was considered related to treatment. No grade 4 or 5 adverse events were observed. INTERPRETATION: Pimecrolimus 1% cream seems active and safe in patients with early stage mycosis fungoides. Our findings should be taken with caution until long-term follow-up data are obtained that confirm the safety of this treatment. Further controlled clinical trials are warranted to confirm these results. FUNDING: Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the European Regional Development Fund. TRANSLATION: For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Initial features and outcome of cutaneous and non-cutaneous primary extranodal follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma (FL), a typically nodal disease, can arise in extranodal sites in about 10% of cases. The present study aimed to analyse the main differential features of patients with primary extranodal FL. Thirty-nine patients with primary extranodal FL were identified from a series of 354 patients with FL diagnosed at a single institution and their main clinicobiological features were analysed. Twenty patients (5·6%) had a primary extranodal non-cutaneous FL, and 19 (5·4%) a cutaneous FL. BCL2(+) and CD10(+) expression and BCL2/IGHJ@ rearrangement were less frequently observed in cutaneous FL. Absence of 'B'-symptoms, early stage, absence of bone marrow involvement and low-risk Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) were more frequent in extranodal FL. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 100%, 83% and 78% for cutaneous, non-cutaneous and nodal FL, respectively. When stage I patients were analysed separately, no differences were seen in terms of OS. In multivariate analysis, FLIPI was the most important variable to predict outcome. In conclusion, extranodal FLs, particularly cutaneous, have particular clinico-biological features, which differentiate them from nodal cases. Nevertheless, primary site of the disease is not the main issue to predict outcome.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, lupus erythematosus profundus, and overlapping cases: molecular characterization through the study of 208 genes.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare cytotoxic cutaneous lymphoma. Differential diagnosis with lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) can be challenging and overlapping cases have been described. In this study, we investigate whether gene expression profiling may or not identify markers that can be used to improve our understanding of the disease and to make a precise differential diagnosis. SPTCL, LEP, and overlapping cases were analyzed using a customized NanoString platform including 208 genes related to T-cell differentiation, stromal signatures, oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes. Gene expression unsupervised analysis of the samples differentiated SPTCL from LEP samples. Most overlapping cases were clustered with LEP cases. Differentially expressed genes were observed when comparing SPTCL with LEP cases; and overlapping with LEP cases. Gene set enrichment analysis recognized gene sets defining each group. In conclusion, SPTCL and LEP have distinctive molecular profiles and the molecular background of overlapping cases more closely resembles LEP.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: clinicopathological features and outcome in a series of 20 cases.

BACKGROUND: Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in which the neoplastic T lymphocytes display tropism for the follicular epithelium. OBJECTIVES: To better categorize this rare form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma we evaluated the clinical, pathological, and immunophenotypic findings, and the response to therapy and course of the disease. METHODS: Folliculotropic MF cases were selected from the registry of the Thematic Network of Cutaneous Lymphoma of Barcelona (Spain) from 1988 to 2007. RESULTS: Twenty patients (11 male, 9 female) with a mean age of 54 years were included. Mean follow-up time was 43 months. The most common sites of involvement were the head and neck (80%), upper extremities, and thorax. Infiltrated plaques (55%), acneiform lesions (comedo-like and epidermal cysts) (45%), and follicular keratosis-pilaris-like lesions (45%) were the more prominent features. Histopathological findings included selective infiltration of the follicular epithelium by atypical lymphocytes in all cases. Mucinous degeneration of the follicular epithelium occurred in 60% of cases. Psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy was the treatment of choice in the majority of patients, but these patients did not respond as well as patients with classic MF. Radiotherapy (local or total skin electron beam) was found to be the most effective treatment. A good response to bexarotene was seen in some patients. LIMITATION: This was a case series descriptive study. CONCLUSIONS: Folliculotropic MF is a rare but well-defined clinicopathological variant of MF. Although refractory to standard therapies used in classic MF, most of our patients showed only slow disease progression.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: a Spanish multicentric retrospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is an aggressive lymphoma with a very low incidence in western populations. OBJECTIVE: To review the clinicopathological features and outcome of a multicentre series of ENKTL in Spain. MATERIALS & METHODS: A multicentre retrospective study was performed based on cases of ENKTL, collected from 1995 to 2004, from 12 dermatology departments included in the Spanish Lymphoma Study Group. The clinical, histopathological, and evolutive features of all these cases were reviewed. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (three male, 15 female) with median age of 67 years were included in the study. The onset of lesions occurred in the nasal region in 11 patients and on the skin outside this region in the remaining cases. The observed lesions were clinically heterogeneous, corresponding to papules, plaques, and nodules, with or without ulceration. All patients except four received different polychemotherapy regimens, either alone (n = 11) or in combination with radiotherapy (n = 4). After a variable follow-up period (1-36 months), only two patients remained alive. One patient was recently diagnosed (four months ago) with ENKTL in the nasal region and the other presented with skin-limited disease. The median overall survival was 9.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this retrospective survey confirm that ENKTL is a rare subtype of lymphoma in the Spanish population. All patients showed an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis, regardless of the initial clinical presentation. Prospective data on larger series of patients treated homogenously are needed to establish the best treatment modality.

Association of APOA5 and APOC3 Genetic Polymorphisms With Severity of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients With Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Treated With Bexarotene.

Importance: Hypertriglyceridemia is the most frequent and limiting adverse effect of bexarotene therapy in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Despite standard prophylactic measures, there is a wide variability in the severity of this complication, which could be associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Objectives: To analyze the association between genetic polymorphisms of apolipoprotein genes APOA5, APOC3, and APOE and the severity of hypertriglyceridemia during bexarotene therapy and to optimize patient selection for bexarotene therapy based on adverse effect profile. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case series study was conducted in 12 university referral hospitals in Spain from September 17, 2014, to February 6, 2015. One hundred twenty-five patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CTCL who had received bexarotene therapy for at least 3 months were enrolled. Nine patients were excluded owing to missing analytic triglyceride level data, leaving a study group of 116 patients. Data on demographic and cardiovascular risk factor were collected, and a complete blood analysis, including lipid profile and genetic analysis from a saliva sample, was performed. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were the maximal triglyceride levels reported in association with the minor alleles of the polymorphisms studied. Results: Among 116 patients, the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.7) years, 69 (59.5%) were men, and 85 (73.2%) had mycosis fungoides, the most prevalent form of CTCL. During bexarotene therapy, 96 patients (82.7%) experienced hypertriglyceridemia, which was severe or extreme in 8 of these patients (8.3%). Patients who carried minor alleles of the polymorphisms did not show significant differences in baseline triglyceride concentrations. After bexarotene treatment, carriers of at least 1 of the 2 minor alleles of APOA5 c.-1131T>C and APOC3 c.*40C>G showed lower levels of triglycerides than noncarriers (mean [SD], 241.59 [169.91] vs 330.97 [169.03] mg/dL, respectively; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: These results indicate that the screening of APOA5 and APOC3 genotypes may be useful to estimate changes in triglyceride concentrations during bexarotene treatment in patients with CTCL and also to identify the best candidates for bexarotene therapy based on the expected adverse effect profile.

Cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma: a histopathologic mimicker of lupus erythematosus profundus (lupus panniculitis).

In the newly revised World Health Organization (WHO)-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) consensus classification for cutaneous lymphomas, cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (CGD-TCL) has been included as a provisional entity. This type of lymphomas, when involving the subcutaneous fat, can mimic both clinically and histologically other more indolent conditions, such as subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphomas (SPTCL) and lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP), and multiple biopsies may be needed to obtain a correct diagnosis. A good correlation of the clinical data with the histopathology and immunohistochemistry are required for diagnosis. Herein, we describe a patient whose initial histopathologic findings ressembled LEP but presented an aggressive clinical course. A new biopsy was performed during the follow-up, and a final diagnosis of CGD-TCL was made.

EORTC consensus recommendations for the treatment of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome.

Several reviews and guidelines on the management of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) have been published; however, treatment strategies for patients with MF/SS vary from institution to institution and no European consensus has yet been established. There are few phase III trials to support treatment decisions for MF/SS and treatment is often determined by institutional experience. In order to summarise the available evidence and review 'best practices' from each national group, the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force met in September 2004 to establish European guidelines for the treatment of MF/SS. This article reviews the treatment regimens selected for inclusion in the guidelines and summarises the clinical data for treatments appropriate for each stage of MF/SS. Guideline recommendations are presented according to the quality of supporting data, as defined by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Skin-directed therapies are the most appropriate option for early-stage MF/SS and most patients can look forward to a normal life expectancy. Patients with advanced disease should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials and maintenance of quality of life should be paramount.

Aberrant nuclear BCL10 expression and lack of t(11;18)(q21;q21) in primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma.

Inhibition of apoptosis seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of marginal zone lymphoma. Apoptosis regulator B-cell lymphoma 10 (BCL10) may show aberrant nuclear localization in some aggressive extracutaneous MALT lymphomas, often in association with a MALT1 gene t(11;18)(q21;q21) translocation. The possible occurrence of this association in primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate BCL10 protein expression pattern and its possible relationship to the presence of t(11;18)(q21;q21) and other MALT1 gene abnormalities in PCMZL and to assess their clinical significance. The study included 42 consecutive PCMZL patients diagnosed on the basis of the World Health Organization/European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer classification criteria. BCL10 expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in all cases, whereas t(11;18)(q21;q21) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification was performed on 21 samples. In addition, the presence of other MALT1 gene translocations was explored in 26 samples by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization using a MALT1 locus-specific probe. We observed the presence of aberrant nuclear BCL10 expression in a significant number of PCMZL cases (36%, 15/42). This aberrant expression was significantly related to the development of extracutaneous disease. In contrast, neither the t(11;18)(q21;q21) translocation nor other MALT1 gene translocations could be demonstrated. t(11;18)(q21;q21), strongly linked to extracutaneous MALT lymphomas, does not seem to play a role in PCMZL. The participation of other MALT1 gene translocations in PCMZL pathogenesis seems also unlikely.