Dietary Patterns in Acne and Rosacea Patients-A Controlled Study and Comprehensive Analysis.

As the relationship between exposome factors and inflammatory skin diseases is gaining increasing attention, the objective of this study was to investigate dietary patterns among acne and rosacea patients and to establish the disease risk attributable to nutrition. In this cross-sectional, controlled study, patients' dietary habits were assessed via subjective ratings of beneficial and trigger foods, followed by standardized food frequency surveys (FFS). Scores for disease-specific risk stratification based on dietary habits were proposed. Clinical assessments, dermatologic examinations, and laboratory analyses were performed. A total of 296 patients (acne group (AG) n = 120, control group (ACG) n = 32; rosacea group (RG) n = 105, control group (RCG) n = 39) were included. The significant impact of diet on disease severity was self-reported by 80.8% of the AG and 70.5% of the RG. Leading dietary triggers were found in both groups, while beneficial food items were identified more clearly by the AG. FFS revealed significant dietary differences between the AG, RG, and control groups. Disease-specific scores showed greater precision for acne (odds ratio 14.5 AG, 5.5 RG). The AG had higher insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels correlating with dairy intake (p = 0.006). Overall, this study underlines the influence of diet on acne and rosacea, providing valuable disease-specific scores for dietary risk stratification. Consuming vegetables, legumes, oily fish, olive oil, and nuts, and limiting meat, cheese, and alcohol appear to be beneficial for both acne and rosacea. Future studies can build on these data to further improve preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Serum levels of serum amyloid A, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein correlate with severity of hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Validated biomarkers enabling an objective, dynamic assessment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) disease severity do not exist. The aim of our study was to determine the serum concentration of four potential biomarkers with respect to HS disease severity. METHODS: We recruited 50 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. After obtaining informed consent, patients were requested to fill out multiple questionnaires. Severity of HS was determined based on Hurley and Sartorius scores by an experienced dermatologist. Blood sampling included Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and S100 protein (S100) in a certified laboratory. RESULTS: Moderate and statistically significant correlations of SAA, IL-6 and CRP with the clinical scores Hurley and Sartorius were observed. The respective Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were: Hurley 0.38, 0.46, 0.35 and Sartorius 0.51, 0.48, 0.48. No relevant changes were detected when comparing S100 to both Hurley (r=0.06) and Sartorius (r=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that an association between SAA, IL-6, CRP and HS disease severity could exist. Further research is needed to define their potential as biomarkers for quantifying and monitoring disease activity and response to treatment.

Characterization of Human Papilloma Virus in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy-A Prospective Study of 140 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa) is still controversial. Existing studies often lack information about clinical risk factors, are limited by their retrospective design or only use a single detection method for HPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa at the Department of Urology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, were prospectively enrolled. Knowledge of HPV and sociodemographic parameters were assessed with questionnaires. The following methods were used for HPV detection: RP specimens were tested for HPV DNA by PCR. If HPV DNA was detected, an LCD-Array hybridization technique was used for HPV subtyping, and immunohistochemical staining for p16 was performed as a surrogate marker for HPV infection. Serological titers of HPV-16 L1 antibodies were measured using an HPV-16-specific immunoassay. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 9.3% (13/140) of RP specimens, with HPV-16 being the most predominantly detected subtype (5/13 = 39%). HPV-16 L1 antibody levels were below the limit of detection in 98% of patients (137/140). We found no significant difference between HPV PCR-positive (HPV+) and -negative (HPV-) patients in terms of HPV-16 antibody levels, history of HPV-associated diseases, level of education or marital status. Seventy-five percent of all PCa patients had never heard of HPV before. An acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate was the most frequently detected histologic type in both HPV+ (100%) and HPV- (98%) patients (p = 0.86). HPV+ patients had fewer positive biopsy cores (3.5 vs. 5.8; p = 0.01) and a lower maximal tumor infiltration rate per core (37% vs. 57%; p = 0.03) compared to HPV- patients. However, when analyzing the whole prostate and the lymph nodes after RP, there were no significant differences in TNM stage, Gleason score or tumor volume between both groups. In a subgroup analysis of all high-risk HPV patients (n = 6), we found no significant differences in sociodemographic, clinical or histopathological parameters compared to HPV- or low-risk HPV+ patients. CONCLUSION: In our prospective study, we were not able to prove a clinically significant impact of HPV status on tumor characteristics in RP specimens. Most men with PCa had never heard of HPV, despite its proven causal association with other tumor entities.

"From molecular to clinic": The pivotal role of CDC42 in pathophysiology of human papilloma virus related cancers and a correlated sensitivity of afatinib.

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cancers are global health challenge. Insufficient comprehension of these cancers has impeded the development of novel therapeutic interventions. Bioinformatics empowered us to investigate these cancers from new entry points. Methods: DNA methylation data of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) were analyzed to identify the significantly altered pathways. Through analyses integrated with RNA sequencing data of genes in these pathways, genes with strongest correlation to the TNM staging of CESC was identified and their correlations with overall survival in patients were assessed. To find a potential promising drug, correlation analysis of gene expression levels and compound sensitivity was performed. In vitro experiments were conducted to validate these findings. We further performed molecular docking experiments to explain our findings. Results: Significantly altered pathways included immune, HPV infection, oxidative stress, ferroptosis and necroptosis. 10 hub genes in these pathways (PSMD11, RB1, SAE1, TAF15, TFDP1, CORO1C, JOSD1, CDC42, KPNA2 and NUP62) were identified, in which only CDC42 high expression was statistically significantly correlated with overall survival (Hazard Ratio: 1.6, P = 0.045). Afatinib was then screened out to be tested. In vitro experiments exhibited that the expression level of CDC42 was upregulated in HaCaT/A431 cells transfected with HPV E6 and E7, and the inhibitory effect of afatinib on proliferation was enhanced after transfection. CDC42-GTPase-effector interface-EGFR-afatinib was found to be a stable complex with a highest ZDOCK score of 1264.017. Conclusion: We identified CDC42 as a pivotal gene in the pathophysiology of HPV-related cancers. The upregulation of CDC42 could be a signal for afatinib treatment and the mechanism in which may be an increased affinity of EGFR to afatinib, inferred from a high stability in the quaternary complex of CDC42-GTPase-effector interface-EGFR-afatinib.

Relationship between α-genus human papillomavirus and non-genital seborrheic keratosis: Report of new cases and updated review.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are the most common acquired benign tumor that affects middle-aged or older adults with great cosmetic concern. Clinical and histopathological similarities of SK and common warts have been addressed by investigating the possible presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in SK. Previous studies suggested the association between α-genus HPV and SK located on genital skin, whereas the causal relationship between α-HPV and non-genital SK remains controversial. AIM: This study aimed to clarify the pathogenic involvement of α-HPV in the development of non-genital SK. METHODS: We analyzed α-HPV DNA prevalence and HPV genotypes using a PCR-based microarray on 51 skin samples presenting with histologically confirmed SK without any malignant changes. Correlation between the histological subtype of SK and their HPV DNA-positive reactivity was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of 51 non-genital SK, two (3.9%) skin samples were positive for α-HPV DNA; high-risk HPV 31 and low-risk HPV 42 were found. Evaluation of HPV prevalence in different histological types of SK showed that both HPV-positive cases were acanthotic type; 14.3% of acanthotic SK lesions were positive, while all of the other types were negative for α-HPV. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that α-HPV positivity is very rare in common non-genital SK. The rare α-HPV-positive SK lesions histologically belonged to the acanthotic type, implying a potential impact of HPV infection on epidermal hyperproliferation. Although a possible association cannot be excluded, our findings suggest that α-HPV is not a major causative factor for non-genital SK.

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphomas: A Single-center Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are rare diseases characterized by infiltration of malignant T-cells into the skin. We evaluated the prevalence, epidemiology, and therapy of CTCLs, focusing on its most well-known subtypes, namely mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical data of patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of CTCL presenting to our outpatient department during a 5-year period from January 2015 to December 2019. RESULTS: We evaluated the files of 102 patients, of whom 67% were men and 33% women. The overall mean age was 59.1±14.1 (24-86) years. Ninety-two patients (90%) were diagnosed with MF and ten patients (10%) with SS. According to ISCL/EORTC, the majority of patients initially classified as stage IA (34%) and IB (45%). Disease frequency decreased at advanced stages (II: 4%; III: 7%; IV: 10%). Forty-five patients (44.1%) received only skin-directed therapy (SDT). Twenty patients (19.6%) progressed from SDT to systemic therapy (ST). Thirty-seven patients (36.3%) received ST combined with SDT (TS) from the start of treatment. Overall, fifty different therapeutic approaches of TS were initiated due to lack of response to therapy or disease progression. CONCLUSION: Management of CTCLs aims to maintain patient quality of life while minimizing side-effects. As CTCLs are usually incurable diseases, the focus of treatment is on symptom control and prevention of disease progression. Due to the large patient group and the long observation period, our study allows for a valid evaluation of the frequency and therapy of MF and SS in a university outpatient clinic in Germany. We favor topical therapies in early stages with more invasive therapies in advanced stages.

High-frequency devices effect in vitro: promissing approach in the treatment of acne vulgaris?

Abstract Background: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disorder leading to an impairment of quality of life and is therefore not only a cosmetic issue. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial - of particular importance is the colonization with the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. A wide range of different treatment options exists including topical and systemic treatments depending on severity. High Frequency (HF) therapy, historically developed in the 19th century, claims antimicrobial effects on acne skin, but solid data on its efficacy and mechanism of action is lacking. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of HF therapy on skin flora and P. acnes in vitro using a commercial device as well as to review studies on the mechanism of action. Methods: The plasma source was investigated regarding electrical settings, heat, and ozone development. Bacterial skin flora, fungal isolates, and P. acnes were exposed to HF in vitro and compared to unexposed controls by evaluating the number of colonies on agar plates. To further analyze bacterial species from normal skin flora, 16S-sequencing was performed. Statistical analyses were carried out using row analysis and unpaired t-test. Results: HF treatment led to a significant reduction of almost every bacterial and fungal species investigated in this study. Moreover, the number of colonies forming units was significantly decreased in P. acnes after HF treatment compared to controls in vitro. Study limitations: The experiments were performed in vitro only. To assess clinical effects further in vivo experiments are necessary. Conclusions: The results collected in this study, although in vitro, provide a mechanistic basis for HF as a complementary treatment option for patients with acne. It might also have a beneficial effect on patients with superficial infectious skin of the skin.

S2k guideline: Rosacea.

This updated and upgraded S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea, which is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease mostly affecting the face. Initially, rosacea is characterized by recurrent erythema, telangiectasia and flushing. Later, the inflammatory component predominates, with persistent erythema with follicular papules, papulopustules and pustules. The development of phyma, which usually occurs on the acral localizations, is the most severe manifestation. For the treatment of rosacea, the interdisciplinary guideline committee, with representatives of the German Dermatological Society (DDG), the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Opthalmological Society (DOG), the Society for Dermopharmacy (GD), the Swiss Society for Dermatology and Venereology (SGDV) and the German Rosacea Aid e. V., recommends the avoidance of trigger factors and topical applications of metronidazole, azelaic acid or ivermectin. For symptomatic treatment of persistent centrofacial erythema, the topical vasoconstrictors brimonidine or oxymetazoline can also be used. Systemic therapy is recommended for therapy-resistant and severe forms of rosacea papulopustulosa. The drug of choice is low-dose doxycycline. Alternatively, low-dose isotretinoin can be recommended. Ocular rosacea should be treated with lid margin hygiene. For topical treatment, ciclosporin eye drops, azithromycin, ivermectin or metronidazole are suggested.

Integration of scRNA-Seq and TCGA RNA-Seq to Analyze the Heterogeneity of HPV+ and HPV- Cervical Cancer Immune Cells and Establish Molecular Risk Models.

Background: Numerous studies support that Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer. However, few studies have surveyed the heterogeneity of HPV infected or uninfected (HPV+ and HPV-) cervical cancer (CESC) patients. Integration of scRNA-seq and TCGA data to analyze the heterogeneity of HPV+ and HPV- cervical cancer patients on a single-cell level could improve understanding of the cellular mechanisms during HPV-induced cervical cancer. Methods: CESC scRNA-seq data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the Seurat, Monocle3 package were used for scRNA-seq data analysis. The ESTIMATE package was used for single-sample gene immune score, CIBERSORT package was used to identify immune scores of cells, and the "WGCNA" package for the weighted correlation network analysis. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression were performed to establish survival and relapse signatures. KEGG and GO analyses were performed for the signature gene. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was used for Pan-cancer analysis. Results: In the HPV+ CESC group, CD8+ T cells and B cells were down-regulated, whereas T reg cells, CD4+ T cells, and epithelial cells were up-regulated according to scRNA-seq data. Survival analysis of TCGA-CESC revealed that increased expression of naive B cells or CD8+ T cells favors the survival probability of CESC patients. WGCNA, univariate Cox, and LASSO Cox regression established a 9-genes survival signature and a 7-gene relapse model. Pan-cancer analysis identified IKZF3, FOXP3, and JAK3 had a similar distribution and effects in HPV-associated HNSC. Conclusion: Analysis of scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq of HPV+ and HPV- CESC samples revealed heterogeneity from transcriptional state to immune infiltration. Survival and relapse models were adjusted according to the heterogeneity of HPV+ and HPV- CESC immune cells to assess the prognostic risk accurately. Hub genes represent similar protection in HPV- associated HNSC while showing irrelevant to other potential HPV-related cancers.

Clinical clues to identify patients with ocular rosacea - a Germany-wide epidemiologic analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ocular rosacea is a special manifestation of rosacea with unknown etiology. Eye involvement in rosacea patients is surprisingly common; however, it is often underdiagnosed, resulting in inappropriate treatment. We aimed to provide an updated epidemiologic perspective on ocular rosacea in Germany to improve patient care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of 777 rosacea patients were assessed using a detailed online questionnaire regarding ocular and skin symptoms, previous dermatological and ophthalmological consults, presence of type 1 hypersensitivities, and Demodex testing. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Most patients reported ocular symptoms (399/777, 51.4%), including red eyes (179/399, 44.9%), itching (187/399, 46.9%), sty or chalazion (309/399, 77.4%), and dryness (108/399, 27.1%). Ocular rosacea was confirmed in 149/309 cases who consulted an ophthalmologist (45.3%). A total of 159/399 (39.8%) had no pre-existing allergies. Eye involvement was significantly associated with the presence of skin symptoms (P < 0.05), impacting patients' general well-being and overall treatment satisfaction. About half of Demodex-positive patients (21/45, 46.7%) showed ocular symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Eye involvement in rosacea patients was common, often presenting with unspecific symptoms.

Kenntnisse bayerischer Schüler zu sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen: eine Querschnittsstudie.

HINTERGRUND UND ZIELE: Trotz zahlreicher Informationsquellen und Kampagnen zu sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen (STI) haben diese Krankheiten in Deutschland in den letzten Jahren zugenommen. Ziel war es, das Bewusstsein und den Wissensstand junger Schüler in Bayern zu sexuell übertragbaren Krankheiten (STI) mit Schwerpunkt auf humane Papillomaviren (HPV) zu bewerten. METHODEN: In einer vollständig irreversibel anonymisierten Querschnittsstudie wurden insgesamt 4100 bayerische Schüler im Alter zwischen 12 und 17 Jahren anhand eines Multiple-Choice-Fragebogens hierzu befragt. ERGEBNISSE: Insgesamt wurden 3834 Fragebögen in die Datenanalyse einbezogen. Interessanterweise ist der Bekanntheitsgrad von HPV im Vergleich zu anderen STI bemerkenswert geringer. Mädchen und Jugendliche, die bereits vorbeugende Jugendgesundheitsuntersuchungen absolviert hatten, zeigten im Durchschnitt ein größeres Wissen über STI. Darüber hinaus konnten wir zeigen, dass Jugendliche mit geringerem Bildungsniveau, wie Realschüler, über die geringsten Kenntnisse verfügten. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die Querschnittsstudie zeigt, dass viele junge Menschen noch unzureichend über STI informiert sind. Die Informationslücken unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer intensiven und langfristigen Aufklärungsarbeit.

Evaluation of the knowledge of students concerning sexually transmitted infections in Bavaria/Germany (a cross-sectional study).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite numerous information sources and campaigns on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there has been an increase in STIs in Germany in recent years. The aim was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge level among young students in Bavaria/Germany for STIs with a focus on human papilloma viruses (HPV). METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey rendered completely and irreversibly anonymous, a total of 4,100 students from Bavaria between the ages of 12 and 17 were interviewed using a multiple choice questionnaire about their knowledge and awareness of STI, on the basis of gender, school education and preventive youth health examinations that had taken place. RESULTS: A total of 3,834 questionnaires were included in the data analysis. Interestingly, the awareness level for HPV is remarkably lower compared to other STIs. Girls and adolescents who had already taken preventive youth health examinations showed a higher knowledge of STIs on average. Additionally, we could show that adolescents of lower educational levels, such as secondary school students, had the least knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-sectional study shows that many young people are still insufficiently informed about STIs. The gaps in information and lack of knowledge underline the necessity of intensive and long-term educational work.

Efficacy and tolerability of a detergent and care component for rosacea patients: A split-face, vehicle-controlled, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of facial erythema and subjective symptoms of rosacea patients remains challenging in clinical practice. Cosmeceuticals, care components containing active ingredients such as phytochemicals, play a growing role in treatment plans. However, well-designed studies on their efficacy and limitations are widely missing. OBJECTIVE: A foam and a cream for rosacea patients were assessed based on objective and subjective methodology. The tolerability of skin and eyes was evaluated. METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded, split-face, and vehicle-controlled trial was conducted. At baseline and after four weeks of product use, dermatological and ophthalmological investigations were performed, employing image analysis of facial erythema, clinical assessments, and questionnaires. RESULTS: The patient cohort comprised 33 females with persistent facial erythema due to rosacea. No significant differences were found between the vehicle and the verum. According to the analysis of facial erythema, a "less pronounced" or "much less pronounced" appearance was seen in two thirds of patients comparing V1 to V0. Especially, the dryness of the skin improved by the use of the vehicle and the verum. Adverse subjective skin sensations decreased by 61.3% for the verum side and by 58.6% for the vehicle side. Subjective and objective analysis of ocular manifestation differed, with subjective manifestations reported more frequently, thus highlighting underdiagnosis of ocular rosacea. CONCLUSIONS: As no clear differences between the verum and the vehicle were found, an optimal skin care regime itself seems to have a superior effect in the relief of facial erythema and foremost of subjective symptoms, rather than certain active ingredients.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma mimicking myopathy with lipoatrophy.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Classic MF usually follows a rather benign course over many years or decades, rarely ever leading to fatal extracutaneous organ involvement. Single cases of muscular involvement have been reported. Here we describe a 42-year-old male patient with hair loss and lipoatrophy since six months diagnosed as follicular MF and with a two months history of progressive distal leg weakness. Muscle biopsy and whole body muscle MRI showed an extensive muscular and subcutaneous fatty tissue infiltration. After therapy with topical steroids and acitretin/PUVA, systemic chemotherapy (CHOP) was initiated. The patient suffered from a rapid disease progression with fatal outcome 2.5 years after the first skin lesions, displaying progressive cachexia, muscular atrophy and weakness with scapuloperoneal distribution and cardiac dysfunction. So far, extensive muscular involvement by MF mimicking a distinct muscular phenotype has not been reported.

The Sexual Behavior and Protective Conduct among University Students in Germany - Chances and Approaches to Tackle Spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Background: Current case numbers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Germany are continuously increasing. Young adults aged 19-29 appear to be especially at risk and are therefore the demographic of ever-growing importance for future prevention work. Objective: The aim of the survey was to analyze awareness and protective behavior regarding sexually transmitted infections with a major focus on condom-usage by university students in Germany. Method: The collection of data was based on the conduction of a cross-sectional survey for students of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the Technical University Munich, and the University of Bavarian Economy. The survey was distributed via the professional online survey tool "Soscy" and was thus performed completely anonymized. Results: Within this study, a total of 1,020 questionnaires were collected and consecutively analyzed. In terms of knowledge about human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), over 96.0% of participants were aware that vaginal intercourse can be a source of transmission for both sex partners and that condom use can be preventive. In contrast, 33.0% were unaware that smear infections constitute a crucial transmission route of human papillomaviruses (HPV). Concerning protective behavior, 25.2% either rarely or did not use a condom in their sexual history, even though 94.6% agreed that condoms protect against STIs. Conclusion: This study outlines the importance of education and prevention work that focuses on STIs. Results might reflect effectiveness of previous education efforts made by several prevention campaigns targeting HIV. On the downside, knowledge of other pathogens that establish STIs appears worthy of improvement, especially considering the partially risky sexual behavior observed. Therefore, we see a strong need to reform education, guidance, and prevention strategies in a way that emphasizes not only all pathogens and connected STIs equally, but also a differentiated presentation of sexuality providing appropriate protection strategies for everyone.

A comprehensive epidemiological study of rosacea in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is one of the most common skin diseases causing great distress in affected patients. For optimal patient care, epidemiological studies on disease distribution and clinical aspects are essential. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to provide an updated perspective on the current state of rosacea epidemiology in Germany. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cohort of 777 rosacea patients was assessed based on a detailed online questionnaire. Information regarding patients' demographics, course and clinical presentation of rosacea, trigger factors, dermatological consultations, treatment adherence and satisfaction as well as quality of life were obtained. RESULTS: There was a very high self-reported prevalence of primary and secondary rosacea features (flushing: n = 726, 93.4%; papules/pustules: n = 613, 79.0%; telangiectasia: n = 590, 75.9%; sub jective symptoms: n = 691, 88.9%). However, these clinical findings were often underdiagnosed by the treating physicians, while changes in temperature and ultraviolet radiation were potent triggers across all patients (86.3%, 77.7%, respectively). Disease-related quality of life decreased with the number of drugs prescribed as well as with uncontrolled symptom activity, and was reduced in female patients. CONCLUSION: This study is the largest German-based assessment exclusively focusing on rosacea patients covering a variety of clinical aspects to optimize patient care.

Alitretinoin in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: In this survey, we analyzed data from patients suffering from the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) subtypes mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), treated with the retinoid alitretinoin during a 7-year period at our outpatient department between 2015 and 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed patient medical records including TNMB stage, side effects under therapy with alitretinoin, time to next treatment (TTNT), and previous photo documentation. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with MF (n = 28) and SS (n = 7) were included in the study, of whom 69% were male and 31% were female. The mean age of onset was 56 ± 15 years in MF and 65.4 ± 10.8 years in SS with 51.4% having early stage (IA-IIA) and 48.6% having advanced stage (IIB-IVA) CTCL. Of these patients 37.2% responded to alitretinoin, 28.6% had a stable course, and 34.3% experienced progression. Alitretinoin was administered as a monotherapy (25.7%) or combined with five concomitant therapies (74.2%), most frequently with ECP (31.4%) and PUVA (11.4%). 63% did not report any side effects, most often hypertriglyceridemia (20%) was described. CONCLUSION: Considering that nearly two thirds of the CTCL patients treated with alitretinoin showed a response or stable disease, together with a low number of side effects and low cost compared to bexarotene, alitretinoin may be a potential alternative in the treatment of less advanced CTCLs. This survey represents the largest number of recorded therapies with the retinoid alitretinoin in CTCLs in a European patient collective.