Cutaneous lymphomas in African American/Black patients: pitfalls and presentations.

This review describes and highlights differences in clinical presentations of cutaneous lymphomas (CLs), particularly in darker skin types, i.e., Skin of Color (SOC). We illustrate differences in clinical features on physical exam that can be a diagnostic challenge and suggest ways to recognize and identify these conditions at an early stage through a high level of suspicion. The review includes a summary of the epidemiology of various CLs, specifically highlighting the presentation and incidence in African American/Black patients, where the data are available. We also include a discussion of adult HTLV-1-associated T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) which, although a systemic T-cell lymphoma, may present with skin manifestations and mimic MF, other CTCL subtypes, or other inflammatory dermatoses. Finally, this review highlights the possible use of imaging modalities, such as dermoscopy and reflectance-confocal microscopy, in diagnosing and recognizing cutaneous lymphomas in patients with darker skin types.

Dermatologic Events Associated with the Anti-CCR4 Antibody Mogamulizumab: Characterization and Management.

The CCR4-directed monoclonal antibody mogamulizumab has been shown to significantly improve progression-free survival and overall response rate compared with vorinostat in adults with relapsed/refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). One of the most common adverse events seen with mogamulizumab in MF/SS patients is rash. Because of the protean nature of MF/SS and the variable clinical and histopathological features of mogamulizumab-associated rash, healthcare providers may have difficulty distinguishing rash from disease, and may not be aware of appropriate treatment strategies for this generally manageable adverse event. The objective of this report was to combine results from published literature with experiences and recommendations from multiple investigators and institutions into clinical best practice recommendations to assist healthcare providers in identifying and managing mogamulizumab-associated rash. Optimal management, which includes biopsy confirmation and steroid treatment, requires a multidisciplinary approach among oncology, dermatology, and pathology practitioners. INFOGRAPHIC.

Meet the expert: Topical management of vulvar dermatoses.

Vulvar dermatoses are often debilitating chronic skin conditions associated with pain and pruritus. In oncologic patients, cancer treatments can precipitate and exacerbate vulvar dermatoses. Cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and local pelvic radiation therapy can lead to vulvar symptoms, and cancer treatment-induced vulvar conditions include graft-versus-host-disease and radiation dermatitis. There have also been reports of lichen sclerosus development or exacerbation secondary to hormonal therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, attributed to proposed hormonal and immunologic pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus. Early recognition and treatment of these conditions can significantly improve quality of life. In this review, we summarize the clinical features and management characteristics of six types of common vulvar dermatoses that may present in the oncologic patient.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Part II: Prognosis and management.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) other than mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) encompass a heterogenous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with variable clinical courses, prognoses, and management approaches. Given the morphologic and histologic overlap among the CTCL subtypes and other T-cell lymphomas with cutaneous manifestations, thorough evaluation with clinicopathologic correlation and exclusion of systemic involvement are essential prior to initiating therapy. Staging and treatment recommendations vary, depending on the subtype, clinical behavior, and treatment response. Generally, for subtypes in which staging is recommended, Ann Arbor or tumor, node, metastasis staging specific to CTCL other than MF or SS are used. For many subtypes, there is no standard treatment to date. Available recommended treatments range widely, from no active or minimal intervention with skin-directed therapy to aggressive systemic therapies that include multi-agent chemotherapy with consideration for hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Emerging targeted therapies, such as brentuximab, a chimeric antibody targeting CD30, show promise in altering the disease course of non-MF/SS CTCLs.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Part I: Clinical and histologic features and diagnosis.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are defined as lymphomas with a T-cell phenotype that present in the skin without evidence of systemic or extracutaneous disease at initial presentation. CTCLs other than mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (SS) account for approximately one third of CTCLs and encompass a heterogenous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, ranging from indolent lymphoproliferative disorders to aggressive malignancies with a poor prognosis. The spectrum of CTCLs continues to broaden as new provisional entities are classified. Given the morphologic and histologic overlap among CTCLs and other diagnoses, a thorough clinical history, physical evaluation, and clinicopathologic correlation are essential in the work up and diagnosis of these rare entities. This article will summarize the epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, and diagnostic features of CTCLs other than mycosis fungoides and SS.

Dermatologic infections in cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of dermatologic infections in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has not been systematically described. OBJECTIVE: Identify the incidence of dermatologic infections in patients who received CPIs. METHODS: Retrospective review of dermatologic infections in patients who received CPIs between 2005 and 2020 and were evaluated by dermatologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. RESULTS: Of 2061 patients in the study, 1292 were actively receiving CPIs (≤ 90 days since the last dose) and 769 had previously been on CPIs (> 90 days since the last dose). The dermatologic infection rate was significantly higher in patients with active CPI treatment (17.5%) than in patients not actively being treated (8.2%; P < .0001). In patients on CPIs, 82 (36.2%), 78 (34.5%), and 48 (21.2%) had bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, respectively, and 18 (8.0%) had polymicrobial infections. Anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 monotherapy was associated with the highest risk of infection (hazard ratio, 2.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.87 to 4.60; P < .001). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design and sample limited to patients referred to dermatology. CONCLUSIONS: Patients actively receiving CPIs are more susceptible to dermatologic infections, with anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 monotherapy carrying the highest risk, suggesting that the index of suspicion for infections should be increased in these patients to minimize morbidity and optimize care.

Cutaneous Manifestations of EGFR-Inhibitors in African Americans and Treatment Considerations.

Epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-inhibitors have emerged as the primary therapy in advanced solid tumor malignancies because of improvement in survival with overall favorable side effect profile. However, 50–90% of patients treated with EGFR-inhibitors develop a follicular or acneiform rash, which can be symptomatic and source of psychosocial distress, negatively impacting quality of life. As this acneiform rash is a well-recognized cutaneous toxicity of EGFR-inhibitors, a treatment algorithm has been proposed for management based on severity. However, treatment options for EGFR-inhibitor induced rash may not be generalizable to African Americans whose differences in skin biology and sensitivity present pathophysiologic challenges. Herein, we present a case of an African American patient who developed this acneiform rash while on cetuximab. We also review the few cases that have been reported in the literature of EGFR-inhibitor rash in African Americans, highlighting important management considerations in this patient population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(9):894-896. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5275.

Clinical Characteristics and Disease Course in Black Patients With Lymphomatoid Papulosis: A Case Series

INTRODUCTION: Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) presenting as a recurrent eruption of papules and nodules which resolve spontaneously. CD30+ LPD prevalence in African American (AA)/Black patients is lower compared to White patients. CD30+ LPD has been recently reported to have worse outcomes in AA patients compared to White patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified eight AA patients with LyP. We describe our experience with these eight patients and review the literature on similar cases. RESULTS: In half of the eight included patients, lesions occurred 1-4 years before they were diagnosed. In six patients (75%), resolution of the lesions resulted in hyperpigmented macules and scars. Five patients (63%) had also mycosis fungoides. Most of the patients who were followed (4/7, 57%) did not have complete resolution at their last visit, despite different treatment approaches. Discussion: Our results highlight that although LyP has an indolent course in AA/Black patients, residual hyperpigmentation and scars frequently occur, highlighting the need for better treatments of this lymphoproliferative disorder in this specific population. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):89-91. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4602