Racial Disparities in Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome-A Single-Center Observational Study of 292 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical presentation of Mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) in Black and African American (AA) patients can be heterogeneous with poor survival reported in AA/black patients. In this study, we aim to characterize differences between AA/black and white patients with MF/SS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center hospital-based case-control study including 292 MF/SS patients (146 AA/black matched with 146 white patients). We analyzed demographic, clinical and survival differences. RESULTS: AA/black patients were diagnosed at an earlier age (9 years younger), were predominantly females, had higher rates of Medicaid/Medicare insurance and lower income compared to matched white patients (P <.001). Adjusting for age, sex, insurance type, and income bracket, AA/black patients had significantly worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 2.88, 95%CI 1.21-6.85, P = .017). Association of clinical MF phenotype with survival showed that hypopigmentation was associated with survival in AA/black patients but not in white patients. Erythroderma and ulceration were associated with worse survival risk in AA/black patients. CONCLUSIONS: AA/black patients with MF/SS have a significant worse survival outcome compared to white patients. The association between clinical phenotypes and survival differed between these groups. Further studies are required to investigate whether race-specific pathogenesis or genetic factors may explain these differences.

A Rare Case of Primary Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-cell Lymphoma with Aberrant B-cell Marker Expression.

ABSTRACT: Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTL) is a rare and diagnostically challenging primary skin lymphoma. We present a case of a 78-year-old otherwise healthy man who developed nonhealing nodules on his right posterior calf. Initial biopsy showed a dense, atypical, lymphoid infiltrate with gamma-delta and cytotoxic T-cell immunophenotypes. The diagnosis of PCGDTL was rendered; however, concurrent flow cytometry revealed expression of aberrant B-cell markers, including CD19 and cytoplasmic CD79a. Subsequent immunohistochemical studies corroborated this result. We report the extremely rare phenomenon of aberrant B-cell marker expression in PCGDTL, the first formally reported case to our knowledge.

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.

Romidepsin and lenalidomide-based regimens have efficacy in relapsed/refractory lymphoma: Combined analysis of two phase I studies with expansion cohorts.

Romidepsin (histone deacetylase inhibitor), lenalidomide (immunomodulatory agent), and carfilzomib (proteasome inhibitor), have efficacy and lack cumulative toxicity in relapsed/refractory lymphoma. We performed two investigator initiated sequential phase I studies to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of romidepsin and lenalidomide (regimen A) and romidepsin, lenalidomide, and carfilzomib (regimen B) in relapsed/refractory lymphoma. Cohorts in T-cell lymphoma (TCL), B-cell lymphoma (BCL) were enrolled at the MTD. Forty-nine patients were treated in study A (27 TCL, 17 BCL, 5 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)) and 27 (16 TCL, 11 BCL) in study B. The MTD of regimen A was romidepsin 14 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, and 15 and lenalidomide 25 mg oral on days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle. The MTD of regimen B was romidepsin 8 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, lenalidomide 10 mg oral on days 1-14 and carfilzomib 36 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. In study A, 94% had AEs ≥Grade 3, most commonly neutropenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (53%), and electrolyte abnormalities (49%). In study B 59% had AEs ≥Grade 3, including thrombocytopenia (30%) and neutropenia (26%). In study A the ORR was 49% (50% TCL, 47% BCL, 50% HL). In study B the ORR was 48% (50% TCL, 50% BCL). For study A and B the median progression free survival (PFS) was 5.7 months and 3.4 months respectively with 11 patients proceeding to allogeneic transplant. The combinations of romidepsin and lenalidomide and of romidepsin, lenalidomide and carfilzomib showed activity in relapsed/refractory lymphoma with an acceptable safety profile.

Topical clobetasol propionate treatment and cutaneous adverse effects in patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides: an observational study.

Topical superpotent class I corticosteroids (CSs) are highly effective in the treatment of early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and are readily available, easily applied, and have minor side effects compared to other topical therapeutic options. Because MF is a chronic disease, prolonged treatment is needed, raising the concern of CS-induced cutaneous adverse effects (AEs). In this observational study, we aimed to evaluate the risk for skin AEs of clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% in patients with early-stage MF. Thirteen consecutive patients with MF were treated with clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% once or twice daily as monotherapy and were followed for 4 to 17 months. One participant was lost to follow-up, and the remaining 12 participants responded to treatment with topical clobetasol propionate with minimal side effects. With proper education and monitoring, topical CSs are a safe and effective mainstay of treatment for patches and flat plaques in patients with early-stage localized MF.

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

C-C chemokine receptor 4 expression in CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders, and its implications for diagnosis and treatment.

AIMS: Patients with aggressive CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) progress rapidly and respond poorly to therapy. Confounding treatment planning, there is clinicopathological overlap between aggressive CD8+ CTCLs and other lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). Hence, improved diagnostic methods and therapeutic options are needed. The aim of this study was to examine C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) expression as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-nine cases (41 patients) with CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs were examined, including CD8+ mycosis fungoides (MF) (n = 14), aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (AETCL) (n = 8), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) (n = 7), CD30+ LPDs (n = 6), primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma (GDTCL) (n = 6), and others (n = 8). Immunohistochemical tissue staining was performed with a CCR4 monoclonal antibody on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. CCR4 immunostaining was graded as percentage infiltrate, i.e. high (>25%) and low (≤25%), and the results were correlated with clinicopathological diagnoses. CCR4 expression was seen in 69% of the studied cases. Any CCR4 positivity was seen in all CD8+ MF cases, in 83% of CD30+ LPD cases, in 75% of AETCL cases, in 33% of GDTCL cases, and in none of the SPTCL cases. High CCR4 expression was seen in 79% of CD8+ MF cases versus 33% of CD30+ LPD cases, in 17% of GDTCL cases, and in 12.5% of AETCL cases. Patients with more advanced MF stage had higher CCR4 expression. CONCLUSIONS: CCR4 immunohistochemistry may be an adjunct in distinguishing advanced CD8+ MF from other CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs. Although CCR4 expression may justify therapeutic targeting of this receptor in CD8+ MF, the role of such therapies in other CD8+ CTCLs/LPDs is not yet clear.

Outcomes and prognostic factors in African American and black patients with mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome: Retrospective analysis of 157 patients from a referral cancer center.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) is higher in the black population than in the white population in the United States and worse outcomes have been observed in black patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes and to identify prognostic factors in African American and black patients with MF/SS. METHODS: Clinical features and follow-up data were analyzed in 157 self-identified African American or black patients seen during 1994-2018. RESULTS: We included 122 patients with early stage MF and 35 patients with advanced-stage disease (median follow-up of 25 months). Overall, >80% of the patients who died from disease or progressed had erythema or hyperpigmentation without hypopigmentation. Patients with hypopigmentation, either as the sole manifestation or in combination with other lesions, had better overall survival (P = .002) and progression-free survival (P = .014). Clinical stage, TNMB classification, plaque disease, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase were also significantly associated with outcomes. Demographic and socioeconomic parameters were not associated with prognosis. LIMITATIONS: A retrospective study at a single cancer center. CONCLUSION: MF/SS manifestations and outcomes in African American and black patients are heterogeneous. Demographic and socioeconomic factors do not seem to have a prognostic role, while clinical characteristics might help in the stratification of risk of progression and shorter survival, allowing for individually tailored therapeutic interventions.

Scleromyxedematous Changes in a Patient With Long-Standing Mycosis Fungoides Who Progressed to Sézary Syndrome.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) variants with different clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features have been well-delineated. We report a case of scleromyxedematous changes arising in a patient with long-standing MF who progressed to Sézary syndrome (SS) shortly afterward. Total-skin electron-beam radiation therapy resulted in an excellent response, controlling both the MF/SS and the scleromyxedematous lesions; however, the patient died few months later. Although mucin deposition has been described in association with MF/SS (mainly follicular mucinosis in folliculotropic MF), there are limited reports in the literature on dermal mucinosis and scleromyxedematous changes in MF/SS. The mechanism of this association and its prognostic implications requires further investigation.

Role of imaging in low-grade cutaneous B-cell lymphoma presenting in the skin.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body imaging is the current standard of care for staging all patients presenting with skin lesions of B-cell lymphomas (BCLs), regardless of skin disease extent; however, supporting data are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical utility of imaging in the detection of systemic involvement in low-grade cutaneous BCLs in the skin. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients presenting with cutaneous lesions of BCLs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Stanford University during 1997-2016. RESULTS: At initial staging, of the 522 patients, extracutaneous disease was noted in 3.6% and 8.8% of patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL, n = 306) and follicle center lymphoma (FCL, n = 216) histology, respectively. In patients with systemic involvement, imaging alone identified 81.8% (9/11) of MZL cases and 89.4% of follicular lymphoma cases. In primary cutaneous MZL, 1.7% of patients subsequently had extracutaneous involvement (median follow-up 45 months), and in primary cutaneous FCL. 3.0% subsequently had extracutaneous involvement (median follow-up 47 months). LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Imaging is effective at identifying patients with systemic involvement in indolent BCLs present in the skin; however, incidence is low. After negative initial staging, primary cutaneous MZL patients may be followed clinically without routine imaging.

Follicular mucinosis in patients with hematologic malignancies other than mycosis fungoides: A clinicopathologic study.

BACKGROUND: Follicular mucinosis (FM), which is defined by mucin accumulation within follicular epithelium, may occur in mycosis fungoides (MF). FM without MF is occasionally reported in systemic hematologic malignancies and may be diagnostically challenging. OBJECTIVE: To describe clinicopathologic characteristics of FM in patients with hematologic malignancies other than MF. METHODS: Clinical data and histopathology features were analyzed in patients with FM and hematologic malignancies diagnosed between 1994 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients with FM and systemic hematologic malignancies without cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) were identified; 9 of them were discovered after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. No patients with non-CTCL-associated FM (n = 46 [37 biopsy specimens]) developed CTCL during a mean follow-up of 4.3 years. Of the cases of CTCL associated with FM (n = 44 [31 biopsy specimens]), MF was the most common subtype (n = 38), although other CTCLs were identified. FM in patients with non-CTCL hematologic malignancies differed clinically from those with MF-associated FM, presenting most frequently with erythematous papules (P < .0001), without plaques (P <.0001), without alopecia (P = .001), and without histopathologically identified epidermal exocytosis (P = .013). LIMITATIONS: A retrospective study in a single cancer center. CONCLUSIONS: FM can present in systemic hematologic malignancies, including after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Papular lesional morphologic and histopathologic features may help to distinguish these cases from MF.

Treatment of Rosai-Dorfman disease with oral bexarotene: a case series.

Background: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare histiocytic proliferative disorder of unknown etiology. The skin is the most frequent extranodal site of RDD involvement and may be the only organ involved. While RDD is an indolent self-limited disease, treatment is needed in patients with extensive, persistent or progressive disease, or if cosmetic disfigurement or physical impairment significantly affects the patient. There is no specific treatment for RDD, and multiple therapeutic approaches have been described with variable success rates. Ojective: To demonstrate the clinical efficacy of oral bexarotene for RDD. Materials and methods: Descriptive retrospective case series of three patients with RDD receiving oral bexarotene. Results: Two patients had excellent response and regression of their skin lesions was achieved with long-term therapy. In the other patient, pruritus was promptly controlled while the lesions did not seem to regress and treatment was discontinued after five months. Conclusions: Our case series is the first report in the literature of the use of oral bexarotene as an effective and safe treatment for RDD.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), rare subtypes: five case presentations and review of the literature.

The vast majority of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are encompassed by mycosis fungoides and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), however rare distinct CTCLs have been defined. The current edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes 12 CTCL subtypes with discrete diagnosable clinical, histologic and phenotypic features. The rarest subtypes, i.e. those that comprise <1% to 2%, include indolent entities, such as primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell LPD (SMPTC-LPD), primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T-cell lymphoma (acral CD8+ TCL) and subcutaneous panniculitis-like TCL (SPTCL) and aggressive entities, such as primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (CD8+ PCAETL) and primary cutaneous gamma /delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTCL). Case presentations, clinical features, and treatment approaches for these five rare CTCL subtypes will be reviewed.