Diagnostic Validation of Anti-TOX Antibody for Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides Through Digital Analysis of Tissue Samples.

ABSTRACT: Mycosis fungoides (MF) has become one of the most difficult diagnostic challenges for both dermatologists and dermatopathologists because its clinical presentation and microscopic findings may mimic benign reactive processes, specifically those displaying histopathological features of interface dermatitis. The goal of our study was to prove with digital scanning and automated sample methodology through algorithmic analysis, combined with the utility of TOX marker a more precise, faster, and objective evaluation of each sample. Moreover, this would offer high levels of reproducibility with the possibility of establishing cut-off points, allowing us to distinguish between inflammatory dermatoses (ID) and MF. A retrospective longitudinal-descriptive and observational study was conducted to compare the diagnostic criteria (immunohistochemical studies of anti-TOX stain) in patients with clinical suspicion of MF by dividing them into 2 groups: samples with a positive biopsy for MF (MF group) and those with a negative biopsy, therefore diagnosed as an ID (control group). The algorithm assessed 5 selected areas with lymphocytic representative cellularity, and based on the intensity, nuclear staining was classified as 0 (negative), 1+ (weak/yellow), 2+ (moderate/orange), and 3+ (strong/scarlet red) nuclei. The results showed statistically significant differences ( P = 0.040) between the mean number of (2+) nuclei in the positive final diagnosis group (MF group) and the negative final diagnosis group (ID group).

Evaluation of mortality, prognostic parameters, and treatment efficacy in mycosis fungoides.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by a variable clinical course, presenting either as indolent disease or showing fatal progression due to extracutaneous involvement. Importantly, the lack of prognostic models and predominantly palliative therapy settings hamper patient care. Here, we aimed to define survival rates, disease prediction accuracy, and treatment impact in MF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hundred-forty MF patients were assessed retrospectively. Prognosis and disease progression/survival were analyzed using univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: Skin tumors were linked to shorter progression-free, overall survival and a 3.48 increased risk for disease progression when compared to erythroderma. The Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index identified patients at risk in early-stage disease only. Moreover, expression of Ki-67 >20%, CD30 >10%, CD20+, and CD7- were associated with a significantly worse outcome independent of disease stage. Only single-agent interferon-α and phototherapy combined with interferon-α or retinoids/bexarotene achieved long-term disease control in MF. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support predictive validity of prognostic factors and models in MF and identified further potential parameters associated with poor survival. Prospective studies on prognostic indices across disease stages and treatment modalities are needed to predict and improve survival.

Incidence and survival rates of primary cutaneous malignancies in Korea, 1999-2019: A nationwide population-based study.

Primary cutaneous malignancies are among the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. We aimed to examine the incidence and 5-year survival rates of all types of primary cutaneous malignancies in the Korean population. Data from the Korean Nationwide Cancer Registry from 1999 to 2019 were analyzed. The crude incidence rates, age-standardized incidence rates, and 5-year relative survival rates of each type of skin cancer were calculated. A total of 89 965 patients were diagnosed with primary cutaneous malignancies, which was a 7-fold increase from 1999 to 2019. The age-standardized incidence rates increased 3.4-fold in basal cell carcinoma (3.7/100 000 person-years), 2.0-fold in squamous cell carcinoma (1.6/100 000 person-years), 12.0-fold in Bowen disease (1.2/100 000 person-years), and 1.8-fold in malignant melanoma (0.7/10 000 person-years) in 2019. Average annual percentage changes in age-standardized incidence rates were statistically significant in basal cell carcinoma (15.8%), Bowen disease (5.8%), squamous cell carcinoma (5.1%), malignant melanoma (1.2%), melanoma in situ (1.1%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (1.2%), mycosis fungoides (0.5%), primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell proliferations (0.5%), adnexal and skin appendage carcinoma (0.4%), extramammary Paget's disease (0.2%), and Merkel cell carcinoma (0.2%). The 5-year relative survival rates were the highest in basal cell carcinoma (103.3%), followed by dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (99.7%) and mycosis fungoides (96.6%), and lowest in angiosarcoma (24.7%). The 5-year relative survival rates steadily increased in extramammary Paget's disease (23.6%), cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (21.3%), mycosis fungoides (20.2%), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (18.1%), and malignant melanoma (16.1%) from 1996-2000 to 2015-2019. Most primary cutaneous malignancies have increased in incidence and survival rates in the Korean population, but to varying extents depending on the type of skin cancer.

A case report of acute promyelocytic leukemia with mycosis fungoides.

RATIONALE: Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a rare subtype of acute myelogenous leukaemia. With advances in treatment regimens, namely, introduction of all-trans-retinoicacid, outcomes have drastically improved, its side effects should not be ignored. Mycosis fungoides is one of the side effects of all-trans-retinoicacid treatment, but it may also be a clinical manifestation before disease progression. However, it rarely appears and is easily overlooked. This leads to being easily misled during the treatment process, affecting the treatment plan, and resulting in adverse consequences. Therefore, early identification and judgment can not only provide appropriate treatment options, but also prevent and treat further disease progression. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was hospitalized for pancytopaenia. After completing the examination, the patient was finally diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (acute myelogenous leukaemia-M3). We administered tretinoin and arsenous acid. Evaluation of the treatment effect on the 7th day after chemotherapy showed that the bone marrow morphology showed complete remission. After the second course of chemotherapy, the patient developed red miliary macular papules, which gradually worsened. After completing relevant inspections, Considering that the cases was complicated with skin mycosis fungoides, the patient was treated with budesonide ointment and methylprednisolone as chemotherapy. DIAGNOSES: Upon examination, the patient was initially diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Evaluation of the treatment effect on the 7th day after chemotherapy showed that the bone marrow morphology showed complete remission. After the second course of chemotherapy, we discovered the patient was diagnosed with skin mycosis fungoides. INTERVENTIONS: Systemic chemotherapy is first given when a patient was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. After the patient happened skin mycosis fungoides, We have adjusted the treatment plan and supplemented it with other treatment plans based on the original chemotherapy, After 2 months of treatment, his condition gradually improved. OUTCOMES: All-trans-retinoicacid in the treatment of APL must be given attention because mycosis fungoides should not only be distinguished from infectious diseases but also be further assessed with regard to disease progression and metastasis. LESSONS: Acute promyelocytic leukemia needs to be treated with arsenic trioxide. All-trans-retinoicacid in the treatment of APL must be given attention mycosis fungoides. Early diagnosis can guide accurate treatment, which is of great help in alleviating the pain of patients and improving the cure rate.

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.

Evaluating Response Trends of Chlormethine/Mechlorethamine Gel in Patients With Stage I-IIA Mycosis Fungoides: Analysis of Individual Patient Data From a Randomized Controlled Phase II Study to Facilitate Optimal Treatment Experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Chlormethine (CL) gel was approved for treatment of mycosis fungoides based on the pivotal 201 trial (NCT00168064). Data visualization from individual patients is a powerful tool for discovery of hidden treatment trends. Here, we present a post hoc analysis of individual patient data from the pivotal trial to provide a more granular depiction of treatment and response changes over time, with an emphasis on end of treatment status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individual patient response data were plotted over a 12-month treatment period to visualize patient experiences while using CL gel. Responder status was assigned according to end-of-treatment Composite Assessment of Index Lesion Severity (CAILS) score, and patients were classified as early (≤4 months) or late responders based on timing of response. Baseline and active treatment characteristics were compared between early and late responders, and baseline body surface area (BSA) was compared between responders and patients with stable or progressive disease. RESULTS: Data from 123 patients with baseline and postbaseline results were included. At the end of treatment, 64.2%/55.3% were responders, 30.9%/34.1% had stable disease, and 4.9%/10.6% had progressive disease by CAILS and mSWAT, respectively. Among patients who responded to treatment, 64.6% and 35.4% were early and late responders, respectively. Response pattern analysis also identified patients with an intermittent response or initial progressive disease. Baseline BSA was not associated with responder status. Late responders had longer treatment duration and higher postbaseline plaque elevation, while early responders had a higher frequency of dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Results presented here can facilitate optimal treatment experiences for patients starting CL gel.

A Case Series on the Use of Brentuximab Vedotin for the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides.

BACKGROUND: Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody that appears to be more effective against CD30-expressing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) compared to current standard-of-care treatments.   Objective: To determine the real-world efficacy and adverse effects of BV use in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) who were treated with BV at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. METHODS: Study staff performed a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with MF who were prescribed BV at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center. RESULTS:   Regardless of their response to BV, all patients in our cohort had higher CD30 positivity on subsequent biopsies compared to their initial skin biopsy.  Conclusions: Improved understanding of appropriate CD30 testing and evaluation will allow for quicker invention of patients with BV responsive CTCL.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(12):e33-e34.    doi:10.36849/JDD.6981e.

A patient with widespread skin lesions presenting with massive pleural effusion.

Mycosis fungoides is the most commonly seen type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative disease. While mycosis fungoides is linked to an increased risk of developing secondary malignancies, the occurrence of B-cell-originated disease in association with it is exceedingly rare. A 66-year-old male with persistent papillomatous skin eruption was admitted due to dyspnea. Chest X-ray, positron emission tomography, and chest computed tomography revealed axillary and mediastinal lymph node enlargement and right lower pulmonary lobe infiltration along with right-sided massive pleural effusion. Histological and immunohistochemical findings of pleural biopsy and axillary lymph nodes suggested a diagnosis of pulmonary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma. Skin biopsies from the abdomen, chest, and legs revealed CD4/CD8 double-positive patch stage of mycosis fungoides. After completing six cycles of chemotherapy, complete remission of lymphoma was achieved, with the skin eruptions remaining unchanged. Herein, the authors present a unique case of concomitant diagnoses of mycosis fungoides and marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the respiratory system to emphasize the importance of careful evaluation of each finding.

Phenotypic switch in mycosis fungoides: A tertiary cancer center experience.

BACKGROUND: Changes in immunophenotype in mycosis fungoides (MF) are rarely reported, making this phenomenon a diagnostic challenge with unclear significance for the disease's biological behavior. This study examines a large series of MF patients who exhibited a phenotype switch (PS) and analyzes their clinical and histopathologic characteristics. DESIGN: Institutional files were searched for MF cases exhibiting PS between 2010 and 2020. Clinical, follow-up, and histopathological data were collected. RESULTS: Forty-two biopsies from 32 patients (13 women and 19 men, median age 67.5) showed PS. Eight patients (25 %) experienced multiple PS during their disease course. The median time for PS was 22 months from the initial diagnosis. In 5 cases tested, identical TCR clone peaks were detected in the immunophenotypically distinct lesions. Median follow-up was 14.5 months. Among deceased patients, median time from MF diagnosis to PS was 20.6 months, while among the patients who were still alive, median time was 44.1 months. CONCLUSION: MF biopsies can show PS during the course of the disease and may indicate a change in clinical behavior. 28.1 % of patients displayed more than one PS, further indicating high plasticity of MF cells. No obvious association was found between PS and therapy initiation or response. Features that appeared to portend a worse clinical course were earlier PS in the course of the disease and PS from CD4-/CD8-to CD8+, and CD8+ to CD4-/CD8-. Awareness of this phenomenon is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing phenotypically distinct lymphomas as second primaries and to alert clinicians about potential changes in the disease's clinical course.

Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides In A Child: A Rare Case.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) is a variant of mycosis fungoides characterized by infiltration of hair follicle epithelium by neoplastic lymphoid cells. Generally, it is usually typified by indurated plaques and tumours mainly on the head and neck. However, a wide range of clinical signs have been noted. The clinical presentation of FMF may include prurigo-like lesions, acneiform lesions, cysts, nodules, areas of scarring alopecia, and hypopigmented plaques or papules with follicular prominences. The average age of diagnosis is 60 years while it is rare in childhood and adolescence. We discuss the case of a 12-year-old male patient who had an asymptomatic, erythematous, infiltrating plaque across his left nasolabial fold for three months prior to presentation. Histological assessment of lesion showed characteristic findings of follicular mucinosis with predominance of CD4+ lymphocytes and immunohistochemical studies were positive for CD3+ stains. An increased CD4:CD8 ratio and negative CD20 was also shown. Both findings were consistent with diagnosis of FMF.

Mycosis fungoides with spongiosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL are an uncommon, heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of T- and B-cell origin where the skin is the primary organ of involvement. It is characterized by malignant CD4+ T-cells infiltrating the skin and other organs, leading to progressive skin and systemic involvement. Histopathologically, MF is characterized by atypical lymphocytes demonstrating epidermotropism without spongiosis. Spongiosis is the histological hallmark of intercellular epidermal edema, viewed as clear spaces within the epidermis, and is very common in benign inflammatory dermatoses. Very few studies have reported MF in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We are reporting a case of MF with a rare presentation of spongiosis treated successfully with a low dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) followed by maintenance therapy of low dose Methotrexate (MT) at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania. This is the first case of MF to be managed with low-dose TSEBT in Tanzania. The authors wish to create awareness of the disease among physicians and pathologists and expand on the data paucity in SSA. CASE DESCRIPTION: We are reporting a case of a 31-year-old male of African origin who self-referred to our oncology center with a 4-year history of skin rashes throughout the body, which was unresponsive to topical steroid treatment. The biopsy was taken, and the patient was diagnosed with MF CD 3 positive with spongiosis. The patient was treated with radiotherapy, whereby he received low dose total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) 12 Gy in 3 fractions at a daily dose of 4 Gy, followed by maintenance therapy of low dose Methotrexate and attained an excellent therapeutic response. CONCLUSION: Spongiosis is an infrequent presentation of MF. Low-dose TSEBT provides reliable and rapid reduction of disease burden in patients with MF, which could be administered safely multiple times during a patient's disease with an acceptable toxicity profile. Lack of tendency to perform skin biopsies and cost constraints in assessing multiple immunophenotypic markers lead to missing the diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment of MF in resource-limited countries is challenging.

Dupilumab-Associated Lymphoid Reactions in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis.

Importance: Since the increased use of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis (AD) in daily practice, several cases have been reported on the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) and lymphoid infiltrates. Objective: To provide insight in the clinical and histopathologic features of patients with AD clinically suspected for CTCL during dupilumab treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective observational case series included adult (≥18 years) patients with AD treated with dupilumab between October 2017 and July 2022 at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands. Main outcomes and measures: Relevant patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were evaluated. Skin biopsies before, during, and after treatment were collected and reassessed. Results: Fourteen patients (54.5% male) with a median (IQR) age of 56 (36-66) years suspected for CTCL with deterioration of symptoms during dupilumab treatment were included. Of 14 patients, 3 were retrospectively diagnosed with preexistent mycosis fungoides (MF). Eleven patients with AD were eventually diagnosed with a lymphoid reaction (LR). These patients showed MF-like symptoms; however, histopathologic findings were different, and included sprinkled distribution of small hyperchromatic lymphocytes in the upper epidermal section, a dysregulated CD4:CD8 ratio, and CD30 overexpression, without loss of CD2/CD3/CD5. The median time to clinical worsening was 4.0 months (IQR, 1.4-10.0). Posttreatment biopsies showed complete clearance of the LR in all patients. Conclusions and relevance: This study found that dupilumab treatment can cause a reversible and benign LR, which mimics a CTCL, though has distinctive histopathologic features.

Deck-chair sign as a diagnostic clue for insidious T-cell lymphoma: An autopsy case of mycosis fungoides.

Skin reflects the presence of systemic diseases, leading to an unexpected diagnosis of insidious diseases. Deck-chair sign is a unique skin eruption characterized by widespread erythematous papules that become erythrodermic with spare skin folds. An association between the deck-chair sign and malignancies, especially hematological neoplasms, has been suggested. We report a forensic case of mycosis fungoides unexpectedly diagnosed in the presence of a deck-chair sign. Mycosis fungoides is representative of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Here, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing mycosis fungoides in a forensic autopsy case using basic histopathology and serology. We emphasize that the underlying malignancy should be primarily considered in cadavers with a positive deck-chair sign and review current reports about this characteristic skin manifestation.

Differential molecular programs of cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and CD30-positive transformed mycosis fungoides.

Background: Discriminating between cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (cALCL) and CD30-positive transformed mycosis fungoides (CD30+ TMF) is challenging, particularly when they arise in the context of pre-existing mycosis fungoides. The development of molecular diagnostic tools was hampered by the rarity of both diseases and the limited understanding of their pathogenesis. Methods: In this study, we established a cohort comprising 25 cALCL cases and 25 CD30+ TMF cases, with transcriptomic data obtained from 31 samples. We compared the clinicopathological information and investigated the gene expression profiling between these two entities. Furthermore, we developed an immunohistochemistry (IHC) algorithm to differentiate these two entities clinically. Results: Our investigation revealed distinct clinicopathological features and unique gene expression programs associated with cALCL and CD30+ TMF. cALCL and CD30+ TMF displayed marked differences in gene expression patterns. Notably, CD30+ TMF demonstrated enrichment of T cell receptor signaling pathways and an exhausted T cell phenotype, accompanied by infiltration of B cells, dendritic cells, and neurons. In contrast, cALCL cells expressed high levels of HLA class II genes, polarized towards a Th17 phenotype, and exhibited neutrophil infiltration. An IHC algorithm with BATF3 and TCF7 staining emerged as potential diagnostic markers for identifying these two entities. Conclusions: Our findings provide valuable insights into the differential molecular signatures associated with cALCL and CD30+ TMF, which contribute to their distinct clinicopathological behaviors. An appropriate IHC algorithm could be used as a potential diagnostic tool.