[Simultaneous presentation of bullous pemphigoid and mycosis fungoides]. / Presentación simultánea de penfigoide ampollar y micosis fungoide.

The relationship between bullous pemphigoid (BP) and neoplasms has been debated in the medical literature. Although numerous case reports have described the coexistence of BP with various neoplasms, case-control studies have yielded conflicting results. We present the case of a male patient who developed BP shortly after being diagnosed with mycosis fungoides (MF). He was a 77-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension who was diagnosed with MF. Subsequently, he developed blisters after sun exposure, and was diagnosed with BP through histopathology and direct immunofluorescence. The patient was treated with prednisone and methotrexate, with favorable evolution without recurrence of MF or appearance of new blisters. The association between cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and autoimmune blistering disease is rare, although similar cases have been reported, some associated with phototherapy. In this case, the onset of BP after sun exposure suggests a potential connection. The coexistence of BP and MF remains controversial, and this case highlights the importance of considering autoimmune blistering diseases in patients with oncohematological neoplasms.

La relación entre el penfigoide ampollar (PA) y las neoplasias ha sido objeto de debate en la literatura médica. Aunque numerosos informes de casos han descrito la coexistencia del PA con diversas neoplasias, estudios de casos y controles han arrojado resultados contradictorios. Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino que desarrolló un PA poco después de ser diagnosticado con una micosis fungoide (MF). Se trata de un hombre de 77 años con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 e hipertensión arterial que fue diagnosticado con MF. Posteriormente, desarrolló ampollas después de una exposición solar, siendo diagnosticado con PA mediante histopatología e inmunofluorescencia directa. El paciente fue tratado con meprednisona y metotrexato, evolucionando favorablemente sin recurrencia de MF ni aparición de nuevas ampollas. La asociación entre un linfoma cutáneo de células T y una enfermedad ampollar autoinmune es rara, aunque han sido reportados casos similares, algunos asociados con fototerapia. En este caso la aparición del PA después de la exposición solar sugiere una conexión potencial. La coexistencia entre PA y MF sigue siendo controvertida, y este caso destaca la importancia de considerar enfermedades ampollares autoinmunes en pacientes con neoplasias oncohematológicas.

Decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder

Abstract Background: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PC-SMTLD) has been considered as a controversial dermatological disease that has been included in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma group, presenting most commonly as a solitary nodule and/or plaque with a specific and characteristic head and neck predilection. Due to the considerable overlap between PC-SMTLD and pseudolymphoma (PL), the differential diagnosis is often challenging. Methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, it has rarely been studied in cutaneous lymphomas. Objectives: The authors aimed to explore the role of differential 5-hmC immunostaining as a useful marker to distinguish PC-SMTLD from PL. Methods: Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of 5-hmC was performed in PL and PC-SMTLD. Results: Significant decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining was observed in PC-SMTLD when compared with PL (p<0.0001). By semi-quantitative grade integration, there were statistical differences in the final 5-hmC scores in the two study groups. The IF co-staining of 5-hmC with CD4 revealed a decrease of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes of PC-SMTLD. Study limitations: The small clinical sample size of the study. Conclusions: The immunorreactivity of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process as PL. Furthermore, the decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining in PC-SMTLD indicated its lymphoproliferative status and helped to make the differential diagnosis with PL. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium sized pleomorphic T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder.

BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PC-SMTLD) has been considered as a controversial dermatological disease that has been included in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma group, presenting most commonly as a solitary nodule and/or plaque with a specific and characteristic head and neck predilection. Due to the considerable overlap between PC-SMTLD and pseudolymphoma (PL), the differential diagnosis is often challenging. Methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, it has rarely been studied in cutaneous lymphomas. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to explore the role of differential 5-hmC immunostaining as a useful marker to distinguish PC-SMTLD from PL. METHODS: Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of 5-hmC was performed in PL and PC-SMTLD. RESULTS: Significant decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining was observed in PC-SMTLD when compared with PL (p < 0.0001). By semi-quantitative grade integration, there were statistical differences in the final 5-hmC scores in the two study groups. The IF co-staining of 5-hmC with CD4 revealed a decrease of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes of PC-SMTLD. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The small clinical sample size of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The immunorreactivity of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process as PL. Furthermore, the decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining in PC-SMTLD indicated its lymphoproliferative status and helped to make the differential diagnosis with PL.

Blistering and aggressive paniculite cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is characterized by atypical T-cells expressing the α/ß T-cell receptor in the subcutaneous fat. Although it is usually indolent, some cases can show an aggressive course. It is usually a disease of the middle-aged, but can rarely affect children. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 12-year-old male, previously healthy, who presented a dermatosis disseminated to the four segments consisting of vesicles, blisters, erythematous and hematonecrotic plaques, atrophic scars, associated with edema. The biopsy confirmed limited cutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma with extensive epidermal necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: We report the case of a SPTCL in a child. Although rare in this age group, the diagnosis should be considered in children who present similar conditions and who do not respond to treatment. Diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion and confirmed by histology. We discuss the challenges in its management and how timely diagnosis influences patient survival.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El linfoma de células T tipo paniculitis subcutánea (LCCTP) se caracteriza por la presencia de linfocitos T atípicos que expresan el receptor de células T α/ß en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Aunque generalmente es indolente, algunos casos presentan un curso agresivo. Es mayormente una enfermedad de la mediana edad, rara vez afecta a los niños. CASO CLÍNICO: Se describe el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 12 años de edad, previamente sano que presentó una dermatosis diseminada a los cuatro segmentos constituida por vesículas, ampollas, placas eritematocostrosas y hematonecróticas, además de atróficas, asociadas con edema. La biopsia confirmó linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico con extensa necrosis epidérmica. CONCLUSIONES: Reportamos el caso de un LCCTP en un paciente pediátrico. Aunque es raro en este grupo de edad, se debe considerar en los niños que presentan cuadros similares y que no responden a tratamiento. El diagnóstico se realiza por sospecha clínica y se confirma por histología. Se discuten los desafíos en su manejo y cómo el diagnóstico oportuno influye en la sobrevida del paciente.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: clinical presentation, diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. MF is the most common cutaneous lymphoma, and it is classified into classic Alibert-Bazin MF, folliculotropic MF, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin, each with characteristic clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and distinct clinical behaviors. SS is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous lymphoma, and it is characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral blood involvement by malignant cells. There is a wide range of dermatological manifestations of MF/SS, and prompt recognition is essential for early diagnosis. Skin biopsy for histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis is imperative to confirm the diagnosis of MF/SS. Histopathology may also provide information that may influence prognosis and treatment. Staging follows the TNMB system. Besides advanced stage, other factors associated with poorer prognosis are advanced age, male gender, folliculotropism in histopathology of patients with infiltrated plaques and tumors in the head and neck region, large cell transformation, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Treatment is divided into skin-directed therapies (topical treatments, phototherapy, radiotherapy), and systemic therapies (biological response modifiers, targeted therapies, chemotherapy). Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and extracorporeal photopheresis are other treatment modalities used in selected cases. This review discusses the main clinical characteristics, the histopathological/immunohistochemical findings, the staging system, and the therapeutic management of MF/SS.

Infección por virus linfotrópico de células T humanas: Síndrome de Sezary asociado a paraparesia espástica tropical apropósito de un caso / Human T-cell lymphotropic virus infection: Sezary syndromeassociated with tropical spastic paraparesis: a case report

El virus linfotrópico de células T humanas tipo 1(HTLV-1, por sus siglas en inglés) es parte de la familia de los Retroviridae, perteneciente al género de los Delta retrovirus, está compuesto por una envoltura lipídica, obtenida de la célula huésped, en la superficie expresa proteínas transmembrana que le permite el anclaje e internalización por endocitosis al citoplasma celular. En su interior cuenta con una hebra de ARN de cadena simple en sentido positivo, además de las enzimas integrasa y transcriptasa inversa que forman la núcleo cápside icosaédrica. El virus linfotrópico de células T humanas está ampliamente distribuido a nivel mundial. Existen múltiples vías de transmisión (Transmisión vertical, interacciones sexuales, transfusiones sanguíneas, uso de drogas ilícitas endovenosas y el contacto de fluidos cargados de viriones con las mucosas). El 90% de los pacientes expuestos no desarrollaran síntomas, pero existe un 10% de los pacientes que desarrollaran el cuadro clínico. El HTLV-1 se asocia a dos cuadros clínicos bien establecidos: la paraparesia espática tropical y el linfoma cutáneo-T-leucemia de células T. Al ser inusual, presentándose en 1 de cada 100.000 habitantes, se discute el caso de una paciente femenina de 63 años de edad, con antecedentes de acalasia corregida quirúrgicamente, quien consulta con cuadro clínico de 2 meses de duración, caracterizado por debilidad progresiva simétrica en miembros inferiores que le impide la deambulación, incontinencia urinaria, lesiones cutáneas extensas y la presencia de hiperleucocitosis con más de 20% de blastos en sangre periférica, se realiza inmunofenotipo expresando que el 85% de linfocito T neoplásicos, resultando en leucemia de células T o síndrome de Sezary, posteriormente se confirma el diagnóstico al realizar Elisa de cuarta generación positivo para HTLV-1(AU)

The human T-cell lymphotropic virus is part of the Retroviridae family, belonging to the Delta retrovirus genus, thisvirus is composed of a lipid envelope, obtained from the hos tcell, on the surface it expresses transmembrane proteins that allow it to anchor and internalization by endocytosis into the cell cytoplasm. Inside it has a single-stranded RNA strand the positive direction, in addition to the enzymes integrase andreverse transcriptase that form the icosahedral nucleo capsid. Human T-cell T-cell lymphotrophic virus is widely distribute dworldwide. There are multiple routes of transmission (vertical transmission, sexual interactions, blood transfusions, use of intravenous illicit drugs and contact of virion-laden fluidswith mucous membranes). 90% of exposed patients will not develop symptoms, but there is 10% of patients who will develop the clinical picture, HTLV-1 is associated with twowell-established clinical pictures: tropical spastic paraplegia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. T-cell leukemia. As it is unusual, occurring in 1 out of every 100,000 inhabitants, the caseof a 63-year-old female patient with a history of surgically corrected achalasia is discussed, who consults with a clinical picture of 2 months duration, characterized due to progressive symmetrical weakness in the lower limbs that prevent walking, urinary incontinence, extensive skin lesions and the presence of hyperleukocytosis with more than 20% of blasts in peripheralblood, an immunophenotype is performed, expressing that 85% of neoplastic T lymphocytes, resulting in (T-cell leukemia) Sesary syndrome, diagnosis is later confirmed by performing afourth generation Elisa positive for HT LV-1(AU)

Linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico, ampolloso y agresivo / Blistering and aggressive paniculite cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Resumen Introducción: El linfoma de células T tipo paniculitis subcutánea (LCCTP) se caracteriza por la presencia de linfocitos T atípicos que expresan el receptor de células T α/β en el tejido celular subcutáneo. Aunque generalmente es indolente, algunos casos presentan un curso agresivo. Es mayormente una enfermedad de la mediana edad, rara vez afecta a los niños. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 12 años de edad, previamente sano que presentó una dermatosis diseminada a los cuatro segmentos constituida por vesículas, ampollas, placas eritematocostrosas y hematonecróticas, además de atróficas, asociadas con edema. La biopsia confirmó linfoma cutáneo de células T paniculítico con extensa necrosis epidérmica. Conclusiones: Reportamos el caso de un LCCTP en un paciente pediátrico. Aunque es raro en este grupo de edad, se debe considerar en los niños que presentan cuadros similares y que no responden a tratamiento. El diagnóstico se realiza por sospecha clínica y se confirma por histología. Se discuten los desafíos en su manejo y cómo el diagnóstico oportuno influye en la sobrevida del paciente.

Abstract Background: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is characterized by atypical T-cells expressing the α/β T-cell receptor in the subcutaneous fat. Although it is usually indolent, some cases can show an aggressive course. It is usually a disease of the middle-aged, but can rarely affect children. Case report: We describe the case of a 12-year-old male, previously healthy, who presented a dermatosis disseminated to the four segments consisting of vesicles, blisters, erythematous and hematonecrotic plaques, atrophic scars, associated with edema. The biopsy confirmed limited cutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphoma with extensive epidermal necrosis. Conclusions: We report the case of a SPTCL in a child. Although rare in this age group, the diagnosis should be considered in children who present similar conditions and who do not respond to treatment. Diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion and confirmed by histology. We discuss the challenges in its management and how timely diagnosis influences patient survival.

Response to Chlormethine/Mechlorethamine gel Maintenance Treatment Regimen in Patients With Mycosis Fungoides: A Single-center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common subtype of Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, is caused by malignant T-cell proliferations in the skin that can invade blood, lymph nodes, or viscera. Currently, data on efficacy of maintenance therapies in MF are lacking. We developed a unique protocol to use chlormethine/mechlorethamine 0.016% gel formulation as maintenance regimen for MF patients in remission. PURPOSE: To determine progression-free survival and efficacy of chlormethine/mechlorethamine as maintenance and active treatment regimens for MF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of MF patients seen at Thomas Jefferson University from 2012 to 2020 was conducted. Patients of all stages treated with chlormethine/mechlorethamine as maintenance or active treatment with 2 consecutive mSWATs (modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool) documented were included. Treatment outcomes were assessed by change in mSWAT and progression-free survival. Dermatology Life Quality Index surveys before and after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 186 MF patients, 44 met inclusion criteria. Patients on maintenance therapy had a 65.22% progression-free survival rate with median time to progression of 29.45 months. By-time analysis for responders on active and maintenance treatment showed an increased response over time. Peak responses were seen at last mSWAT recorded. Both cohorts experienced improved quality-of-life scores from initiation to discontinuation of chlormethine/mechlorethamine. CONCLUSION: Patients on maintenance and active chlormethine/mechlorethamine treatment regimens demonstrated improvement in mSWAT and quality-of-life. Chlormethine/mechlorethamine treatment showed progression-free survival for a median of 29.45 months, indicating this therapy may be an effective maintenance regimen.

Primary cutaneous CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma of the face with intraoral involvement, resulting in facial nerve palsy after chemotherapy.

The primary cutaneous (PC) CD8+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) comprise clinically and histopathologically heterogeneous entities including mycosis fungoides, lymphomatoid papulosis, hydroa-vacciniforme-like LPD, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (TCL), PC acral CD8+ TCL, PC CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic TCL, and PC peripheral TCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). We describe a 33-year-old man who presented with progressive facial swelling and lower lip involvement 1 year ago. Microscopy revealed an atypical small to medium-sized lymphoid proliferation exhibiting perivascular accentuation, adnexotropism, and apoptotic cell debris, without surface epithelium involvement. The tumor cells were positive for CD3, CD8, granzyme B, perforin, MUM1/IRF4, and TCR-BF1. The Ki-67 labeling index was 48%. EBER1/2 was negative. Additional studies confirmed localized disease. The diagnosis favored PC-PTCL-NOS. Two months after completing chemotherapy, right-sided facial nerve palsy was diagnosed. CD8+ T-cell LPDs should be considered in the differential diagnosis when assessing facial swelling with intraoral involvement.

The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Pathogenesis of Sézary Syndrome.

Sézary syndrome is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral blood involvement by CD4+ malignant T-cells. The pathogenesis of Sézary syndrome is not fully understood. However, the course of the disease is strongly influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which is altered by a combination of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The crosstalk between malignant and reactive cells affects the immunologic response against tumor cells causing immune dysregulation. This review focuses on the interaction of malignant Sézary cells and the tumor microenvironment.

A cross-sectional questionnaire study in a phototherapy unit during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, social isolation measures were imposed in Brazil to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), requiring health services to implement contingency plans. The main objective of the study was to verify the status of the disease, self-reported by patients who discontinued phototherapy, during a period of social isolation. METHODS: All patients receiving phototherapy at the Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, Brazil, prior to the implementation of social distancing measures were eligible for inclusion in the study. 86 patients answered a questionnaire during a medical evaluation. RESULTS: 95% of patients who stopped phototherapy reported a worsening of disease status. Only 19% of patients continued to attend phototherapy sessions during the social isolation period. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic led most patients to stop phototherapy, resulting in the perception of increased disease severity in an outpatient sample in southern Brazil.

NLRP3 Regulates IL-4 Expression in TOX+ CD4+ T Cells of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma to Potentially Promote Disease Progression.

In cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), a dominant Th2 profile associated with disease progression has been proposed. Moreover, although the production and regulation of IL-4 expression during the early stages of the disease may have important implications in later stages, these processes are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the presence of TOX+ CD4+ T cells that produce IL-4+ in early-stage skin lesions of CTCL patients and reveal a complex mechanism by which the NLRP3 receptor promotes a Th2 response by controlling IL-4 production. Unassembled NLRP3 is able to translocate to the nucleus of malignant CD4+ T cells, where it binds to the human il-4 promoter. Accordingly, IL-4 expression is decreased by knocking down and increased by promoting the nuclear localization of NLRP3. We describe a positive feedback loop in which IL-4 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, thereby further increasing its production. IL-4 induced a potentially malignant phenotype measured based on TOX expression and proliferation. This mechanism of IL-4 regulation mediated by NLRP3 is amplified in late-stage CTCL associated with disease progression. These results indicate that NLRP3 might be a key regulator of IL-4 expression in TOX+ CD4+ T cells of CTCL patients and that this mechanism might have important implications in the progression of the disease.

Photodynamic therapy of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell lines mediated by 5-aminolevulinic acid and derivatives.

The delta-amino acid 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), is the precursor of the endogenous photosensitiser Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), and is currently approved for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of certain superficial cancers. However, ALA-PDT is not very effective in diseases in which T-cells play a significant role. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) is a group of non-Hodgkin malignant diseases, which includes mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). In previous work, we have designed new ALA esters synthesised by three-component Passerini reactions, and some of them showed higher performance as compared to ALA. This work aimed to determine the efficacy as pro-photosensitisers of five new ALA esters of 2-hydroxy-N-arylacetamides (1f, 1 g, 1 h, 1i and 1 k) of higher lipophilicity than ALA in Myla cells of MF and HuT-78 cells of SS. We have also tested its effectiveness against ALA and the already marketed ALA methyl ester (Me-ALA) and ALA hexyl ester (He-ALA). Both cell Myla and SS cells were effectively and equally photoinactivated by ALA-PDT. Besides, the concentration of ALA required to induce half the maximal porphyrin synthesis was 209 µM for Myla and 169 µM for HuT-78 cells. As a criterion of efficacy, we calculated the concentration of the ALA derivatives necessary to induce half the plateau porphyrin values obtained from ALA. These values were achieved at concentrations 4 and 12 times lower compared to ALA, according to the derivative used. For He-ALA, concentrations were 24 to 25 times lower than required for ALA for inducing comparable porphyrin synthesis in both CTCL cells. The light doses for inducing 50% of cell death (LD50) for He-ALA, 1f, 1 g, 1 h and 1i were around 18 and 25 J/cm2 for Myla and HuT-78 cells respectively, after exposure to 0.05 mM concentrations of the compounds. On the other hand, the LD50s for the compound 1 k were 40 and 57 J/cm2 for Myla and HuT-78, respectively. In contrast, 0.05 mM of ALA and Me-ALA did not provoke photokilling since the concentration employed was far below the porphyrin saturation point for these compounds. Our results suggest the potential use of ALA derivatives for topical application in PDT treatment of MF and extracorporeal PDT for the depletion of activated T-cells in SS.

Micosis fungoide y VIH ¡Es posible esta excepcional relación! / Mycosis fungoides and HIV.This exceptional relationship is possible! Case report

RESUMEN Las enfermedades cutáneas en pacientes con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y/o síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) son comunes y altamente incapacitantes; sin embargo, la micosis fungoide (MF) es una complicación inusual en pacientes con VIH, por tal motivo no ha sido completamente dilucidado su etiopatogénesis ni su forma de presentación o manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes con esta patología. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de VIH y MF atendida en la unidad de Dermatología del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Medellín - Colombia.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous diseases in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common, becoming highly disabling entities in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); however, mycosis fungoides (MF) is a complication of low occurrence in patients with HIV, so it has not been clearly elucidated its presentation or manifestations in patients with this pathology. In this report we present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of HIV and MF treated at the Dermatology Unit of the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, in Medellín, Colombia.

Tumor-infiltrating and circulating granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells correlate with disease activity and adverse clinical outcomes in mycosis fungoides.

PURPOSE: Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL) are rare and histologically diverse lymphoproliferative neoplasms, with mycosis fungoides (MF) representing the most common disease subset. Given the emerging role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as a clinically applicable biomarker in solid tumors, we sought to investigate the presence of tumor-infiltrating and circulating MDSC in early- and advanced-stage MF patients and evaluate their prognostic significance in patient overall survival. METHODS: Tumor-infiltrating MDSC were assessed immunohistochemically with Arginase-1 in 31 MF and 14 non-MF skin punch biopsies. Circulating MDSC were assessed with flow cytometry in freshly isolated PBMC from 29 MF patients. Granulocytic MDSC (G-MDSC) were defined as CD11b+CD14-CD15+ and monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC) were defined as CD11b+CD14+HLA-DRlow/-. RESULTS: MDSC infiltration occurred in approximately one-third (35.5%) of CTCL lesions, with a predilection for non-MF lesions (p < 0.05). The predominant morphology of MDSC was granulocytic. Although in MF lesions the presence of MDSC infiltrates did not correlate with clinical stage, it conferred significantly worse overall survival outcomes (p < 0.05). Circulating G-MDSC were significantly higher in MF patients compared to healthy donor controls (p < 0.0001), while M-MDSC did not show any statistically significant difference. G-MDSC were significantly higher in patients with active disease compared to patients who were in partial remission (p < 0.01). As with tumor-infiltrating MDSC, clinical stage did not correlate with circulating G-MDSC levels, while prospective overall survival analysis showed that patients with high levels of circulating G-MDSC have significantly inferior outcomes (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that G-MDSC could represent a novel and easily assessable biomarker in MF, which mirrors disease activity and can predict patient subgroups with aggressive clinical features.

Micosis fungoide en vulva: Presentación de un caso / Vulvar mycosis fungoides: A case report

Mycosis fungoides is a malignant neoplasm originating in T lymphocytes. It usually starts with the appearance of flat spots, called "patch stage". As time goes by, lesions infiltrate surrounding tissue and plaques appear ("plaque stage"). We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient wiht clinical and histological findings of vulvar mycosis fungoides in patch stage.

La micosis fungoide es una neoplasia maligna originada en los linfocitos T. Usualmente inicia con la aparición de manchas planas o estadio de mancha. Con el correr de los años, las lesiones van siendo infiltrantes, apareciendo las placas o estadio de placas. Presentamos a un paciente de sexo femenino de 50 años con hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos de micosis fungoide en estadio eritematoso o manchas a nivel de vulva.

Granulomatous slack skin: a rare subtype of mycosis fungoides

Abstract: We report a case of granulomatous slack skin, a rare and indolent subtype of mycosis fungoides. It affects mainly men between the third and fourth decades. It is characterized by hardened and erithematous plaques that mainly affect flexural areas and become pedunculated after some years. Histological examination shows a dense infiltrate of small atypical lymphocytes involving the dermis (and sometimes the subcutaneous tissue) associated with histiocytic and multinucleated giant cells containing lymphocytes and elastic fibers (lymphophagocytosis and elastophagocytosis, respectively). Patients affected by this entity can develop secondary lymphomas. There are several but little effective therapeutic modalities described. Despite the indolent behavior of granulomatous slack skin, its early recognition and continuous monitoring by a dermatologist becomes essential for its management and prevention of an unfavorable outcome.

Efficacy of hydralazine and valproate in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a phase II study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the activity and safety of hydralazine and valproate (Transkrip) in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). METHODS: Previously untreated and progressive/refractory CTCL patients received hydralazine at 83 mg or 182 mg/day for slow and rapid acetylators respectively plus magnesium valproate at a total dose of 30 mg/Kg t.i.d daily in continuous 28-day cycles in this phase II study. The primary objective was overall response rate (ORR) measured by the modified severity weighted assessment tool (m-SWAT), secondary end-points were time to response (TTR), time to progression (TTP), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled (7 untreated and 7 pretreated). ORR was 71% with 50% complete and 21% partial. Two had stable disease and two progressed. At a median follow-up of 36 months (5-52), median TTR was 2 months (1-4); median DOR was 28 months (5-45); median PFS 36 and not reached for OS. There were no differences in median TTR, DOR, and PFS between treated and pretreated patients. Pruritus relieve was complete in 13 out of 14 patients. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. CONCLUSION: The combination of hydralazine and valproate is safe, very well tolerated and effective in CTCL.

CD30-positive cutaneous lymphoma: report of four cases with an emphasis on clinicopathological correlations

Abstract: The classification of cutaneous lymphomas is multidisciplinary and requires the correlation between clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular diagnostic elements. In this article, we present four different cases of CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma with cutaneous manifestations. We compare cases with definitive diagnosis of papulosis lymphomatoid type C, primary cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma with secondary skin involvement, and mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation, highlighting the importance of clinicopathological correlation to classify these cases.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma / Leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto

Summary Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature CD4+ T-cells caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Twenty million people are believed to be infected throughout the world, mostly in Japan, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, particularly in Brazil and Peru. ATL affects about 5% of infected individuals and is classified in the following clinical forms: acute, lymphoma, primary cutaneous tumoral, chronic (favorable and unfavorable), and smoldering (leukemic and non-leukemic). Although it is considered an aggressive disease, there are cases with a long progression. We emphasize the importance of clinical classification as an indispensable element for evaluating prognosis and appropriate therapeutic approach. Since several cases have been published in Brazil and this disease is still poorly known, we decided to make a review paper for dissemination of clinical, hematological and pathological aspects, diagnosis, and therapy. The best way to reduce the occurrence of ATL would be halting the transmission of the virus through breastfeeding.

Resumo A leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto (LLcTA) é uma neoplasia de células T maduras CD4+ causada pelo vírus linfotrópico para células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1). Acredita-se que existem cerca de 20 milhões de pessoas infectadas em todo o mundo, principalmente no Japão, na África, no Caribe e na América do Sul, particularmen te no Brasil e no Peru. A LLcTA acomete cerca de 5% dos indivíduos infectados e classifica-se nas seguintes formas clínicas: aguda, linfomatosa, tumoral primária de pele, crônica (favorável e desfavorável) e indolente (leucêmica e não leucêmica). Embora seja considerada uma doença agressiva, há casos com longa evolução. Salientamos a importância da classificação clínica como elemento im prescindível para avaliação do prognóstico e conduta terapêutica adequada. Como já foram publicados vários casos no Brasil e essa doença ainda é pouco conhecida, decidimos fazer um trabalho de revisão para divulgar os seus aspectos clínicos, hematológicos, anatomopatológi cos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos. O melhor meio de redu zir a ocorrência de LLcTA seria sustando a transmissão vertical do vírus pela amamentação.