Incidence and survival patterns of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas in the United States

Effectiveness and safety of interferon α-2a combined with phototherapy for patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides - a single-arm prospective study in 13 patients

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN) α-2a combined with phototherapy for early-stage MF.

Methods: Thirteen patients with early-stage MF received subcutaneous injections of IFN α-2a at 3 million IU combined with phototherapy three times per week for 6 months. Treatment efficacy was measured by changes in body surface area (BSA) score and modified severity-weighted assessment tool (mSWAT) score at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Histopathologic examinations of skin lesions were performed before and after treatment.

Results: After 3 months of treatment, all 13 patients achieved a partial response, and BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001). After 6 months, BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001) and after 3 months (p < 0.05). Eleven patients achieved complete remission and two patients achieved a partial response (overall response rate, 100%). Histopathologic examination showed a significant decrease in the number of atypical lymphocytes in both epidermis and dermis. No severe adverse effects occurred.

Conclusion: IFN α-2a in combination with phototherapy may be an effective and safe alternative modality for early-stage MF.

The impact of race and ethnicity on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outcomes within the veterans health administration (VHA)

We performed a retrospective chart review of 6266 randomly selected DLBCL patients treated in the VHA nationwide between 1/1/2011 and 12/31/2021. The 3178 patients who met inclusion criteria were predominantly male (97%) and white (75%). Median age of diagnosis for Black patients was 63 years vs 69 years for the entire cohort (p < 0.001). However, patients in each race/ethnicity subgroup presented with similar rates of stage I/II and III/IV disease, IPI score, cell of origin and HIT status. Outcomes analysis revealed similar treatment, response rates, median overall survival, and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival across all subgroups. Hispanic patients had a 21% lower risk of death (HR = 0.79) than white patients, and Black patients had no significant difference in survival (HR = 0.98). This large retrospective study shows that when standard of care therapy is given within an equal access system, short-term treatment and survival outcomes are the same for all races.

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.

Cost of Treating Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Spain: Analysis of MICADOS Study Data by Disease Stage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The cost of treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in Spain is unknown. With the advent of new treatments, it is more important than ever to gain an accurate picture of the true costs involved. The MICADOS study had 2 primary objectives: 1)to evaluate the impact of CTCL on patient quality of life, and 2)to evaluate the costs associated with the disease. This article reports the results of the cost analysis.

METHODS

We estimated the cost of treating CTCL over a period of 1year from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. Twenty-three dermatologists and hematologists from 15 public hospitals analyzed data for adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS).

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients (57.4% male) with a mean age of 63.6 years (95%CI: 61.4-65.7 years) were included. The mean direct annual cost of treating CTCL was €34,214 per patient. The corresponding costs by stage were €11,952.47 for stageI disease, €23,506.21 for stageII disease, €38,771.81 for stageIII disease, and €72,748.84 for stageIV disease. The total direct annual cost of treating MF/SS in public hospitals in Spain was estimated at €78,301,171; stageI disease accounted for 81% of all costs, stageII for 7%, and stagesIII andIV for 6% each.

CONCLUSIONS

The MICADOS study offers an accurate picture of the direct cost of treating CTCL in patients with MF/SS in Spain and shows that costs vary significantly according to disease stage. Patient-borne and indirect costs should be analyzed in future studies.

[Translated article] Cost of Treating Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Spain: Analysis of MICADOS Study Data by Disease Stage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The cost of treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in Spain is unknown. With the advent of new treatments, it is more important than ever to gain an accurate picture of the true costs involved. The MICADOS study had 2 primary objectives: 1)to evaluate the impact of CTCL on patient quality of life, and 2)to evaluate the costs associated with the disease. This article reports the results of the cost analysis.

METHODS

We estimated the cost of treating CTCL over a period of 1year from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. Twenty-three dermatologists and hematologists from 15 public hospitals analyzed data for adult patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS).

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients (57.4% male) with a mean age of 63.6 years (95%CI: 61.4-65.7 years) were included. The mean direct annual cost of treating CTCL was €34,214 per patient. The corresponding costs by stage were €11,952.47 for stageI disease, €23,506.21 for stageII disease, €38,771.81 for stageIII disease, and €72,748.84 for stageIV disease. The total direct annual cost of treating MF/SS in public hospitals in Spain was estimated at €78,301,171; stageI disease accounted for 81% of all costs, stageII for 7%, and stagesIII andIV for 6% each.

CONCLUSIONS

The MICADOS study offers an accurate picture of the direct cost of treating CTCL in patients with MF/SS in Spain and shows that costs vary significantly according to disease stage. Patient-borne and indirect costs should be analyzed in future studies.

Prognostic clinical and histopathological features of canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma

Canine cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma is a neoplasm with heterogeneous clinical and histopathological presentations. Survival times and responses to therapy are variable, and indicators to predict outcomes are lacking. Clinical and histopathological parameters from 176 archival cases from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Bern (2012-2018) were investigated for associations with clinical outcomes. Histopathological evaluation used digitized whole slide images and QuPath software. Cases included 107 female and 69 male dogs from 48 breeds, with a mean age of 10.4 years. Most common clinical signs were erythema (n = 131), crusting (n = 108), and scaling (n = 102). Affected sites were haired skin (n = 159), lip (n = 74), nasal planum (n = 49), and paw pads (n = 48). The median survival time (MST) was 95 days (1-850). Dogs had 4.26-fold and 2.82-fold longer MST when treated with chemotherapy and prednisone, respectively, than when receiving supportive care. Haired skin involvement (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.039, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.180-3.523), erosions/ulcers (HR: 1.871, 95% CI: 1.373-2.548), nodules (HR: 1.496, 95% CI: 1.056-2.118), and crusting (HR: 1.454, 95% CI: 1.061-1.994) were clinical parameters predicting poor outcomes, whereas complete posttherapeutic clinical remission (HR: 0.469, 95% CI: 0.324-0.680) and a stable disease (HR: 0.323, 95% CI: 0.229-0.456) were associated with longer survival. Histopathological features associated with the increased risk of death were extensive infiltration of the panniculus (HR: 2.865, 95% CI: 1.565-4.809), mitotic count ≥7/high-power field (HR: 3.027, 95% CI: 2.065-4.439), cell diameter ≥10.0 µm (HR: 2.078, 95% CI: 1.281-3.372), and nuclear diameter ≥8.3 µm (HR: 3.787, 95% CI: 1.647-8.707).

Staging lymph nodes and blood at diagnosis in mycosis fungoides identifies patients at increased risk of progression to advanced stage: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for progression to advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) are poorly defined.

METHODS

The authors performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study among patients with MF at an academic medical center from 1990 to 2020 to identify clinical variables associated with progression to advanced-stage MF (stage IIB-IVB), and 388 patients who had a clinicopathologic diagnosis of early stage (IA-IIA) MF were identified from their cutaneous lymphoma database. Baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory values, imaging, and blood flow cytometry or T-cell receptor gene rearrangement (TCR) data were collected. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors associated with progression.

RESULTS

Overall, 93 of 388 patients (24.0%) progressed to advanced stage. Patients who progressed had an increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 4.50; 95% CI, 2.89-7.00; p < .001). Progression was associated with a higher overall stage at diagnosis, tumor stage, lymph node stage, low-level blood involvement, as measured with TCR data and/or flow cytometry, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Limitations included missing data for LDH, imaging, peripheral blood TCR data, or flow cytometry assessed at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Staging and baseline laboratory assessments with imaging, peripheral blood flow cytometry, TCR data, and LDH in patients who have newly diagnosed MF may identify those who are at risk for progression to advanced stage.

Characteristics and Outcomes for Hospitalized Patients With Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Importance

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of rare, complex cutaneous malignant neoplasms associated with significant disease burden on patients and the health care system. Currently, the population of patients with CTCL admitted to the hospital remains largely uncharacterized and poorly understood.

Objective

To characterize the clinical characteristics, course of hospitalization, and mortality outcomes of an inpatient CTCL cohort.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter retrospective cohort study reviewed medical records for adult patients (age ≥18 years) with a CTCL diagnosis per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines admitted for inpatient hospitalization at 5 US academic medical centers with inpatient dermatology consult services and CTCL clinics between August 2016 and August 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient demographics, clinical history and findings, hospitalization courses, and mortality outcomes.

Results

A total of 79 hospitalized patients with CTCL were identified, including 52 (70.3%) men and 22 (29.7%) women, with a median (IQR) age at hospitalization of 62.9 (27-92) years. The majority of admitted patients with CTCL were White (65 patients [82.3%]), had disease classified as mycosis fungoides (48 patients [61.5%]), and had advanced-stage disease (≥IIB, 70 patients [89.7%]). Most hospitalizations were complicated by infection (45 patients [57.0%]) and required intravenous antibiotic therapy (45 patients [57.0%]). In-hospital mortality occurred in 6 patients (7.6%) and was associated with higher body mass index (36.5 vs 25.3), history of thromboembolic disease (50.0% vs 12.3%), and diagnosis of sepsis on admission (66.7% vs 20.5%). At 1-year postdischarge, 36 patients (49.3%) patients had died, and mortality was associated with history of solid organ cancers (27.8% vs 10.8%), wound care as the reason for dermatology consultation (58.3% vs 24.3%), and presence of large cell transformation (58.3% vs 22.9%).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study improve the understanding of hospitalized patients with CTCL and lend valuable insight into identifying factors associated with both in-hospital and long-term mortality outcomes. This refined understanding of the inpatient CTCL population provides a foundation for larger, more robust studies to identify causal risk factors associated with mortality, development of prognostic scoring systems to estimate the probability of hospital mortality. Overall, the findings may prompt physicians caring for patients with CTCL to implement preventive strategies to diminish hospitalization and improve clinical management across this unique disease spectrum.

Clinical Presentation and Outcome Differences Between Black Patients and Patients of Other Races and Ethnicities With Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

Importance

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) has an increased incidence in Black patients, but clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes have been poorly characterized.

Objective

To assess racial differences in presentation and outcome and identify drivers for racial disparities in MF/SS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of 566 patients with MF/SS diagnosed from 1990 to 2020 and seen at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital, both in Atlanta, Georgia. Self-reported race and ethnicity were obtained from patient medical records and analyzed as 2 groups: non-Hispanic Black (Black) and all other races and ethnicities, including Asian, Hispanic, White, and unknown/undeclared (non-Black).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Univariate and multivariable models and Kaplan-Meier assessments were analyzed for overall survival and time to next treatment. The primary outcome was to assess differences in overall survival by racial and ethnic group. The hypotheses were formulated prior to data collection.

Results

Of the 566 patients with MF/SS identified (mean [SD] age 55 [16.4] years; 270 (47.7%) female), 257 were Black and 309 were non-Black. Black race was associated with increased rates of progression to a higher TNMB stage (39.8% in Black patients vs 29.1% in non-Black patients; P < .001) but not survival. Black patients were younger and had increased female predominance, higher TNMB stage, higher tumor stage, nodal involvement, and higher lactate dehydrogenase level compared with non-Black patients with MF/SS. Hypopigmented MF (HMF) was found in 62 patients, who were mostly Black (n = 59). Hypopigmented MF was significantly associated with survival on univariate and multivariable models, with 10-year survival of 100% in patients with HMF compared with 51.8% in patients without HMF. Black race was only associated with inferior outcomes after excluding patients with HMF who were younger than 60 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02-2.55; P = .04), but not in patients older than 60 years (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.80-1.81; P = .37). On multivariate analysis, among the cohort without HMF who were younger than 60 years, Black race remained statistically significant when controlling for cancer stage and large-cell transformation (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-2.87; P = .43).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, Black patients with MF/SS showed distinct clinical presentations and patterns of progression with heterogeneous outcomes depending on age at presentation and presence of HMF.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma following dupilumab use: a systematic review

In recent years, studies have associated dupilumab with unmasking or progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The objective of this study was to synthesize reported cases of CTCL in the setting of dupilumab use. Two independent reviewers conducted a systematic review using PubMed and Embase databases. Twelve studies, of 27 total patients, were included. Dupilumab-associated CTCL was diagnosed on average 7.8 months following dupilumab initiation. Of reports that included body surface area (BSA), 100% had a BSA >50% prior to diagnosis, and the majority of patients were diagnosed at later stages of disease: stage III (4/18) or IV (6/18). Post-dupilumab biopsies revealed a greater density of cells and a predominant lichenoid pattern, compared to various histologic patterns and less cell density in pre-dupilumab biopsies. The majority of TCR gene rearrangement studies were equivocal (20%) or negative (60%), posing a potential diagnostic pitfall. Limitations included lack of standardized data collection and reporting and a small number of studies. We suggest that earlier biopsies, three to four months after initiation of dupilumab, may be helpful for earlier recognition of CTCL in patients who are not improving, progressing, or have morphologic changes on dupilumab.

Epidemiologic Trends of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Arkansas Reveals Demographic Disparities

Accurate demographic data are critical for comprehending and treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Our research aimed to determine the demographics and incidence trends of CTCL patients in Arkansas compared to those of the national CTCL population to recognize the underlying disparities. We collected data from 143 CTCL patients at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and national CTCL patient data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Our analysis revealed that males are affected more than females across all ages and races. CTCL incidence and mortality data show that CTCL has a steady increase at the national level and in Arkansas while disproportionately affecting the young black male population. In Arkansas, more than one-third of black patients presented at an advanced stage (IIB+) compared to one-fifth in the white population, and the mean age of death was more than a decade younger for black (60 years) than for white patients (74.6 years). Nationally, black male patients had the greatest mortality rate (0.5) compared to 0.32 for white males. CTCL is 2.23 and 2.38 times more prevalent in urban versus rural areas in Arkansas and nationally, respectively. Most Arkansas patients reside near major interstates and chemical-emitting sites. In conclusion, our demographic analysis of Arkansas and national CTCL patients verifies recent trends toward more aggressive presentations in young black male patients, and our geographic findings suggest possible environmental risk factors.

African American and Caucasian patients with Sézary syndrome have no differences in outcomes at an ethnically diverse urban medical center

Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with poor survival. We performed a retrospective review of SS patients at Emory University from 1990 to 2020. We collected data on race, clinical characteristics, therapy, and social determinants of health. Clinical endpoints were overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment (TTNT). Univariate association and multivariable analyses were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. Among 62 patients, 45.2% were AA. The median OS and TTNT were 3.1 years and 6.3 months, respectively, with no difference by race. AA patients had a higher median baseline LDH (360 vs. 232, p = 0.002) and a longer delay in initiation of systemic therapy compared to CC patients (3.17 vs. 2.14 months, p = 0.039), but a shorter commute (<10 miles) and no difference in insurance coverage (p = 0.260). AA patients at an academic center had unique clinical features and treatment patterns, but similar survival to CC SS patients.

The Skin Microbiome in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL)—A Narrative Review

In recent years, numerous studies have shown a significant role of the skin microbiome in the development and exacerbation of skin diseases. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of malignancies primary involving skin, with unclear pathogenesis and etiology. As external triggers appear to contribute to chronic skin inflammation and the malignant transformation of T-cells, some microorganisms or dysbiosis may be involved in these processes. Recently, studies analyzing the skin microbiome composition and diversity have been willingly conducted in CTCL patients. In this review, we summarize currently available data on the skin microbiome in CTLC. We refer to a healthy skin microbiome and the contribution of microorganisms in the pathogenesis and progression of other skin diseases, focusing on atopic dermatitis and its similarities to CTCL. Moreover, we present information about the possible role of identified microorganisms in CTCL development and progression. Additionally, we summarize information about the involvement of Staphylococcus aureus in CTCL pathogenesis. This article also presents therapeutic options used in CTCL and discusses how they may influence the microbiome.

Epidemiological Characteristics and the Development of Prognostic Nomograms of Patients With HIV-Associated Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Background

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (HIV-associated CTCL) is very low, and there is a lack of relevant epidemiological and clinical prognostic studies. Therefore, we aimed to study the epidemiological characteristics of HIV-associated CTCL and to construct and validate a nomogram predicting patient survival.

Methods

Demographic, clinical characteristics, and incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were screened for patients with HIV-associated CTCL. Independent prognostic factors in patients with HIV-associated CTCL were analyzed to establish nomograms of overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates of patients. The performance of the prediction model was validated by the consistency index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration plots.

Results

A total of 883 eligible patients were screened for inclusion in this study and randomized to the training cohort (70%, n = 619) and the validation cohort (30%, n = 264). The age-adjusted average incidence rate per 100,000 persons per year for HIV-associated CTCL was 0.071 for the period 2004-2017, with an increasing incidence rate. The median age of the included patients was 59 years, of which male Caucasian held a majority. 99.5% of the patients had a tumor tissue subtype of mycosis fungoides, while the other tumor subtypes were sézary syndrome. The median OS for patients with HIV-associated CTCL was 162 months, and the OS rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 0.964, 0.904, 0.835, and 0.766, respectively. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were performed, and prognostic indicators such as "Age", "Radiation", "Chemotherapy", "Summary stage", "Sequence number" were ultimately incorporated and used to establish nomograms of OS and DSS rates at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years for the training cohort. The C-index, AUC, and calibration plot confirmed that our prediction model had good accuracy.

Conclusion

While HIV-associated CTCL is very rare, its incidence has been on the rise in the last decade or so. We described the epidemiological characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with HIV-associated CTCL.

Skin Cancer in People of Color: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

People of African, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Pacific Islander, and Native Indian descent are considered people of color by the Skin of Color Society (SOCS).

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we assess incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, histopathology, treatment, and survival for skin malignancies in people of color as defined by the SOCS, by systematically reviewing the literature.

METHODS

An electronic literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases was performed. Articles published from 1 January 1990 through 12 December 2020 were included in the search.

RESULTS

We identified 2666 publications potentially meeting the study criteria. Titles and abstracts of these studies were reviewed and 2353 were excluded. The full text of 313 articles were evaluated and 251 were included in this review.

CONCLUSION

Differences in incidence, patterns, treatment, and survival exist among people of color for cutaneous malignancies. Further research and initiatives are needed to account for and mitigate these differences.

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Caring for Patients with Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma and its subtypes, mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), comprise a spectrum of chronic lymphoproliferative disorders in which neoplastic T cells accumulate within the skin and visceral organs. This process is frequently characterized by severe pain, nonpain symptoms, and physical disfigurement. Significant emotional, spiritual, and existential distress is also felt by many of these patients as they experience a chronic, often incurable disease. Patients suffering from these diseases, though not commonly encountered, can benefit greatly from palliative care support. In this article, a team of palliative care clinicians, critical care physicians, and an oncologist specializing in lymphoma offer 10 tips to help palliative care teams to support these vulnerable and often-distressed patients and their caregivers.

Geographic clustering of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in New Jersey: an exploratory analysis using residential histories

PURPOSE

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Previous studies have reported geographic clustering of CTCL based on the residence at the time of diagnosis. We explore geographic clustering of CTCL using both the residence at the time of diagnosis and past residences using data from the New Jersey State Cancer Registry.

METHODS

CTCL cases (n = 1,163) diagnosed between 2006-2014 were matched to colon cancer controls (n = 17,049) on sex, age, race/ethnicity, and birth year. Jacquez's Q-Statistic was used to identify temporal clustering of cases compared to controls. Geographic clustering was assessed using the Bernoulli-based scan-statistic to compare cases to controls, and the Poisson-based scan-statisic to compare the observed number of cases to the number expected based on the general population. Significant clusters (p < 0.05) were mapped, and standard incidence ratios (SIR) reported. We adjusted for diagnosis year, sex, and age.

RESULTS

The Q-statistic identified significant temporal clustering of cases based on past residences in the study area from 1992 to 2002. A cluster was detected in 1992 in Bergen County in northern New Jersey based on the Bernoulli (1992 SIR 1.84) and Poisson (1992 SIR 1.86) scan-statistics. Using the Poisson scan-statistic with the diagnosis location, we found evidence of an elevated risk in this same area, but the results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence of geographic clustering of CTCL cases in New Jersey based on past residences. Additional studies are necessary to understand the possible reasons for the excess of CTCL cases living in this specific area some 8-14 years prior to diagnosis.

The impact of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and stage on quality of life in a spectrum of cutaneous lymphomas

PURPOSE

Cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a group of rare, potentially disfiguring and disabling cancers that can have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). While previous studies have shown that mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) impair QoL, the effect of other types of CL on QoL has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of disease on QoL in all CL patients and to assess how QoL between the CL sub-types varies by demographic and clinical factors.

METHODS

The Cutaneous Lymphoma Distress Questionnaire (CL-DQ) was used to assess QoL. All CL patients seen in a multidisciplinary CL clinic were screened for eligibility. Questionnaire responses were collected over a 22-month period between 2017 and 2019. A cross-sectional analysis of CL-DQ scores from an initial visit was performed to determine the effect of disease on QoL across CL sub-types and the potential impact of patient demographics, CL sub-type, and type of treatment.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 151 patients presenting with distinct types of cutaneous B- and T-cell lymphomas. Notable across the study population were the findings of frustration (44%), worry about progress/spread (43%), itching/pruritus (32%), and embarrassment/shame (28%). QoL was found to be most negatively affected in SS patients, females, younger patients, Black patients, and those with advanced stages of MF/SS.

CONCLUSIONS

Impairment of QoL due to CL correlates with gender, age, race/ethnicity, and stage of MF/SS. While the negative impact on QoL is most pronounced in SS patients, other CL sub-types also affect QoL and impact psychosocial distress. Our findings highlight the need for QoL assessment in all CL patients and further examination of disparities noted across demographic groups.

Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: An Integrative Review of the Pathophysiology, Molecular Drivers, and Targeted Therapy

Simple Summary

In the last few years, the field of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas has experienced major advances. In the context of an active translational and clinical research field, next-generation sequencing data have boosted our understanding of the main molecular mechanisms that govern the biology of these entities, thus enabling the development of novel tools for diagnosis and specific therapy. Here, we focus on mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome; we review essential aspects of their pathophysiology, provide a rational mechanistic interpretation of the genomic data, and discuss the current and upcoming therapies, including the potential crosstalk between genomic alterations and the microenvironment, offering opportunities for targeted therapies.

Abstract

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) constitute a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) account for the majority of these lesions and have recently been the focus of extensive translational research. This review describes and discusses the main pathobiological manifestations of MF/SS, the molecular and clinical features currently used for diagnosis and staging, and the different therapies already approved or under development. Furthermore, we highlight and discuss the main findings illuminating key molecular mechanisms that can act as drivers for the development and progression of MF/SS. These seem to make up an orchestrated constellation of genomic and environmental alterations generated around deregulated T-cell receptor (TCR)/phospholipase C, gamma 1, (PLCG1) and Janus kinase/ signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) activities that do indeed provide us with novel opportunities for diagnosis and therapy.

Understanding and Addressing Disparities in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies: Approaches for Clinicians

Approximately 185,840 individuals will be diagnosed with hematologic malignancies in the United States in 2020. Disparities in disease incidence, prevalence, burden, mortality, and survivorship have been identified among this patient population. Contributing factors include genetic ancestry, race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. Historically, these inequities have been understudied. Addressing these disparities requires a systems-level approach, improving access to care and reducing biases in the clinical setting. Additional research is needed to construct comprehensive, multilevel models to explore systematic observational studies and perform strategic intervention trials to overcome these disparities.

Epidemiology of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 16,953 Patients

Simple Summary

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are rare malignant diseases. In this study we have compared the cutaneous lymphoma registries of different countries, which included information on at least 100 patients. The frequencies of each CTCL subtype were compared within and between continents. We found that the registries differed importantly in terms of size and quality. Some rare CTCL subtypes, such as NK/T-cell lymphoma or subcutaneous panniculitis-like lymphomas, were more frequent in Asian countries, while others were evenly distributed. We discuss possible reasons for this and provide suggestions on how to build future CTCL registries.

Abstract

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogenous group of rare diseases. Many studies have reported on local epidemiology or geographic clustering, however we lack information from a global perspective. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in Medline and the Cochrane Library based on a previously registered protocol and according to the preferred reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). We selected publications that enrolled at least 100 patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas according to the current classifications. The relative frequencies (proportions) of subtypes were compared between studies and geographic regions in a meta-analysis. In total, 26 studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting on altogether 16,953 patients. Within primary cutaneous lymphomas, CTCL appeared to be 15% more frequent in Asian populations. Mycosis fungoides (MF) accounted for 62% of CTCL, with an important heterogeneity in frequencies between studies and continents. The proportion of Sézary syndrome (SS) was 3%, stable worldwide. Rare CTCL, such as NK/T-cell lymphoma or subcutaneous panniculitis-like lymphoma, were more frequent in Asian studies. This global meta-analysis of CTCL confirmed the predominance of CTCL among primary cutaneous lymphomas (83% on average) in the three analyzed continents, most of which were MF cases. It revealed the same proportions of SS across continents, and the heterogeneity of MF frequencies, suggesting the possible role of environmental factors in the pathophysiology of the latter. Registration number: CRD42020148295 (PROSPERO).

Recent Update of HDAC Inhibitors in Lymphoma

Modulating epigenetic modification has been recognized for over a decade as an effective therapeutic approach to cancer and many studies of histone deacetylase (HDAC), one of the best known epigenetic modulators, have been published. HDAC modulates cell proliferation and angiogenesis and plays an essential role in cell growth. Research shows that up-regulated HDACs are present in many cancer types and synthetic or natural HDAC inhibitors have been used to silence overregulated HDACs. Inhibiting HDACs may cause arrest of cell proliferation, angiogenesis reduction and cell apoptosis. Recent studies indicate that HDAC inhibitors can provide a therapeutic effect in various cancers, such as B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma and some virus-associated cancers. Some evidence has demonstrated that HDAC inhibitors can increase the expression of immune-related molecules leading to accumulation of CD8 + T cells and causing unresponsive tumor cells to be recognized by the immune system, reducing tumor immunity. This may be a solution for the blockade of PD-1. Here, we review the emerging development of HDAC inhibitors in various cancer treatments and reduction of tumor immunity.

Long-Term Disease Control After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma; Results From a Single Institution Analysis

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) has been proposed as curative approach for advanced cutaneous T–cell lymphomas (CTCL). Currently, there is no established consensus for the management of disease relapse after alloHSCT.

Results: Ten patients, previously treated with multiple lines of systemic treatment, received alloHSCT. Six patients had achieved partial response (PR, N = 5) and complete response (CR, N = 1) prior to HSCT. Post—HSCT, seven patients (N = 7) relapsed after a median time of 3.3 months (0.5–7.4 months) and were subsequently treated with radiotherapy (RT, N = 1), RT and adoptive T-cell transfer with EBV specific cells (N = 1), R-CHOP (N = 1) and interferon alpha−2a combined either with donor lymphocyte infusion (N = 1) or with brentuximab—vedotin (N = 1). One patient (N = 1) achieved PR only after reducing the immunosuppression. Two patients relapsed again and received interferon alpha−2a and brentuximab—vedotin, respectively. After a median follow-up time of 12.6 months (3.5–73.7 months) six patients were alive (60%) and four had deceased, three (N = 3) due to CTCL and one (N = 1) due to GVHD.

Conclusion: Disease relapse after alloHSCT can be controlled with available treatments. For most patients who ultimately relapsed, reduction of immunosuppression and interferon alpha−2a either administered alone or in combination with another systemic agent were preferred. Although interferon alpha−2a, similarly to immunosuppression reduction, may be beneficial for the achievement of graft–vs.–lymphoma effect, the risk of simultaneous worsening of GVHD must be carefully evaluated and taken into consideration.

Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: An Update

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous collection of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that arise from skin-tropic memory T lymphocytes. Among them, mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common malignancies. Diagnosis requires the combination of clinical, pathologic, and molecular features. Significant advances have been made in understanding the genetic and epigenetic aberrations in SS and to some extent in MF. Several prognostic factors have been identified. The goal of treatment is to minimize morbidity and limit disease progression. However, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, considered for patients with advanced stages, is the only therapy with curative intent.

Mycosis Fungoides of the True Vocal Folds: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of laryngeal involvement of mycosis fungoides and its symptomatic treatment with laser-assisted surgical ablation.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

RESULTS

A 76-year-old woman with longstanding MF previously treated with Brentuximab Vedotin who developed persistent cough and dysphonia. The patient's laryngeal disease burden was treated with KTP-laser ablation and further reduced with doxorubicin and radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although laryngeal, and especially glottic, involvement is a rare finding, suspicion should be maintained in symptomatic patients with cutaneous mycosis fungoides. This the first reported surgical laser treatment of laryngeal symptoms in this context, which can greatly improve a patient's quality of life.

Cost of early-stage mycosis fungoides treatments in Spain

AIM

To identify the most common therapeutic options for the treatment of early-stage mycosis fungoides in Spain, quantify their associated healthcare resource use and costs.

METHODS

After reviewing the literature, a panel of 6 Spanish clinical dermatologists validated the treatments and healthcare resource use through a structured questionnaire. Individual responses were collected, analyzed and presented into a face-to-face meeting in order to reach a consensus. Cost categories considered were: drug acquisition and administration, photo/radiotherapy session and maintenance, clinical follow-up visits and laboratory tests. Costs were expressed in euros from 2018. The Spanish National Health System perspective was considered, taking into account direct health costs and time horizons of 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Costs for the skin-directed treatments (SDT) assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months, were: Topical carmustine [€6,593.36, €19,780.09 and €27,592.78]; Phototherapy with psoralens and ultraviolet A light (PUVA) [€1,098.68, €2,999.99 and €3,187.60]; Narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy [€1,657.47, €4,842.10 and €4,842.10]; Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) [€6,796.45, €7,913.34 and €7,913.34]. Cost for topical corticosteroids, being considered an adjuvant option, were €17.16, €51.49 and €102.97. Costs for the assessed systemic treatments alone or in combination with SDT at 1, 3 and 6 months, were: Systemic retinoids [€2,026.03, €5,206.63 and €7,426.42]; Systemic retinoids + PUVA phototherapy [€3,066.50, €8,271.26 and €10,046.58]; Interferon alfa + PUVA phototherapy [€1,541.09, €5,167.57 and €6,404.55].

CONCLUSION

According to the Spanish clinical practice, phototherapies in monotherapy were the treatments with the lowest associated costs regardless of the time horizon considered. TSEBT turned out as the treatment with the highest associated costs when considering 1 month. However, while considering 3 and 6 months the treatment with the highest associated costs was topical carmustine. The results of this analysis may provide critical information to measure the disease burden, to detect unmet medical needs and to advocate towards better treatments for this rare disease.

Clustering of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is associated with increased levels of the environmental toxins benzene and trichloroethylene in the state of Georgia

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising in the skin. Geographic clustering of CTCL has recently been reported, but its association with environmental factors is unknown. Benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE) are environmental toxins with carcinogenic properties. The authors investigated associations between geographic clustering of CTCL incidence in the state of Georgia with benzene and TCE exposure.

METHODS

The statewide county-level incidence of CTCL within Georgia was obtained from the Georgia Cancer Registry for the years 1999 to 2015. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated by dividing observed cases by expected cases using national incidence rates by age, sex, and race. Clustering of CTCL was analyzed using spatial analyses. County-level concentrations of benzene and TCE between 1996 and 2014 were collected from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Air Toxics Assessment database. Linear regression analyses on CTCL incidence were performed comparing SIRs with levels of benzene and TCE by county.

RESULTS

There was significant geographic clustering of CTCL in Georgia, particularly around Atlanta, which was correlated with an increased concentration of benzene and TCE exposure. Among the 4 most populous counties in Georgia, CTCL incidence was between 1.2 and 1.9 times higher than the state average, and benzene and TCE levels were between 2.9 and 8.8 times higher.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results demonstrate nonrandom geographic clustering of CTCL incidence in Georgia. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first analysis to identify a correlation between geographic clustering of CTCL and environmental toxic exposures.

Mycosis Fungoides: A Clinicopathological Study of 60 Cases from a Tertiary Care Center

Background:

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary cutaneous lymphoma. It affects usually the covered areas of the body in elderly males in 6^th and 7^th decades of life. Atypical dermal lymphoid infiltrate is seen along with epidermotropism. Nuclei of neoplastic cells are convoluted. The neoplastic cells demonstrate positivity for CD3 (Pan T) immunohistochemical stain. Majority show increased CD4 to CD8 ratio. The present study was done to study the clinicopathological features, which might be of help in reaching a correct diagnosis in these cases.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 60 reported cases of MF. The retrieved slides were reviewed for clinical and histopathological features and immunohistochemical profile.

Results:

The ages ranged from 20–84 years, mean age was 47 years. Majority (75%) of patients were male. Trunk and extremities were the sites most commonly affected. There was significant inverse correlation between epidermal thickness and tumor stage (P = 0.02). Thickened epidermis was seen in patch stage and thickness reduced with progressing stage. The intensity of dermal infiltrate and cell size was also statistically significantly linked to stage progression (P < 0.001 each). In addition, proliferation index also correlated significantly with tumor stage (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Clinical information and histological features are equally important in the accurate diagnosis of MF. Papillary dermal fibrosis is a useful diagnostic clue. CD4:CD8 ratio is not increased in all cases; it may be decreased or remain unchanged.

Comorbidities in Mycosis Fungoides and Racial Differences in Co-Existent Lymphomatoid Papulosis: A Cross-Sectional Study of 580 Patients in an Urban Tertiary Care Center

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Previous reports have suggested MF is associated with inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, increased cardiovascular risk factors as well as secondary neoplasms. Methods: A cross-sectional study of MF patients seen from 2013 to 2019 was performed. Comorbidities were selected based on the 2015 Medicare report highlighting the most common chronic medical illnesses in the United States. Lifetime comorbidity occurrence in patients with MF were compared with that in patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and patients without MF. Additional analyses were performed with patients sub-stratified by race. Results: Compared to control groups, MF was strongly associated with lymphomatoid papulosis and Hodgkin's disease, but not significantly associated with lung, breast or colon cancer. Interestingly, the association with lymphomatoid papulosis was observed in Caucasians (CI 1062-4338; p < 0.001) and not African Americans (p = 0.9). Patients with MF had a greater association with congestive heart failure, hypertension (HT) and hyperlipidemia (HLD) compared with the general population. However, they were significantly less likely to have HT and HLD when compared with psoriasis patients (HT CI: 0.6-0.9; p < 0.001, and HLD CI: 0.05-0.07; p < 0.001). MF patients were also significantly less likely to have concomitant vitamin D deficiency compared with atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the association of MF with lymphomatoid papulosis varies by race. Compared to the general population, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were positively associated with MF, however, these were significantly less likely on comparison to psoriasis. Unlike previously described, vitamin D deficiency was found to be significantly less in patients with MF.

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.

Environmental and Other Extrinsic Risk Factors Contributing to the Pathogenesis of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)

The applications of disease cluster investigations in medicine have developed rather rapidly in recent decades. Analyzing the epidemiology of non-random aggregation of patients with a particular disease fostered identification of environmental and external exposures as disease triggers and promoters. Observation of patient clusters and their association with nearby exposures, such as Dr. John Snow's astute mapping analysis in the mid-1800's, which revealed proximity of cholera patients in London to a contaminated water pump infected with Vibrio cholerae, have paved the way for the field of epidemiology. This approach enabled the identification of triggers for many human diseases including infections and cancers. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) represent a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that primarily affect the skin. The detailed pathogenesis by which CTCL develops remains largely unknown. Notably, non-random clustering of CTCL patients was reported in several areas worldwide and this rare malignancy was also described to affect multiple members of the same family. These observations indicate that external factors are possibly implicated in promoting CTCL lymphomagenesis. Here, we review the epidemiology of CTCL worldwide and the clinical characteristics of CTCL patients, as revealed by global epidemiological data. Further, we review the known risk factors including sex, age, race as well as environmental, infectious, iatrogenic and other exposures, that are implicated in CTCL lymphomagenesis and discuss conceivable mechanisms by which these factors may trigger this malignancy.

Highly cytotoxic natural killer cells are associated with poor prognosis in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Paradoxically higher NK-cell activity in CTCL patients is associated with increased expression of phosphorylated STAT5. These highly effective NK cells are associated with poor prognosis in patients with leukemic CTCL.

Real-world use of extracorporeal photopheresis for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the United States: 2010-2015

Introduction: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer recommend extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as systemic therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).Objective: To investigate real-world use of ECP in CTCL patients in the US.Methods: Data from the Truven MarketScan^® database (2010-2015) were used to create a cohort of CTCL patients receiving systemic treatment. Multivariable regressions were performed to compare health care resource utilization between ECP and propensity score-matched non-ECP patients.Results: Of the 1106 eligible patients, 117 (10.6%) received ECP, with an average treatment duration of 13.6 months. Psoriasis, organ transplant, graft versus host disease, and scleroderma were the most common comorbidities. ECP was used as monotherapy in 76 patients (65.0%) and combination in 41 patients (35.0%), mostly with interferon and/or a retinoid. Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.6 vs 2.2, p < .05), rates of organ transplant (49.6% vs 7.8%, p < .001), and graft vs host disease (41.9% vs 3.4%, p < .001) were observed in ECP versus non-ECP patients. Post-matching analyses showed that ECP patients had shorter all-cause inpatient stay (6.67 vs 11.80 days, p = .001).Conclusions: Approximately 1 out of 10 CTCL patients receiving systemic treatment were on ECP treatment in the US. Post-matching analysis showed ECP was associated with a shorter hospital stay.

Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) Guided Novel Therapies for T-cell lymphomas

T-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of cancers with different pathogenesis and poor prognosis. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic modifiers that modulate many key biological processes. In recent years, HDACs have been fully investigated for their roles and potential as drug targets in T-cell lymphomas. In this review, we have deciphered the modes of action of HDACs, HDAC inhibitors as single agents, and HDACs guided combination therapies in T-cell lymphomas. The overview of HDACs on the stage of T-cell lymphomas, and HDACs guided therapies both as single agents and combination regimens endow great opportunities for the cure of T-cell lymphomas.

Naïve/memory T-cell phenotypes in leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Putative cell of origin overlaps disease classification

BACKGROUND

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) are clinically distinct cutaneous T-cell lymphomas with strikingly similar morphologic and phenotypic features. Prior studies have suggested phenotypic differences based on markers of antigen experience, suggesting a different cell of origin.

METHODS

Seventy-nine involved peripheral blood or bone marrow samples from 33 patients with SS and 19 patients with MF were studied by 10-color flow cytometry, including CD62L, CD45RA, CCR4, and PD-1. Gated tumor events were classified as naïve (T_N ), central memory (T_CM ), effector memory (T_EM ), or effector memory with reacquired CD45RA (T_EMRA ); based on CD62L⁺ /CD45RA⁺ , CD62L⁺ /CD45RA^- , CD62L^- /CD45RA^- , or CD62L^- /CD45RA⁺ phenotype, respectively. Sequential specimens were compared to assess for phenotypic stability.

RESULTS

The naïve/memory phenotype of the neoplastic T-cells was markedly heterogeneous, with a dominant T_N , T_CM , T_EM , or T_EMRA subset on 11 (14%), 32 (41%), 30 (38%), and 6 (8%) cases, respectively. There was no correlation between the diagnosis of MF or SS and putative cell of origin (P = 0.4). Overexpression of CCR4 and PD1 was observed in most cases, with higher intensity in SS compared to MF. The naïve/memory phenotype remained the same for 10 patients up to 273 days after the initial analysis; while on six patients, the naïve/memory phenotype was different from the original phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SS and MF can have phenotypic features of any of the major naïve/memory T-cell subsets, which questions the current principle of "cell-of-origin" distinction between SS and MF. Phenotypic shifts within these subsets are common, suggesting a functional state rather than a cell-of-origin surrogate. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Survival, disease progression and prognostic factors in elderly patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a retrospective analysis of 174 patients

BACKGROUND

Advanced age at diagnosis is considered a poor prognostic factor in mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors in patients diagnosed at an advanced age (≥65 years) with MF/SS.

METHODS

Survival, progression rates and various clinical and histopathological variables were studied in a group of 174 elderly patients diagnosed with MF/SS between 1992 and 2015 at a single referral cancer center in the United States. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine survival and progression and Cox proportional hazards regression univariate and multivariate models were used to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Of 174 elderly patients, 76.4% were diagnosed with early-stage (clinical stages IA-IIA) and 23.6% with late-stage MF/SS (IIB-IV). Advanced age was associated with poor overall survival, but not with disease-specific survival (DSS) or progression-free survival (PFS). Gender, increasing clinical stage, T and B classifications, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and development of large cell transformation (LCT) were significant predictors of poor survival or disease progression. Patients with early-stage MF and <10% total skin involvement (T1 classification) or patch-only disease (T1a/T2a) showed better PFS with no observed disease-specific mortality. Folliculotropic MF was associated with poor DSS in patients with early-stage disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age at diagnosis of MF/SS does not predict worse disease-specific outcomes. Elderly patients with early-stage disease, specifically involving less than 10% of the skin surface with patches but without plaques or folliculotropism, have an excellent prognosis. However, the development of LCT is a strong prognostic indicator of poor survival in elderly patients with MF/SS.

Large-scale computational drug repositioning to find treatments for rare diseases

Rare, or orphan, diseases are conditions afflicting a small subset of people in a population. Although these disorders collectively pose significant health care problems, drug companies require government incentives to develop drugs for rare diseases due to extremely limited individual markets. Computer-aided drug repositioning, i.e., finding new indications for existing drugs, is a cheaper and faster alternative to traditional drug discovery offering a promising venue for orphan drug research. Structure-based matching of drug-binding pockets is among the most promising computational techniques to inform drug repositioning. In order to find new targets for known drugs ultimately leading to drug repositioning, we recently developed eMatchSite, a new computer program to compare drug-binding sites. In this study, eMatchSite is combined with virtual screening to systematically explore opportunities to reposition known drugs to proteins associated with rare diseases. The effectiveness of this integrated approach is demonstrated for a kinase inhibitor, which is a confirmed candidate for repositioning to synapsin Ia. The resulting dataset comprises 31,142 putative drug-target complexes linked to 980 orphan diseases. The modeling accuracy is evaluated against the structural data recently released for tyrosine-protein kinase HCK. To illustrate how potential therapeutics for rare diseases can be identified, we discuss a possibility to repurpose a steroidal aromatase inhibitor to treat Niemann-Pick disease type C. Overall, the exhaustive exploration of the drug repositioning space exposes new opportunities to combat orphan diseases with existing drugs. DrugBank/Orphanet repositioning data are freely available to research community at https://osf.io/qdjup/.

Toll-like receptor agonists partially restore the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferon in Sézary syndrome

Sézary syndrome (SS) carries a poor prognosis, and infections represent the most frequent cause of death in SS patients. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of innate immune receptors that induce protective immune responses against infections. We sought to evaluate the ability of TLR agonists to induce inflammatory cytokine, Th2 cytokine, and type I interferon (IFN-I) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of untreated SS patients. We detected impaired IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 secretion by PBMC induced by the agonists for TLR5, TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 in SS patients, while it was partially recovered by TLR2/TLR4 and TLR7/8 agonists TNF secretion was restored following stimulation with TLR2/TLR4 agonists. IFN-γ was scarcely produced upon TLR activation in SS cells, albeit TLR 7/8 (CL097) enhanced their secretion at lower levels than the control group. TLR9 agonist efficiently induced IFN-I in SS patients, although this positive regulation was not observed for other cytokines, in direct contrast to the broad activity of CL097. Among the TLR agonists, TLR4 was able to induce pro-inflammatory, IL-10 and Th2 secretion, while TLR7-8 agonist induced the inflammatory cytokines, IFN-I and IFN-γ. These findings reveal a dysfunctional cytokine response upon both extracellular and intracellular TLR activation in SS patients, which was partially restored by TLRs agonists.