From Benign Inflammatory Dermatosis to Cutaneous Lymphoma. DNA Copy Number Imbalances in Mycosis Fungoides versus Large Plaque Parapsoriasis

Decoding Early Mycosis Fungoides: Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Clues

INTRODUCTION

Primary cutaneous lymphomas, notably mycosis fungoides (MF), present diagnostic challenges in recognizing early mycosis fungoides (eMF) due to their diverse clinical and histopathologic manifestations. The aim of our study was to use adjunctive histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods in eMF cases to make an early diagnosis and to facilitate differentiation from other dermatoses.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 35 cases of eMF diagnosed at a single center. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were collected, and histopathologic features were assessed. Comparative analyses were conducted with conditions mimicking eMF, including large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP), psoriasis, and chronic dermatitis. Immunohistochemistry for T-cell markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD2, CD7) was performed.

RESULTS

With the scoring we applied in our study, a sensitivity of 91.43% (95% CI; 76.94% to 98.20%) and specificity of 85.71% (95% CI; 69.74% to 95.19%) for distinguishing eMF from LPP. Epidermotropism emerged as a crucial histopathologic marker, with a notable absence in most cases of cutaneous dermatitis (81.6% and 80% for CD and psoriasis, respectively) (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry revealed a T-helper phenotype (CD4+/CD8-) in the majority of eMF cases (78.1%), while CD4+/CD8+ and CD8+/CD4- patterns were less common (28.5% and 8.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the complexities in distinguishing eMF from inflammatory skin diseases, advocating for a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Diagnostic significance of dysregulated miRNAs in T-cell malignancies and their metabolic roles

T-cell malignancy is a broad term used for a diverse group of disease subtypes representing dysfunctional malignant T cells transformed at various stages of their clonal evolution. Despite having similar clinical manifestations, these disease groups have different disease progressions and diagnostic parameters. The effective diagnosis and prognosis of such a diverse disease group demands testing of molecular entities that capture footprints of the disease physiology in its entirety. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the expression of genes and, while doing so, leave behind specific miRNA signatures corresponding to cellular expression status in an altered stage of a disease. Using miRNAs as a diagnostic tool is justified, as they can effectively distinguish expressional diversity between various tumors and within subtypes of T-cell malignancies. As global attention for cancer diagnosis shifts toward liquid biopsy, diagnosis using miRNAs is more relevant in blood cancers than in solid tumors. We also lay forward the diagnostic significance of miRNAs that are indicative of subtype, progression, severity, therapy response, and relapse. This review discusses the potential use and the role of miRNAs, miRNA signatures, or classifiers in the diagnosis of major groups of T-cell malignancies like T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-ALL), peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL), and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). The review also briefly discusses major diagnostic miRNAs having prominent metabolic roles in these malignancies to highlight their importance among other dysregulated miRNAs.

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.

Cancer Biology Analysis-Tackled from Different Points of View

In the last few decades, great advances have been made in the detection and treatment of cancer, thus increasing the survival rate [...].