Long term outcomes of nonmyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation with TSEB TLI and ATG for Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome

Advanced stage (IIB-IVB) Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS) have a poor prognosis with median survival <5 years. We report long-term outcomes of a non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation regimen consisting of total skin electron beam therapy, total lymphoid irradiation and antithymocyte globulin. Our prospective cohort consisted of 41 patients with a higher proportion of MF (34MF, 7SS). Acute GVHD Grade 2 to 4 was seen in 31.7% and chronic GVHD Grade 2 to 4 in 24%. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 9.8% at 1 year and 12.6% at 2 years. At Day +90 post-transplant 66% of patients had a complete response (CR). With a median post-transplant follow up of 5.27 years, the 5-year overall survival rate was 37.7% (MF 36.7%, SS 57.1%). The 5-year cumulative incidence of progressive disease or relapse was 52.7% in all patients but only 20.8% in those with CR at transplant compared to 70.6% in those not in CR at transplant (p = 0.006). Long term survival is possible in advanced MF and SS with non-myeloablative transplantation and outcomes are improved in patients with CR at transplant.

Mycosis Fungoides and Granulomatous Slack Skin: A Single Entity With Distinct Clinical Phenotypes

ABSTRACT

Granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma includes mycosis fungoides with significant granulomatous inflammation (GMF) and granulomatous slack skin (GSS), listed in the WHO classification as a subtype of mycosis fungoides (MFs). 1 These overlapping entities have shared clinical and histopathologic features which can present a diagnostic challenge. The dominance of the granulomatous infiltrate and the often sparse lymphocytic infiltrate frequently with minimal cytological atypia are features that distract from the correct diagnosis, even when raised by the clinician. We describe the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of 3 cases of granulomatous cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, illustrate the close clinical and pathologic relationship between GMF and GSS and emphasize the diagnostic difficulties that the granulomatous infiltrate can present. Furthermore, we demonstrate, for the first time, considerable elastolysis in a significant proportion of classical (Alibert-Bazin) MF lesions and therefore postulate that the differences observed between GMF and GSS are one of degree and secondary to their anatomic location rather than reflecting meaningful separate entities.

Follicular T-Helper Cells in Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Evidence of an Organoid Immune Response

INTRODUCTION

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) follows an indolent clinical course. Histopathologically, there is a polymorphous infiltrate that includes small lymphocyte-like and centrocyte-like B cells and plasma cells usually with a substantial T-cell fraction. Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, in which the signature cells have a follicular T-helper (TFH) phenotype and are admixed with numerous B cells. Thus, both present histologies of combined B-cell and T-cell infiltrates and represent differential diagnoses. The presence of TFH in MZL has yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

Forty-one biopsies from 40 cases of MZL and 7 cases of lymphoid hyperplasia cutis (LCH) were stained with antibodies to follicular T-helper cells, including Bcl-6, PD-1, ICOS, and CD10, as part of their diagnostic workup, were reviewed, and the stained slides were evaluated semiquantitively. Five reactive lymph nodes were also evaluated as controls.

RESULTS

All cases of MZL and LCH contained TFH, albeit usually in low proportions. There were repeated differences in levels of expression between TFH markers, with PD1 and Bcl-6 being the most prevalent. The pattern of involvement in MZL and LCH closely mirrored that observed in the reactive lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

MZL includes TFH cells, similar to reactive lymph nodes, and a complexity of cell types. This provides evidence of an organoid immune response challenging its simple categorization as a malignancy.

Service improvement in a nurse-led clinic for extracorporeal photopheresis

The skin tumour unit at one London hospital has been providing extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) treatment since 2012, using an online fully integrated system. This report summarises 9 years of continuous process improvement, which has enabled the team to meet the growing demand for ECP treatments for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) patients. The unit formed a partnership with a lean-management company to go through the process of evaluation of capacity constraints, design layout and patient scheduling.

METHODS

Increased capacity year-on-year and over the 9-year period was calculated based on data collected from records. The authors reviewed the nurse staffing resources allocated for ECP treatments over the same period, and financial value created by the continuous improvement (additional number of treatments multiplied by the national tariff for ECP treatments).

RESULTS

In 2012 the average number of ECP treatments per nurse per week was 11. With the implementation of the new planning tool, and improved working practices, the average number of treatments per nurse per week has more than doubled to 23. Nurse staffing was maintained at 4 nurses per shift to deliver ECP treatments. The unit recorded additional revenue of approximately £3.2 million in 2020 compared with 2012.

CONCLUSIONS

The team has successfully increased the capacity of the service to deliver treatments without incurring any additional nursing costs, resulting in more patients with CTCL and GvHD being able to access ECP treatment and a cost benefit for the Trust. The service continues in its mission to grow and provide a superior patient experience.

European dermatology forum - updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 - part 1

Background

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multi‐disciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

In order to further provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) again proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. All authors had the opportunity to review each contribution as it was added.

Results and conclusion

These updated 2020 guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. The guidelines are divided in two parts: PART I covers cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease and acute graft‐versus‐host disease while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn's disease, use of ECP in paediatrics practice, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.

European dermatology forum: Updated guidelines on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis 2020 - Part 2

Background

Following the first investigational study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma published in 1983, this technology has received continued use and further recognition for additional earlier as well as refractory forms. After the publication of the first guidelines for this technology in the JEADV in 2014, this technology has maintained additional promise in the treatment of other severe and refractory conditions in a multidisciplinary setting. It has confirmed recognition in well‐known documented conditions such as graft‐vs.‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, systemic sclerosis, solid organ transplant rejection including lung, heart and liver and to a lesser extent inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

In order to further provide recognized expert practical guidelines for the use of this technology for all indications, the European Dermatology Forum (EDF) again proceeded to address these questions in the hands of the recognized experts within and outside the field of dermatology. This was done using the recognized and approved guidelines of EDF for this task. All authors had the opportunity to review each contribution as it was added.

Results and conclusion

These updated 2020 guidelines provide at present the most comprehensive available expert recommendations for the use of extracorporeal photopheresis based on the available published literature and expert consensus opinion. The guidelines were divided into two parts: PART I covers Cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, chronic graft‐vs.‐host disease and acute graft‐vs.‐host disease, while PART II will cover scleroderma, solid organ transplantation, Crohn’s disease, use of ECP in paediatric patients, atopic dermatitis, type 1 diabetes, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and erosive oral lichen planus.

The PROCLIPI international registry of early-stage mycosis fungoides identifies substantial diagnostic delay in most patients

BACKGROUND

Survival in mycosis fungoides (MF) is varied and may be poor. The PROCLIPI (PROspective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index) study is a web-based data collection system for early-stage MF with legal data-sharing agreements permitting international collaboration in a rare cancer with complex pathology. Clinicopathological data must be 100% complete and in-built intelligence in the database system ensures accurate staging.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a prognostic index for MF.

METHODS

Predefined datasets for clinical, haematological, radiological, immunohistochemical, genotypic, treatment and quality of life are collected at first diagnosis of MF and annually to test against survival. Biobanked tissue samples are recorded within a Federated Biobank for translational studies.

RESULTS

In total, 430 patients were enrolled from 29 centres in 15 countries spanning five continents. Altogether, 348 were confirmed as having early-stage MF at central review. The majority had classical MF (81·6%) with a CD4 phenotype (88·2%). Folliculotropic MF was diagnosed in 17·8%. Most presented with stage I (IA: 49·4%; IB: 42·8%), but 7·8% presented with enlarged lymph nodes (stage IIA). A diagnostic delay between first symptom development and initial diagnosis was frequent [85·6%; median delay 36 months (interquartile range 12-90)]. This highlights the difficulties in accurate diagnosis, which includes lack of a singular diagnostic test for MF.

CONCLUSIONS

This confirmed early-stage MF cohort is being followed-up to identify prognostic factors, which may allow better management and improve survival by identifying patients at risk of disease progression. This study design is a useful model for collaboration in other rare diseases, especially where pathological diagnosis can be complex.

'It's a traumatic illness, traumatic to witness': a qualitative study of the experiences of bereaved family caregivers of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are rare cancers, which can be difficult to diagnose, are incurable and adversely affect quality of life, particularly in advanced disease. Families often provide care, but little is known about their experiences or needs while caring for their relative with advanced disease or in bereavement.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the experiences of bereaved family caregivers of patients with CTCL.

METHODS

Single, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with bereaved family caregivers of patients with CTCL recruited via a supra-regional CTCL clinic. Transcribed interviews were analysed thematically, focusing on advanced disease, the approach of death and bereavement.

RESULTS

Fifteen carers of 11 deceased patients participated. Experiences clustered under four themes: (1) complexity of care and medical intervention; (2) caregiver roles in advanced CTCL; (3) person-centred vs. organization-centred care in advanced CTCL and (4) knowing and not knowing: reflections on dying, death and bereavement. Caregivers often had vivid recollections of the challenges of caring for their relative with advanced CTCL and some took on quasi-professional roles as a result. Advanced disease made high demands on both organizational flexibility and family resources. For many caregivers, seeing disease progression was a prolonged and profoundly traumatic experience. The extent to which they were prepared for their relative's death and supported in bereavement was highly variable. Sub-themes within each theme provide more detail about caregiver experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Family caregivers should be considered part of the wider healthcare team, acknowledging their multiple roles and the challenges they encounter in looking after their relative with CTCL as the disease progresses. Their experiences highlight the importance of organizational flexibility and of good communication between healthcare providers in advanced CTCL.

Global patterns of care in advanced stage mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study from the Cutaneous Lymphoma International Consortium

BACKGROUND

Advanced-stage mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS) patients are weighted by an unfavorable prognosis and share an unmet clinical need of effective treatments. International guidelines are available detailing treatment options for the different stages but without recommending treatments in any particular order due to lack of comparative trials. The aims of this second CLIC study were to retrospectively analyze the pattern of care worldwide for advanced-stage MF/SS patients, the distribution of treatments according to geographical areas (USA versus non-USA), and whether the heterogeneity of approaches has potential impact on survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 853 patients from 21 specialist centers (14 European, 4 USA, 1 each Australian, Brazilian, and Japanese).

RESULTS

Heterogeneity of treatment approaches was found, with up to 24 different modalities or combinations used as first-line and 36% of patients receiving four or more treatments. Stage IIB disease was most frequently treated by total-skin-electron-beam radiotherapy, bexarotene and gemcitabine; erythrodermic and SS patients by extracorporeal photochemotherapy, and stage IVA2 by polychemotherapy. Significant differences were found between USA and non-USA centers, with bexarotene, photopheresis and histone deacetylase inhibitors most frequently prescribed for first-line treatment in USA while phototherapy, interferon, chlorambucil and gemcitabine in non-USA centers. These differences did not significantly impact on survival. However, when considering death and therapy change as competing risk events and the impact of first treatment line on both events, both monochemotherapy (SHR = 2.07) and polychemotherapy (SHR = 1.69) showed elevated relative risks.

CONCLUSION

This large multicenter retrospective study shows that there exist a large treatment heterogeneity in advanced MF/SS and differences between USA and non-USA centers but these were not related to survival, while our data reveal that chemotherapy as first treatment is associated with a higher risk of death and/or change of therapy and thus other therapeutic options should be preferable as first treatment approach.

The Results of Low-Dose Total Skin Electron Beam Radiation Therapy (TSEB) in Patients With Mycosis Fungoides From the UK Cutaneous Lymphoma Group

PURPOSE

Total skin electron beam radiation therapy (TSEB) is a very effective treatment of mycosis fungoides. Following reports of similar durations of response to lower doses of TSEB, a low-dose schedule of TSEB was introduced in the United Kingdom.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A protocol of 12 Gy in 8 fractions over a period of 2 weeks was agreed on by use of the Stanford University technique. Data were collected prospectively, and the results were analyzed according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas endpoints (EORTC-ISCL). Toxicity was scored according to CTCAE v4.0 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0).

RESULTS

One hundred three patients received treatment, with a median follow-up period of 20.6 months (range, 3.3-53 months). Of these patients, 54 had stage IB disease, 33 had stage IIB, 12 had stage III, and 4 had stage IV. The median age was 68 years (range, 26-91 years). The complete response rate was 18%, the partial response rate was 69%, stable disease was present in 8%, and progression on treatment was found in 5%. In the patients who had a complete response, the median time to relapse was 7.3 months. The median response duration was 11.8 months. Median progression-free survival for all patients was 13.2 months. It was significantly longer, at 26.5 months, in patients with stage IB disease compared with 11.3 months in patients with stage IIB (P=.003; hazard ratio, 2.66) and 10.2 months in patients with stage III (P=.002; hazard ratio, 4.62). The treatment was well tolerated with lower toxicity than higher-dose schedules.

CONCLUSIONS

The low-dose TSEB schedule of 12 Gy in 8 fractions over a period of 2 weeks is well tolerated and is an effective option for patients with mycosis fungoides.

The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in the management of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, graft-versus-host disease and organ transplant rejection: a consensus statement update from the UK Photopheresis Society

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has been used for over 35 years in the treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and over 20 years for chronic and acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) and solid organ transplant rejection. ECP for CTCL and GvHD is available at specialised centres across the UK. The lack of prospective randomised trials in ECP led to the development of UK Consensus Statements for patient selection, treatment schedules, monitoring protocols and patient assessment criteria for ECP. The recent literature has been reviewed and considered when writing this update. Most notably, the national transition from the UVAR XTS^® machine to the new CELLEX machine for ECP with dual access and a shorter treatment time has led to relevant changes in these schedules. This consensus statement updates the previous statement from 2007 on the treatment of CTCL and GvHD with ECP using evidence based medicine and best medical practise and includes guidelines for both children and adults.

Phase II multicentre trial of oral quisinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in patients with previously treated stage IB-IVA mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Quisinostat is a hydroxamate, second-generation, orally available pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral quisinostat in patients with previously treated cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

METHODS

Patients received quisinostat 8 mg or 12 mg on days 1, 3 and 5 of each week in 21-day treatment cycles. Primary efficacy end point was cutaneous response rate (RR) based on the modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT). Secondary end points included global RR, duration of response (DOR) in skin, progression-free survival (PFS), pruritus relief, safety and pharmacodynamic markers.

RESULTS

Eight of 26 (25 evaluable) patients achieved ≥ 50% reduction in mSWAT score at least once, with confirmed cutaneous response in six (RR 24%). There was a low global RR of 8%. DOR in skin ranged from 2·8 to 6·9 months. Median PFS was 5·1 months. Pruritus relief was more frequent in cutaneous responders (67%) than nonresponders (32%). Serial tumour biopsies revealed an increase in acetylated tubulin, indicating a target effect of histone deacetylase 6. Twenty-one of 26 (81%) patients were withdrawn from the study before or at clinical cut-off; five (19%) continued to receive treatment with quisinostat. The most common drug-related adverse events were nausea, diarrhoea, asthenia, hypertension, thrombocytopenia and vomiting. Grade 3 drug-related adverse events included hypertension, lethargy, pruritus, chills, hyperkalaemia and pyrexia.

CONCLUSIONS

Quisinostat 12 mg three times weekly is active in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory CTCL, with an acceptable safety profile. Combination therapy with other drugs active in CTCL may be appropriate.

Management of paediatric tuberculosis in leading UK centres: unveiling consensus and discrepancies

SETTING

Large specialist paediatric TB clinics in the UK.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical practice and compare with national and international guidelines.

DESIGN

A survey based on an electronic questionnaire on the management of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) and tuberculosis (TB) disease was conducted in 13 specialist paediatric TB clinics. The consensus and discrepancies were evaluated by descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

Practice was reportedly different when choosing age limits for preventive treatment for TB contacts with initially negative tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), interpretation of TST results and use of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in the context of LTBI. In relation to management of children with TB disease, practices varied for duration of treatment of osteoarticular TB, monitoring for ethambutol ocular toxicity and use of pyridoxine. There was limited experience with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), and over half of the clinics monitored MDR-TB contacts without giving preventive treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey showed heterogeneity in several aspects of clinical care for children with TB. Available paediatric TB guidelines differ substantially, explaining the wide variations in management of childhood TB. Prospective paediatric studies are urgently required to inform and standardise clinical practice, especially in the context of evolving drug resistance.

Temozolomide for central nervous system involvement in mycosis fungoides

BACKGROUND

The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most commonly involved sites in the systemic progression of primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) such as mycosis fungoides (MF). There is no consensus on the treatment of CNS progression in CTCL, but survival of 3-6 months is suggested when methotrexate-based chemotherapy and/or CNS irradiation is used. Temozolomide is active in earlier stages of MF and readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. There are no published data on its use in MF patients with CNS involvement.

METHODS

Four MF patients were treated with oral temozolomide (200 mg/m(2) per day for 5 d on a 28-day cycle) for CNS progression. Two patients received temozolomide with low-dose CNS irradiation as initial treatment, and two received temozolomide following disease progression after methotrexate-based chemotherapy and CNS irradiation. All patients received dexamethasone.

RESULTS

Temozolomide was well tolerated; there were no treatment withdrawals or dose reductions caused by toxicity. Patient 1 had an excellent partial response in pre-irradiated disease. Patient 2 showed disease stabilization following irradiation. Patient 3 showed a complete response after a partial response to irradiation. Patient 4 demonstrated continued stabilization after a partial response to irradiation. Overall survival ranged from 10 to 33 months. Patient 3 remains alive and symptom-free at 23 months following treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Temozolomide following low-dose CNS irradiation appears to be well tolerated and effective in MF patients with CNS progression. It may represent a less toxic alternative to chemotherapy containing methotrexate or an option for second-line therapy.

Effect of childhood eczema and asthma on parental sleep and well-being: a prospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

The psychological impact of childhood atopic eczema on parents and carers is poorly quantified. Objectives To compare the impact of caring for a child with atopic eczema vs. asthma on parents' sleep and well-being.

METHODS

Ninety-two parents of 55 children who had moderate to severe atopic eczema or asthma took part in this prospective, questionnaire-based study. It was conducted at regional eczema and asthma outpatient clinics within a U.K. tertiary paediatric hospital. The main outcome measures were the number and duration of parents' sleep disturbances, as well as their anxiety and depression scores.

RESULTS

Mothers caring for children with atopic eczema lost a median of 39 min of sleep per night and fathers lost 45 min sleep per night. This compared with a median of 0 min sleep lost by parents who had children with asthma (P < 0.001). These differences were independent of the age of the children, and whether the child came from a single-parent or two-parent family. There was a direct correlation between the severity of sleep disturbance and the level of maternal anxiety (rho = 0.58; P = 0.002) and depression (rho = 0.73; P < 0.001), as well as the level of paternal anxiety (rho = 0.59; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with looking after a child with chronic asthma, caring for a child with chronic atopic eczema was associated with greater parental sleep disturbances. Disruption to parental sleep correlated with anxiety levels and, in the case of mothers, depression scores.

Asthma severity and atopy: how clear is the relationship?

BACKGROUND

The relationship between asthma severity and atopy is complex. Many studies have failed to show significant relationships between clinical severity or lung function and markers of atopic sensitisation.

AIM

To determine whether increasing asthma severity is related to atopic sensitisation in a population of children with asthma.

METHODS

A total of 400 children (7-18 years) with asthma were recruited as part of a multicentre study of the genetics of asthma. Detailed phenotypic data were collected on all participants. Associations between measures of asthma severity and atopic sensitisation were sought using multilevel models allowing variation at the individual and family level.

RESULTS

Children recruited to the study had a range of asthma severities, with just over a third having mild persistent asthma. The logarithm of total serum IgE was associated with increased asthma severity score, decreased FEV1, increased airways obstruction, risk of hospital admission, and inhaled steroid use. Increasing skin prick test reactivity to a panel of seven aeroallergens was associated with increased risk of hospital admission, use of an inhaled steroid, and airways obstruction. The results remained highly significant after corrections for age, gender, and birth order.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with asthma, increasing atopy is associated with increasing asthma severity. However, the relationships between asthma severity and skin prick tests, and asthma severity and total serum IgE values, appear subtly different.

Effects of glutathione S-transferase M1, T1 and P1 on lung function in asthmatic families

RATIONALE

Previous data have suggested that glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genotypes are important in determining the rate of lung function growth in childhood. This effect was most marked in Caucasian children with asthma.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the association of lung function with GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genotypes in Caucasian families with asthma.

METHODS

Four hundred and eighteen children and 316 parents from 224 Caucasian families were recruited via a child with asthma, the proband. Associations between lung function and GST genotype were determined using multilevel models.

RESULTS

There were no observed associations between lung function and GST genotype in parents. However, in the children, the GSTP1 val(105)/val(105) and GSTM1 null genotypes were associated with significantly higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and FVC values as percentage of predicted. This effect was not statistically significant in the probands but was marked in their siblings in whom GSTP1 val(105)/val(105) was associated with 9.4% higher FEV(1) and 10.7% higher FVC (P=0.005 and 0.001, respectively). The GSTM1 null genotype was associated with a 6.7% higher FEV(1) and 4.1% higher FVC (P=0.003 and 0.063, respectively). These effects remained significant after correcting for the confounders of individual atopic status, tobacco smoke exposure and familial aggregation of lung function values.

CONCLUSIONS

GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes are important determinants of lung function in childhood. The smaller differences seen in probands are predicted by a simple model in which more rapid decline in lung function is seen in these individuals.

Regional variation of airway hyperresponsiveness in children with asthma

Families with asthmatic children were recruited to take part in a multi-centre collaborative study into the genetics of asthma. Detailed phenotypic information was collected on all family members including: lung function, anthropomorphic measurements, response to methacholine challenge, skin prick testing, serum IgE measurements and a detailed nurse-administered questionnaire. Families were eligible for entry into the study if they had two children with a doctor-diagnosis of asthma. Bennett/Twin nebulisers were supplied to each centre from a single source and these were calibrated to determine gravimetric nebuliser output prior to use. Asthmatic probands from each centre had similar degrees of asthma severity and atopy. There was no significant difference in the sex ratios or ages of the probands or numbers of parents with a history of smoking in the families recruited at each centre. However, there was a significant difference in the number of children with airway hyperresponsiveness, with 90% of the North Staffordshire group but only 60% of the Sheffield group having a PC20 of <8 mg/ml for methacholine. This difference highlights the difficulty of using families from different centres in genetic and epidemiological studies.

Maternal glutathione S-transferase GSTP1 genotype is a specific predictor of phenotype in children with asthma

Maternal factors are known to influence the heritability and expression of asthma and atopy. We report the association of maternal, paternal and proband GSTP1 genotype with lung function in 145 Caucasian children with asthma. GSTP1 Val105/Val105 and Ala114/Val114 genotypes in the child were associated with non-significant increases in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio). Paternal genotype had no influence on lung function in the child. In contrast, maternal GSTP1 Val105/Val105 genotype was significantly associated with offspring lung function and was strongly predictive of FEV1/FVC (Val105/Val105 105.2%, Ile105/Val105 and Ile105/Ile105 97.9% p=0.006) and maternal GSTP1 Ala114/Val114 genotype was associated with significantly higher FEV1 (Ala114/Val114 109.0%, Ala114/Ala114 99.0% p=0.008), and FEV1/FVC ratios (Ala114/Val114 104.1%, Ala114/Ala114 98.2% p=0.04). The associations between maternal GSTP1 Val105/Val105 genotype and FEV1/FVC and maternal GSTP1 Ala114/Val114 genotype and FEV1 remained significant (p=0.003 and p=0.007) after correction for child and maternal atopic status, passive smoke exposure, smoking during pregnancy, individual and paternal GSTP1 genotype and was independent of transmission to the child. These data support the hypothesis that maternal GSTP1 genotype can act as a specific risk factor which has ex utero consequences for children with asthma. As a child's genotype is not independent of maternal genotype, effects seen in candidate gene studies may be due at least in part to this phenomenon.

Genomic alterations in blastic natural killer/extranodal natural killer-like T cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement

Natural killer and natural killer-like T cell lymphomas represent a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originally described to involve the upper aerodigestive tract. This malignancy has been increasingly observed in other extranodal sites, particularly in the skin. Patients with cutaneous natural killer cell lymphoma generally have a poor prognosis; however, the etiology and the underlying molecular pathogenesis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate comprehensively genomic changes in blastic natural killer and extranodal natural killer-like T cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement. Comparative genomic hybridization showed chromosome imbalances in six of eight cases studied (75%). The mean number of chromosome imbalances per sample was 2.18+/-1.63 with similar number of gains (1.18+/-1.17) and losses (1.00+/-1.34). The most frequent DNA copy number changes observed were losses of 9/9p (83%), followed by loss of 13q and gain of 7 (67%). Similar patterns of chromosome imbalances were observed in both blastic natural killer and cutaneous natural killer-like T cell lymphomas. Loss of the RB1 gene at 13q14.2 was detected in one blastic natural killer cell lymphoma with 13q loss using a gene dosage assay, and in one cutaneous natural killer-like T cell lymphoma without 13q loss using fluorescent in situ hybridization. Genomic microarray analysis identified oncogene copy number gains of PAK1 and JUNB in three of four cases studied, and gains of RAF1, CTSB, FGFR1, and BCR in two cases. Real-time polymerase chain reaction detected amplification of CTSB and RAF1 in four of five cases analyzed, JUNB and MYCN in three cases, and REL and YES1 in two cases, respectively. In conjunction with this study, an extensive literature search for the published G-banded karyotypes of four subsets of natural killer cell lymphomas was conducted, which showed a nonrandom pattern of multiple chromosome aberrations. These results reveal consistent genetic alterations in cutaneous natural killer cell lymphomas, and provide a basis for further investigation of molecular pathogenesis in this malignancy.

Further support for the association of CCR5 allelic variants with asthma susceptibility

English and German nuclear families containing multiple asthmatic children and asthmatic parents were analysed to retest a recently reported association between resistance to asthma and the delta32 allele of chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5). Analysis of the families by the transmission-disequilibrium test (TDT) revealed a non-significant trend in the English families that provided marginal confirmation of the association (P < 0.125), but no similar trend was observed in the German families. Case-control comparison of delta32 allele and genotype frequencies in asthmatic vs. non-asthmatic parents revealed a significantly lower frequency of delta32 in asthmatic English parents (P < 0.009) and a similar but non-significant trend in German parents (P < 0.265). Taken together, the pattern of results provides confirmation for the previously observed delta32-asthma association and indicates that susceptibility to asthma may be influenced by CCR5 or another gene in chromosomal region 3p21.

Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas: identification of common genomic alterations in disease pathogenesis

To investigate genetic alterations in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs), we have analyzed 29 cases of PCBCL. Comparative genomic hybridization showed chromosome imbalances (CIs) in 12 cases (41%). The mean number of CIs per sample was 2.05 +/- 2.97, with gains (1.48 +/- 2.38) more frequent than losses (0.56 +/- 1.40). The common regions of gains were 18/18q (50%), 7/7p (42%), 3/3q (33%), 20 (33%), 1p (25%), 12/12q (25%), and 13/13q (25%), whereas loss of 6q was frequent (42%). Among the different subsets of PCBCLs, CI was seen in 50% of diffuse large-cell lymphomas (DLCLs), 33% of marginal zone lymphomas, and 8% of follicle center cell lymphomas and unclassified lymphomas. A similar pattern of CI was observed in these lymphomas, but loss of 6q and gains of 3/3q were present only in DLCLs. Microarray-based genomic analysis of four DLCL cases identified oncogene gains of SAS/CDK4 (12q13.3) in three cases and MYCL1 (1p34.3), MYC (8q24), FGFR2 (10q26), BCL2 (18q21.3), CSE1L (20q13), and PDGFB (22q12-13) in two cases, whereas losses of AKT1 (14q32.3), IGFR1 (15q25-26), and JUNB (19p13.2) were identified in three cases, and losses of FGR (1p36), ESR (6q25.1), ABL1 (9q34.1), TOP2A (17q21-22), ERBB2 (17q21.2), CCNE1 (19q13.1), and BCR (22q11) were each identified in two cases. In addition, real-time-polymerase chain reaction detected amplification of BCL2 in 5 of 29 cases. These findings suggest that there are complex but consistent genetic alterations associated with the pathogenesis of PCBCLs.