Immunomodulators in the treatment of cutaneous lymphomas

Cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative cutaneous neoplasms that in many cases cannot be cured by standard radio- and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy holds promise for a well-tolerated treatment approach that allows long-time disease control. Unspecific immunotherapy such as IFNs is successfully used in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). Antibiotic treatment is often effective in cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs). New treatment approaches include fusion toxins and chimeric monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as rituximab for CBCLs. The identification of tumour antigens in CTCLs renders these diseases susceptible for vaccination approaches.