The spectrum of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: new insights into biology and therapy

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas represent clinically and biologically a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas according to the new revised European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and World Health Organization consensus classification for cutaneous lymphomas. Recent progress in immune and molecular biology and novel therapeutic targets have increased our understanding of these diseases and have led to novel treatment approaches. This review outlines the most recent advances.

New immunologic and molecular findings may influence tumor phenotype and growth and provide a biologic basis for novel treatment approaches. Several reports have focused on new prognostic markers. Among the novel therapies for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, interleukin-2 fusion toxins, monoclonal antibodies, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and immunomodulatory cytosine-phosphorothiolated guanine oligomers have shown promising results and are under further investigation.

This review provides an update of recent findings of immunologic, molecular, and cytogenetic features and treatment approaches for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with special emphasis on mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.