Recent advances in the molecular biology of cutaneous lymphomas and related disorders

This article discusses the study of cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates using analysis of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements with special emphasis on the Southern blot technique, determining the clonality of specific dermatoses, the issue of clonality versus differentiation, the use of molecular biologic methods for staging and related applications, and the pitfalls inherent in the interpretation of Southern blots. Other topics discussed include molecular cytogenetics, gene amplification using the polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and the immunohistologic interface between molecular biology and immunohistology. Key points and future directions for the role of diagnostic molecular biology in cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders are also considered.