A case of cutaneous T cell lymphoma treated with recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2)

We report a case of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) treated with local injection of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2). The biopsy specimen showed marked infiltration of large convoluted cells admixed with small lymphocytes and histiocytes in the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. After six injections of rIL-2, 4 nodules out of 5 on the left lower leg disappeared and the remaining large nodule was diminished in size. A biopsy specimen from the diminished nodule showed infiltration of small lymphocytes with histiocytes and plasma cells in the dermis. The atypical cells, large hyperconvoluted lymphocytes, had disappeared. A large number (28%) of lysozyme- and alpha 1-anti-chymotrypsin-positive cells were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The patient maintained complete remission for a period of 13 months. He then noticed a small red nodule on the back of the left foot, which was histologically confirmed as a recurrence. Chemotherapy cleared the lesion.