Case-Based Insights into Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma-Single-Center Experience

Background: Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare subtype of mature T-cell lymphoma, accounting for fewer than 5% of peripheral T-cell lymphomas, with an aggressive course and poor prognosis. There are two types of this disease based on morphology and immunophenotype: type I, which is often, but not always, associated with celiac disease (classic EATL), and type 2, monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL). Risk factors for classic EATL are poor adherence to a gluten-free diet, advanced age, male sex, and HLA-DQ2 homozygosity. The treatment options include surgery and various chemotherapy regimens with autologous stem cell transplantation, but the outcomes are discouraging, and clinical trials with targeted and biologic therapies are needed. Case Presentation: We report three cases of type 1 EATL, all with lethal outcomes, with one patient dying during initial treatment, one dying following several surgical interventions and without waiting to start chemotherapy, and one dying following a good treatment response but with severe infection.