Cutaneous Lymphomas and Lymphoproliferative Disorders Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) are rare T-cell skin cancers.
• Post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination reports suggest potential links to CLs and non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorders (nn-LPDs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on CLs and nn-LPDs following COVID-19 vaccination.
• Analyze clinical features, subtypes, onset latency, and potential mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Inclusion of case reports/series of new-onset or relapsed CLs/nn-LPDs post-vaccination.
• Extraction and analysis of demographic, clinical, histological, therapeutic, and temporal data.

Main Results:

• 35 cases identified across 15 manuscripts.
• 51.4% were confirmed CLs (e.g., lymphomatoid papulosis, Sézary syndrome, mycosis fungoides).
• 48.6% were nn-LPDs; 76.2% showed CD30 positivity; 80% received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; new-onset CLs appeared within 3-42 days (median 14 days).

Conclusions:

• Most cases involved low-grade T-cell CLs and nn-LPDs.
• Short latency suggests vaccination may trigger underlying conditions, highlighting the need for pharmacovigilance.
• These rare events do not negatively impact the overall favorable risk-benefit of COVID-19 vaccination.