Low-Grade Cutaneous B-cell Lymphoma in African American Patients

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (CMZL) and cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (CFCL) are rare indolent cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCL).
• African American (AA) patients have a very low incidence of CBCL, with limited data on disease presentation and progression in this demographic.
• Previous research suggests cutaneous T-cell lymphomas may be more aggressive in AA individuals, highlighting a need for data on CBCL in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation, disease course, and demographics of CMZL and CFCL in African American patients.
• To compare the features of CMZL/CFCL in AA patients with those in white patients.
• To assess the incidence of systemic disease and outcomes in AA patients with CMZL/CFCL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 10 African American patients diagnosed with CMZL/CFCL.
• Comparison of demographic data, clinical features, and systemic disease incidence between AA and white patient cohorts.
• Analysis of disease presentation (T-classification), site of involvement, and extracutaneous disease at initial staging.

Main Results:

• Out of 288 CMZL/CFCL patients, 10 (3.5%) were AA. AA patients were diagnosed at a younger median age (41 vs. 54 years) compared to white patients.
• AA patients presented with more extensive cutaneous disease (T2-T3 in 70%) and more frequent head and neck involvement.
• No significant difference in extracutaneous systemic disease at initial staging was observed between AA and white patients. No deaths were reported in the AA cohort.

Conclusions:

• CMZL and CFCL in African American patients exhibit an earlier age of onset and a higher T-classification at presentation, with a predilection for head and neck involvement.
• Despite these distinct features, CMZL/CFCL appears to follow an indolent course in the AA population, with uncommon systemic involvement and no reported mortality.
• Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and further elucidate the behavior of CMZL/CFCL in African Americans.