Systemic corticosteroids for subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma. (2nd September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guenova, E.; Schanz, S.; Hoetzenecker, W.; DeSimone, J.A.; Mehra, T.; Voykov, B.; Urosevic‐Maiwald, M.; Berneburg, M.; Dummer, R.; French, L.E.; Kerl, K.; Kamarashev, J.; Fierlbeck, G.; Cozzio, A.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 171:Number 4(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 891
• Page End: 894
• Publication Date: 2014-09-02
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: Primary cutaneous γ/δ T‐cell lymphoma (PCGD‐TCL) is aggressive and has a poor prognosis. In contrast, subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) of the α/β T‐cell receptor phenotype is known to follow an indolent course and have a more favourable prognosis. In the past, PCGD‐TCL and SPTCL were often considered to be a manifestation of the same disease, and aggressive systemic polychemotherapy has commonly been the first‐line therapy for both. Given the understanding that SPTCL is a separate and less aggressive entity, clinical data exclusively evaluating the efficacy of conservative treatment in SPTCL are needed. Objectives: To assess the overall clinical response to systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of SPTCL. Methods: This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study based on a patient data repository from two tertiary care university hospitals in Zürich (Switzerland) and Tübingen (Germany). The repository spanned 13 years. Results: In four of the five patients (80%) with SPTCL, treatment with systemic corticosteroids induced a complete remission. Conclusions: Systemic corticosteroids may be an excellent first‐line single‐agent therapy for SPTCL. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? In the past, subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (SPTCL) and primary cutaneous γ/δ T‐cell lymphoma were not recognized as separate entities, and were both treated with aggressive polychemotherapy. What does this study add? With new understanding, SPTCL is now known to be a separate and less aggressive disease, and aggressive treatment approaches should not be considered as a first‐line treatment option. Systemic corticosteroids induce long‐term remission and should be considered as the first‐line treatment.