Unlikely role of Epstein-Barr virus in the pathogenesis of primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
BACKGROUND
Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare subset of cutaneous lymphoma, with a much better prognosis than its nodal counterpart. The pathogenesis of both nodal and primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL is largely unknown but experimental data support the hypothesis that the Epstein-Barr virus could play a role in the nodal subset.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the involvement of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL by searching for both nucleic acids and EBV proteins in cutaneous lesions.


METHODS
Two University Hospitals in Southern France (secondary referral hospitals).


METHODS
Eight consecutive patients with typical primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma were studied.


METHODS
Search for the presence of DNA, RNA and EBV proteins in cutaneous lesions by PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
EBV DNA and RNA was identified in only one lesion of primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL and in none of the normal adjacent skin samples. In situ hybridization and immunohistological studies were consistently negative in all samples.


CONCLUSIONS
These results do not support an early role of EBV in the oncogenetic pathogenesis of primary cutaneous CD30+ ALCL.
Hellier
I
I
Department of Dermatology-Phlebology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80, avenue Augustin-Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
Dereure
O
O
Segondy
M
M
Guillot
B
B
Baldet
P
P
Guilhou
J J
JJ
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; D017728:Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D004279:DNA, Viral; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D060588:LIM Domain Proteins; C484380:PDLIM7 protein, human; D012367:RNA, Viral