Junctional CD8+ cutaneous lymphomas with nonaggressive clinical behavior: a CD8+ variant of mycosis fungoides?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical and prognostic features in primary cutaneous CD8+ T-cell lymphomas, which are rare and considered to be aggressive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders.


METHODS
Single-center retrospective study.


METHODS
Lymphoma clinic (referral center) of a university hospital.


METHODS
Three patients presented with CD8+ cutaneous lymphoma characterized by a patchlike pattern and hyperpigmentation.


RESULTS
Histological analysis revealed a CD3+, CD8+ small-cell infiltrate showing a remarkable affinity to the dermoepidermal junction zone. Clonality for the T-cell receptor gamma chain was detected by polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The clinical presentation lasted several years (6 and 9 years, respectively) before the correct diagnosis was made. Treatment with nontoxic approaches (UV-B and local steroids) was successful. Aggressive clinical behavior was not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our 3 cases of junctional CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas were characterized by hyperpigmentation and nonaggressive clinical behavior. This type of lymphoma, which can be considered a CD8+ mycosis fungoides variant, must be distinguished from other types of cutaneous CD8+ lymphomas so that overtreatment can be avoided.
Dummer
Reinhard
R
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Gloriastrasse 31, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland. dummer@derm.unizh.ch
Kamarashev
Jivko
J
Kempf
Werner
W
Häffner
Andreas C
AC
Hess-Schmid
Monika
M
Burg
Günter
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D015334:Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
D015703:Antigens, CD