title: Granulomatous mycosis fungoides responsive to gemcitabine.
abstract: We report a 61-year-old woman with a 1-year-history of widespread erythematous scaly patches and plaques as well as red/purplish to brownish confluent plaques. Ulcerated lesions with a purulent, hemorrhagic exudate and sharp elevated borders were located on the lower extremities. Diagnosis of granulomatous mycosis fungoides was supported by histopathologic findings showing an inflammatory reaction with epithelioid and large giant cells associated with features characteristic of mycosis fungoides. Immunohistochemical studies showed a T-helper phenotype of neoplastic cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD45RO+) with expression of the cytotoxic protein TIA-1. Molecular analysis of TCRgamma gene demonstrated a monoclonal rearrangement in the lesional skin. After failure of conventional therapies, 6 cycles of gemcitabine treatment produced partial remission of cutaneous lesions and stable disease throughout a 12-month follow-up period, suggesting that gemcitabine is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for refractory mycosis fungoides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Concetta
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fargnoli
authors.forename: Ketty
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peris
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Francesconi
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cantonetti
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cerroni
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chimenti
mesh_terms: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000093542:Gemcitabine
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000093542:Gemcitabine