Cutaneous T cell lymphoma: update on treatment.
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a myeloproliferative disease with pronounced epidermotropism. The major subtypes of CTCL are mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Survival is dependent on the histological subtype and clinical stage. Early CTCL has a normal life expectancy, therefore early disease recognition and stage adapted treatment might help to ensure a good prognosis.


METHODS
This is a review of recent advances in CTCL treatment based on literature review.


RESULTS
Skin targeted therapies are useful for patch and limited plaque disease with phototherapy as the cornerstone of such treatments. More advanced disease will benefit from systemic mono- or combined treatments including drug therapy, extracorporeal photopheresis, and radiotherapy. In practice combined treatments may reduce adverse events and improve response rates. For selected younger patients, stem cell transplantation seems a third-line option.


CONCLUSIONS
The therapeutic spectrum for CTCL has been advanced during the last years, providing the opportunity of tailored treatment for patients.
Department of Dermatology, Dresden-Friedrichstadt Hospital, Dresden, Germany. wollina-uw@khdf.de
Uwe
U
Wollina
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents