Navigating Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Primary Cutaneous Gamma/Delta T-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Study of Fatal Outcomes Within Two Months.
Primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGD-TCL) is a rare yet highly aggressive subtype of primary cutaneous lymphoma. Characterized by its challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis, PCGD-TCL presents unique clinical and histopathological features that distinguish it from other primary cutaneous lymphoma subtypes. Here, we report the case of a 75-year-old man who initially presented with multiple erythematous indurated plaques over his back and bilateral lower extremities. The initial biopsy suggested primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (PCTCL) with a CD30-negative phenotype. However, within a 2-month interval, the disease progressed rapidly, manifesting as extensive skin involvement across the chest and upper extremities. A repeat skin biopsy was performed, revealing dermal atypical lymphocytes without epidermotropism. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positivity for CD3, CD5, and CD4, as well as T-cell receptor delta (TCR delta) expression, along with the loss of CD8 and CD30 expression. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of PCGD-TCL. Despite therapeutic interventions, including systemic treatments, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, ultimately leading to his demise within a month of receiving the PCGD-TCL diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities associated with PCGD-TCL, emphasizing the importance of careful histopathological examination and immunophenotypic characterization. Given its aggressive nature and propensity for rapid dissemination, early recognition of PCGD-TCL is paramount for initiating appropriate therapeutic interventions. However, effective treatment options for PCGD-TCL remain limited, and the disease typically carries an unfavorable prognosis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of PCGD-TCL, to identify novel therapeutic targets, and to improve patient outcomes. In addition, increased awareness among clinicians and pathologists regarding the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria of PCGD-TCL is crucial for facilitating timely diagnosis and management of this challenging malignancy.
10
- 10.1007/s44228-022-00011-9
- Jun 1, 2022
- Clinical Hematology International
100
- 10.1097/01.dad.0000187933.87103.03
- Feb 1, 2006
- The American Journal of Dermatopathology
16
- 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.08.012
- Sep 1, 2017
- Journal of Dermatological Science
70
- 10.1097/pas.0000000000000768
- Feb 1, 2017
- American Journal of Surgical Pathology
3
- 10.1111/cup.14063
- Jun 4, 2021
- Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
4
- 10.1111/cup.14204
- Feb 8, 2022
- Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
28
- 10.21037/cco.2018.11.01
- Feb 1, 2019
- Chinese Clinical Oncology
8
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000000608
- Sep 9, 2016
- The American Journal of Dermatopathology
20
- 10.1016/j.path.2021.03.001
- Apr 29, 2021
- Surgical Pathology Clinics
1
- 10.1111/cup.14293
- Aug 2, 2022
- Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
- Research Article
5
- 10.1016/j.jdcr.2015.04.016
- Jul 28, 2015
- JAAD Case Reports
An unusual case of cytotoxic peripheral T-cell lymphoma
- Abstract
- 10.1182/blood-2024-194018
- Nov 5, 2024
- Blood
Pralatrexate Is Effective in Cytotoxic Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas
- Research Article
16
- 10.1016/j.cancergen.2012.05.006
- Jul 20, 2012
- Cancer Genetics
Comprehensive cytogenetic study of primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma by means of spectral karyotyping and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism array
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.am2024-813
- Mar 22, 2024
- Cancer Research
BACKGROUND: Primary Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-Cell Lymphoma (PCGDTCL) is a rare subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that, despite comprising <1% of cutaneous lymphomas, has gained recognition in recent years as an entity separate from other rare CTCLs. (LeukemiaPMID 35732829) A 5 year survival of 11% demonstrates a low response to current available therapies. (BloodPMID 30635287, Clin Hematol Int.PMID 35950208) Due to lack of consistency in behavior between CTCLs, there exists a need for studies of demographic, clinical, and survival disparities, including between Hispanics (HI) vs. non-Hispanics (NH). METHODS: Data were analyzed on PCGDTCL patients in the United States reported to the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2004-2019. Demographic and treatment characteristics were compared between ethnic groups. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to compare OS between populations. Multivariate analysis and propensity score matching was performed with adjustment for age, stage, co-morbidity score, and insurance status, type of facility and great circle distance. RESULTS: Among 132 PCGDTCL patients studied (5% HI, 92% NH), the HI group was younger at diagnosis than NH (49.5y vs. 60y) (p=0.384); The majority of HI (50%) was diagnosed between 2010-2012 vs 2017-2019 for NH (45%) (p=0.673). Most of HI and NH were white (67% vs 79%). Private insurance was the most prevalent type in HI (67%) vs government sponsored for NH (49%). The most non-Insured group was NH (3%) vs HI (0%). The most prevalent bracket for Census Median Income (2008-2012) was $63,000+ for both HI (50%) and NH (31%). 17% HI vs 13%. NH had median income <$38,000. For Charlson-Deyo Score (comorbidities score), HI had 0% =/> 2 score, vs NH 6%. NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers were the most prevalent type of facility providing care for HI (100%) and NH (56%) Survival probability (OS) at 2, 5 and 10y (HI vs NH) were (80% vs 48%), (80% vs 44%), and (80% vs 26%), respectively. Median survival time (MS) was not reached for HI vs 1.9 years for NH. Overall survival (OS) difference favored HI (p=0.13) On multivariate analysis, there was no independent variable associated with better or worse OS. Interestingly, the propensity matched analysis demonstrated significant MS difference between HI vs NH (median not reached vs. 1.35 years). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in OS between groups; however, the weighed MS favored the HI cohort, likely in part due to the difference in numbers between cohorts. The drastically low survival in all demographics is consistent with prior studies. These results demonstrate an unmet need for more comprehensive studies with the potential inclusion of correlatives looking at intrinsic biologic characteristics that may offer insight into druggable targets, aiming for improvement in survival outcomes for this rare lymphoma. Citation Format: Katherine Thiel, Rosa White, Qianqian Liu, Joel Michalek, Adolfo Enrique Diaz Duque. Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-Cell lymphoma in the United States: A nationwide analysis of demographics and survival outcomes among the Hispanic population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 813.
- Research Article
41
- 10.1093/annonc/mdq183
- May 1, 2010
- Annals of Oncology
Primary cutaneous lymphomas: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000002856
- Oct 15, 2024
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
Primary cutaneous gamma delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma accounting for <1% of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The exact cause of PCGDTCL is not known, however, it is thought that chronic antigen exposure in the skin may lead to immune dysregulation at the site, resulting in abnormal proliferation of mature, post-thymic cytotoxic gamma delta T cells. Mutations are the most common genetic alteration seen in PCGDTCL, while structural abnormalities such as gene fusions are not common. We report a case of PCGDTCL with atypical immunophenotypic features, including expression of CD5 with lack of cytotoxic marker expression, and a structural alteration leading to FYN deletion at exon 8. Recently, it was described that a deletion of the area between FYN exon 8 and TRAF3IP2 intron 2 results in a novel FYN::TRAF3IP2 fusion in peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. We describe our patient's clinical course, differential diagnosis, and potential implications of FYN deletion on disease pathogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an FYN structural alteration to be described in PCGDTCL.
- Research Article
4
- 10.3390/dermatopathology9020018
- Apr 29, 2022
- Dermatopathology
Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (CGD-TCL) is a rare cutaneous lymphoma. Panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) has a better prognosis than CGD-TCL. SPTCL is sometimes associated with autoimmune disease. A 64-year-old Japanese female with a history of dermatomyositis presented with subcutaneous nodules on the upper extremities and exacerbated dermatomyositis. A skin biopsy showed lobular panniculitis, a vacuolar interface change, and a dermal mucin deposit. Fat cells rimmed by neoplastic cells, fat necrosis, and karyorrhexis were observed. The atypical lymphoid cells showed CD3+, CD4−, CD8+, granzyme B+, CD20−, and CD56−. Polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated a T-cell receptor rearrangement. The patient was initially diagnosed with SPTCL, so the dose of prednisone was raised from 7.5 to 50 mg daily (1 mg/kg). After one month, erythematous nodules regressed, and muscle symptoms improved. Subsequently, prednisone was tapered, and cyclosporin A was added. After one year, the patient remained symptom-free and continued taking 7.5 mg prednisone and 100 mg cyclosporin A daily. Afterward, we immunostained skin samples with antibodies against TCR-ß and δ and found positive TCR-δ and negative TCR-ß. Therefore, we corrected the diagnosis to CGD-TCL, although the clinical course and the presence of dermatomyositis were reminiscent of SPTCL.
- Research Article
- 10.1159/000546761
- Jun 7, 2025
- Case Reports in Oncology
Introduction: Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGDTL) is a rare and aggressive subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, often associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 91-year-old Japanese man with a 2-month history of rapidly growing, painful nodules on the face, trunk, and extremities. Histopathology showed dermal infiltration by atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD3 and CD5 but negative for cytotoxic markers such as TIA-1 and granzyme B. Flow cytometry confirmed a TCR-γδ+ T-cell phenotype. Given his advanced age, palliative radiotherapy (8 Gy in 4 fractions) was chosen. The treatment was well tolerated and led to dramatic clinical improvement without adverse effects. Conclusion: Although PCGDTL is known for its poor response to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, this case illustrates the potential of localized radiotherapy as a low-toxicity option that may achieve temporary in selected elderly patients. This report contributes to the limited literature on non-chemotherapy-based management strategies for PCGDTL and highlights the importance of individualized treatment approaches in frail or super-aged patients.
- Research Article
216
- 10.1093/annonc/mdy133
- Oct 1, 2018
- Annals of Oncology
Primary cutaneous lymphomas: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
- Research Article
8
- 10.1016/j.prro.2019.02.016
- Mar 2, 2019
- Practical Radiation Oncology
Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and 3-Dimensional Printed Bolus in the Treatment of Refractory Primary Cutaneous Gamma Delta Lymphoma of the Bilateral Legs
- Research Article
- 10.1155/crh/8582804
- Jan 1, 2025
- Case reports in hematology
Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGD-TCL) is a very rare subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. We report the case of a young Polynesian male who presented with fever and an abdominal wall rash and highlight the workup leading to the diagnosis of PCGD-TCL. As PCGD-TCL is rare and mimics other medical conditions, its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and can be challenging. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) occurs with PCGD-TCL and can be a marker of more invasive disease. There are no well-defined treatment guidelines, but the most common treatment approach is anthracycline-based multiagent chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplant. Targeted therapies are being increasingly used as well. Prognosis remains poor and 5-year survival is < 20%, particularly in more invasive disease. We highlight how this patient's demographic varies from the published literature and discuss some unique particulars of the diagnostic evaluation and treatment, especially in the presence of concurrent HLH.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1182/blood-2020-140982
- Nov 5, 2020
- Blood
Comparative Transcriptomics of Alpha-Beta Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma and Primary Cutaneous Gamma Delta T-Cell Lymphoma
- Research Article
3
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000002014
- Aug 23, 2021
- The American Journal of Dermatopathology
Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm, representing less than 1% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. In this article, we report the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with a history of generalized skin rash and a recent mass on the left upper extremity, as well as right inguinal soft tissue swelling and splenomegaly. Histologic examination of the mass revealed a diffuse subcutaneous infiltrate of large anaplastic and CD30-positive lymphoid cells with rimming of the adipocytes. This case demonstrates unusual cytologic features in primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma that mimic the features of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1-negative anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.
- Abstract
1
- 10.1182/blood-2022-157407
- Nov 15, 2022
- Blood
Primary Cutaneous Gamma-Delta T-Cell Lymphoma (PCGDTCL) Descriptors and Clinicopathologic Determinants of Survival: Analysis of a Pooled Database
- Research Article
3
- 10.7759/cureus.35442
- Feb 25, 2023
- Cureus
Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma (PCGD-TCL) is a rare type of lymphoma, representing less than 1% of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. It is typically aggressive and chemotherapy-refractory. Hence, most institutions tend to employ intensive chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation although there is no standard of care established. We report a case of PCGD-TCL and discuss the challenges associated with the diagnosis and management of PCGD-TCL.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003050
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003063
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003100
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003086
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003076
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003078
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003045
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003068
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003098
- Nov 1, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000003162
- Oct 31, 2025
- The American Journal of dermatopathology
- Ask R Discovery
- Chat PDF
AI summaries and top papers from 250M+ research sources.