Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma Research Articles

Expression of T-follicular helper markers in sequential biopsies of progressive mycosis fungoides and other primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

T-follicular helper (Tfh) lymphocytes represent the neoplastic cells of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and have been observed also in several cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and extracutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, mycosis fungoides (MF), cutaneous CD4 small/medium T-cell lymphoma (CD4SMTCL), and Sezary syndrome. We studied a large number of different types of primary CTCL for expression of Tfh markers, including 36 biopsies from 21 patients with MF (with sequential biopsies from patch stage and tumor stage of 15 patients), 13 patients with CD4SMTCL, 9 with lymphomatoid papulosis, 11 with cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (cALCL), 2 with cutaneous γ/δ T-cell lymphoma, 8 with subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, 3 with cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8 cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, 6 with cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, and 1 with Sezary syndrome. Expression of at least 3 of 5 markers (PD-1, CXCL-13, ICOS, Bcl-6, and CD10) in >10% of tumor cells was observed in 33 biopsies (MF = 20; CD4SMTCL = 11; 1 each cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, respectively). Our study shows that a Tfh phenotype is very common in MF and CD4SMTCL but can be observed rarely also in other types of CTCL. Expression of Tfh markers should not be used for classification of any entity of CTCL and may only integrate other immunohistochemical stainings for a more accurate characterization of these disorders. Precise distinction of Tfh-positive CTCLs from secondary skin manifestations of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma cannot rest on demonstration of a Tfh phenotype alone and should be achieved by a synthesis of clinical, histological, and phenotypic features.

Cutaneous lymphomas: new entities and rare variants

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are the second most common group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Recently several new variants and entities have been described but have not yet become part of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. These forms include the granulomatous form of mycosis fungoides, which is associated with a poorer prognosis, as well as indolent CD8+ lymphoproliferations on the head and at acral localizations. Within the group of cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, new histological types of lymphomatoid papulosis have been identified, such as type D (CD8+ epidermotropic) and typeE (angioinvasive) which simulate aggressive lymphomas. Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphomas are a prognostically heterogeneous group of cutaneous lymphomas. The cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma and cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma are very aggressive neoplasms, whereas cutaneous CD4+ small to medium-sized T-cell lymphoma in its solitary or localized form represents an indolent lymphoproliferation: the terminology, histogenesis and differentiation from nodular T-cell pseudolymphoma are still a matter of debate. Among B-cell lymphomas, disorders associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are discussed focusing on EBV diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly and EBV-associated mucocutaneous ulcer. This review describes the clinical, histological and immunophenotypic features of new and rare entities and variants of cutaneous lymphomas and highlights the impact of the clinicopathological correlation in the diagnostic process.

In situ hybridisation for Epstein-Barr virus as a differential diagnostic tool for T- and natural killer/T-cell lymphomas in non-immunocompromised patients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus infecting over 90% of humans and the infection persists for life. Although most people are asymptomatic, EBV infection may cause a continuous range of symptoms from transient to severe and protracted diseases depending on the immunological response of the individuals. EBV infects primarily B lymphocytes and rarely T and natural killer (NK) cells. It is implicated in around 1% of human tumours with the majority being haematological malignancies including Hodgkin lymphoma, B- and T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs). As it is a ubiquitous virus the confirmation of EBV-related LPDs depends on the demonstration of the viral DNA by in situ hybridisation for EBV-encoded mRNA (EBER). In current practice, CD3 and EBER positive cytotoxic extranodal lymphomas in non-immunocompromised patients are generally considered as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and accordingly EBER should be performed for such tumours except for the few clinically typical entities such as mycosis fungoides. This review focuses on the application of EBER in the diagnosis of various types of T- and NK/T-cell lymphomas in non-immunocompromised patients and the diagnostic pitfalls, especially their distinction from infectious mononucleosis-related LPD of T- and NK-cell origins and the diagnostic dilemma between various T-cell lymphoma entities with or without EBV association, including nodal cytotoxic EBV positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Type D Lymphomatoid Papulosis: An uncommon Variant. A case report and review of the literature

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is an indolent form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, currently classified together with primary cutaneous anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma within the spectrum of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. It is characterized by presenting as a clinically benign but histopathological malignant disease. Clinical features consist in recurrent waxing and waning red papules. Histopathologically, there are 4 variants recognized, Type A or Hystiocitic type, being the most frecuent of all, Type B or Mycosis fungoides-like, Type C or Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma-like and Type D, the most recently described and uncommon variant with features similar to Cutaneous Aggressive CD8-Positive Cytotoxic T-Cell Lymphoma. We present a case of a 22-year-old female with multiple papules and nodules in trunk and limbs that after histopathological and immunochemical examination was compatible with Type D LyP. It is important to report this case, as a perfect example of an uncommon variant of LyP, with emphasis in its typical clinical, histopathological and inmunohistochemical findings and review of the literature.

Cytotoxic T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas: current questions and controversies.

The cytotoxic T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas and related disorders are important but relatively rare lymphoid neoplasms that frequently are a challenge for practicing pathologists. This selective review, based on a meeting of the International Lymphoma Study Group, briefly reviews T-cell and NK-cell development and addresses questions related to the importance of precise cell lineage (αβ-type T cell, γδ T cell, or NK cell), the implications of Epstein-Barr virus infection, the significance of anatomic location including nodal disease, and the question of further categorization of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphomas. Finally, developments subsequent to the 2008 World Health Organization Classification, including the recognition of indolent NK-cell and T-cell disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are presented.

Recurrent Course and CD30 Expression of Atypical T Lymphocytes Distinguish Lymphomatoid Papulosis From Primary Cutaneous Aggressive Epidermotropic CD8+ Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma

© 2014 The Authors. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1806 Journal Compilation © 2014 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. ISSN 0001-5555 Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is characterised by a chronic course of years to decades of recurrent papulonodular lesions, each of which undergoes spontaneous regression after weeks or months (1). Recently LyP type D was identified as a new histolopathological variant simulating a primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (pCAE-CD8+ CTCL) (2). Despite histologically alarming features, the patients have a clinical presentation and indolent course that are similar to those with typical cases of LyP.

Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type D or an Aggressive Epidermotropic CD8+ Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphoma?

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is defined as a chronic, recurrent, self-healing eruption of papules and small nodules, characterised by a waxing and waning course, and by histological features of a CD30+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma CTCL. Classically, 3 histologic subtypes of LyP are recognised: Type A (histiocytic), type B (MFlike) and type C (anaplastic like CTCL) (1). Together with primary cutaneous anaplastic large Tcell lymphoma, LyP is classified as a part of the primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders in the WHO-EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas (2). Recently, a new histologic LyP variant termed type D, simulating an aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma, but with the typical clinical presentation and indolent course of LyP, has been described (3–5). We describe a new case of this variant, of which diagnosis is particularly challenging and emphasises the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Epstein-Barr virus–positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma followed by chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection–associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder: a case report

A 30-year-old female patient presented with intestinal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (EBV+ CTL), which was surgically resected. Fourteen years later, she returned to our hospital with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites and was diagnosed with chronic active EBV infection-associated T/NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CAEBV/TNK-LPD). She developed systemic EBV+ CTL at age 47 years during the 2.5-year clinical course of CAEBV/TNK-LPD, despite multiagent chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Afterward, she had a rapidly deteriorating clinical course and died at age 48 years. The immunophenotype of the EBV+ CTL was consistently a CD3, CD8, and cytotoxic molecule-positive type with the same clonality in polymerase chain reaction analysis of T-cell receptor-γ chain gene rearrangement. This is the first reported case of EBV+ CTL preceding the clinical presentation of CAEBV/TNK-LPD. The present case was unique in suggesting a close relationship between EBV+ CTL and chronic active EBV infection.

TCR-γ Expression in Primary Cutaneous T-cell Lymphomas

Primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphomas (PCGD-TCLs) are considered a subgroup of aggressive cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs). We have taken advantage of a new, commercially available antibody that recognizes the T-cell receptor-γ (TCR-γ) subunit of the TCR in paraffin-embedded tissue. We have analyzed a series of 146 primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas received for consultation or a second opinion in the CNIO Pathology Department. Cases were classified according to the World Health Organization 2008 classification as mycosis fungoides (MF; n=96), PCGD-TCLs (n=5), pagetoid reticulosis (n=6), CD30(+) primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas (n=5), primary cutaneous CD8 aggressive epidermotropic CTCLs (n=3), primary cutaneous CTCL, not otherwise specified (n=4), and extranodal nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphomas primarily affecting the skin or subcutaneous tissue (n=11). Sixteen cases of the newly named lymphomatoid papulosis type D (LyP-D; n=16) were also included. In those cases positive for TCR-γ, a further panel of 13 antibodies was used for analysis, including TIA-1, granzyme B, and perforin. Clinical and follow-up data were recorded in all cases. Twelve cases (8.2%) were positive for TCR-γ, including 5 PCGD-TCLs, 2 MFs, and 5 LyP-Ds. All 5 PCGD-TCL patients and 1 MF patient died of the disease, whereas the other MF patient and all those with LyP-D were alive. All cases expressed cytotoxic markers, were frequently CD3(+)/CD8(+), and tended to lose CD5 and CD7 expressions. Eight of 12 and 5 of 11 cases were CD30(+) and CD56(+), respectively. Interestingly, 5/12 TCR-γ-positive cases also expressed TCR-BF1. All cases analyzed were negative for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA. In conclusion, TCR-γ expression seems to be rare and is confined to cytotoxic primary cutaneous TCLs. Nevertheless, its expression is not exclusive to PCGD-TCLs, as TCR-γ protein can be found in other CTCLs. Moreover, its expression does not seem to be associated with bad prognosis by itself, as it can be found in cases with good and bad outcomes.

Primary bone marrow CD8 cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma coexpressed CD20: a case report and literatures review

To report the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of primary bone marrow CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma coexpressed CD20. The clinical characteristics, therapeutic course and the outcome of this patient were reviewed. Meanwhile, a series of examinations including morphology, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology of bone marrow and skin samples were also performed. Bone marrow biopsy showed an extensive involvement by abnormal T lymphocytes. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry showed weakly positive CD20, CD8(+), CD2(+), CD3(+), CD5(+), TIA(+), PAX-5(-), CD4(-), CD56(-), CD57(-), CD30(-), ALK-1(-), P53(-), TdT(-), Ki-67≈5%. A final diagnosis of primary bone marrow CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma coexpressed CD20 was made. The patient initially presented a relatively indolent course was, but he was expired in the end 3 years later due to extensive involvements of skin and other organs though timely therapy was administrated. Primary bone marrow CD8 cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma coexpressed CD20 was encountered rarely in clinical practice, which might be a challenging in terms of diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Further investigation of pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of this rare disease was warranted.

Angioinvasive Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) belongs to the spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. Clinically, LyP is characterized by a variable number of self-healing papulo-nodular lesions, with the typical waxing and waning course. Histologically, 4 types (A, B, C, and D) have been delineated. Angioinvasive growth and large ulcers are rare findings in LyP and simulate aggressive lymphoma. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic and molecular features of angioinvasive LyP in a series of 16 patients. This new form of LyP is characterized by oligolesional papules that rapidly ulcerate and evolve into large necrotic eschar-like lesions with a diameter of 1 to 4 cm and an angiocentric and angiodestructive infiltrate of small-sized to medium-sized atypical lymphocytes expressing CD30 and frequently CD8. As in other forms of LyP, the lesions underwent spontaneous regression after a few weeks. Recurrences were common, but the prognosis was excellent with no extracutaneous spread or disease-related deaths. Complete remission occurred in 9 of 16 patients (56%). This LyP variant should be distinguished from aggressive forms of angiocentric and angiodestructive and cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas. We propose the term LyP type E for this clinically and histologically unusual variant.

Indolent CD8‐positive T‐cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases

The current classification of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes primary cutaneous CD8-positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma as a provisional entity awaiting cumulative data. Recent reports identify CD3/CD8-positive clonal T-cell lymphoid proliferations arising in the ear and nose that behave indolently and therefore defy currently established subclassification. Here, we report two cases of clonal CD8-positive/granzyme-B-negative T-cell lymphoid proliferations that arose in the ear and behaved indolently. Collectively, these cases suggest that an additional category of cutaneous indolent CD8-positive T-cell lymphoma may be necessary among the existing classification schemes.

A felületi röntgen irradiáció hatékonyságának értékelése mycosis fungoideses, primer cutan CD8+ agresszív epidermotrop citotoxikus T-sejtes lymphomás, primer cutan anaplasiás nagy sejtes lymphomás és primer cutan marginális zóna B-sejtes lymphomás betegeken

A felületi röntgen irradiáció hatékonyságának értékelése mycosis fungoideses, primer cutan CD8+ agresszív epidermotrop citotoxikus T-sejtes lymphomás, primer cutan anaplasiás nagy sejtes lymphomás és primer cutan marginális zóna B-sejtes lymphomás betegeken

Primary cutaneous aggressive CD8+ epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma: A case report

Primary cutaneous aggressive CD8+ epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma: A case report

Indolent Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T Cell Lymphoma in a 1-Year-Old Child

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is an uncommon form of CD8-positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma of the skin that predominantly affects the subcutaneous tissue and is extremely rare in early childhood (<3 yrs). Here, we present an early pediatric case with an indolent form of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma occurring at 12 months old. The subcutaneous nodules gradually disappeared spontaneously, and the girl showed excellent prognosis with no aggressive treatment.

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Clinical Course of CD8 Expressing Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (CTCL) - Retrospective Case Study

Abstract 5213 Background:CD8-positive primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL) are rare disorders and mainly include primary cutaneous CD8-positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (AECTL) and CD8+ variant mycosis fungoides (MF). In contrast to primary cutaneous CD8+ AECTL, which frequently exhibits strikingly aggressive and unfavorable clinical behavior, CD8+ MF shows debatable clinical course, from an indolent to aggressive behavior. As previously reported, the indolent subtype CD8+ MF occur more frequently in pediatric group, while both clinical subtypes have been observed in adults. Albeit single case studies or small case series have been reported in the literature, it still lacks a large scale of study to enlighten the clinicopathological aspects of CD8+ primary CTCLs, in order to develop the appropriate therapeutic strategies. This study aims to retrospectively review these two entities to demonstrate their clinicopathologic characteristics and to correlate them with the clinical outcome. Design:The hematopathology files from H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (PATHNET) and Tianjian Cancer Research Institute were retrieved. The patients with a primary diagnosis of CD8 expressing primary CTCLs, diagnosed and treated between January 2004 and June 2011, were included. Cutaneous involvement by systemic peripheral T-cell lymphoma, primary cutanous gamma delta T-cell lymphoma, and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma were excluded. The corresponding patient demographics, laboratory datas, therapeutic strategies and the clinical outcomes were reviewed. All available histology slides, along with all of the ancillary study results were reviewed and correlated with the clinical outcome. Results:Total of 10 cases were included based on the confirmed histomorphological diagnosis. Cases were divided into two groups: 1) CD8+ MF (n=5) and 2) CD8+ non-MF (n=5) including 2 cases with definitive diagnosis of AECTL and 3 cases diagnosed as CD8-positive primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma, not further classifiable. Clinicopathological characteristics including patients' demographic data, diagnosis, site of involvement, treatment, duration of follow up and clinical outcomes are summarized in table 1. The overall survival time for CD8+CTCLs, non-MF type (excluding 1 patient with lost follow up) varied from 5 to 90 months (averaging 20.5 months) while it was shorter in CD8+ MF, 12.6 months (5 to 23 months). Of note, 1 patient with AECTL expired shortly after diagnosis, within 3 months, however; the other one received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) and has been alive up to date. Conclusion:CD8-positive CTCLs remain a diagnostic challenge. CD8+ MF in adults exhibit dual growth patterns: localized or systemically disseminated disease. The latter could have a very short median overall survival regardless of the aggressive therapies. Allo-HSCT might be beneficial to those with AECTL. Larger series of CD8+ MF should be investigated for molecular gene profiling in order to establish genetic, molecular and phenotypic parameters not only to separate the indolent form from the aggressive subtype, but also to distinguish it from primary cutaneous CD8-positive AECTL.AgeGenderDxStageSites of InvolvementPhenotypeTreatmentFollow up (mon)Outcome153MCD8+ CTCL, not classifiableIRight frontoparietalCD3, CD5, CD8, CD43, TIA-1CHOP x619CR283MCD8+ CTCL, not classifiableIArms and trunkwk CD3, CD7, CD8, CD56, wk TIA,CHOP5AWD371MCD8+ CTCL, not classifiableIIBLeft eyelidCD3, CD8, TIAUV, CVP x 650CR425MAECTLIIIBRight toe, groin LNCD3, CD8, partial CD30RTX, ARA-C, cortisone, allo-HSCT8CR519FAECTLIVSkin, bone and lungCD3, CD5, CD8, TIACHOP X13LFU657MMF, CD8+IIBForeheadCD3, CD8, TIA-1UV, nitrogene mustard18AWD761FMF, CD8+IBLower ext and then diffuseCD3, CD4, CD5, CD8 and weak CD7.UV + Tragretin23CR859MMF, CD8+IBTrunkCD3, CD8, partial CD30NA5LFU919MMF, CD8+IVLeft palate and lungCD45RO, CD8CHOP X4 AND ESHAP X17DOD1032MMF, CD8+IVSkin, cervical LN, BMCD3, CD5, CD8CHOP X 2, HYPERCVAD X 2, VDCLP X 210DODNote: LUF: Lost follow up, AWD: alive with disease, DOD: died of disease, CR: complete remission, LN: lymph node and BM: bone marrow. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma exhibiting a transition from the indolent to the aggressive phase, accompanied by emergence of CD7+ cells and formation of neutrophilic pustules

A 47-year-old-man presented with rashes on his trunk and limbs, and a diagnosis of parapsoriasis was made. Ten years later, the rashes had progressed gradually to form plaques and tumours. Gene rearrangement studies revealed monoclonality of the T-cell receptor β-chain (TCR-Jβ)1 gene, and results of flow cytometry and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a diagnosis of epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. The clinical course of the disease remained indolent for some time, but about 2 years later, neutrophilic pustules formed on the surface of the skin lesions, and tumours developed in the patient's testes. Using flow cytometry, emergence of CD7+ cells was found. The patient died the following year of respiratory failure due to brain herniation. On postmortem examination, CD8+ tumour cells were found in the brain. This case demonstrates an unusually protracted indolent phase in a patient with cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma; its transition into the aggressive phase was accompanied by emergence of CD7+ cells and formation of neutrophilic pustules.

Cytotoxic molecule-positive classical Hodgkin's lymphoma: a clinicopathological comparison with cytotoxic molecule-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma of not otherwise specified type

Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg cells, which are of B-cell origin in many cases. We recently highlighted the adverse prognostic significance of cytotoxic molecule expression in patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the clinical characteristics of cytotoxic molecule-positive classical Hodgkin's lymphoma remain controversial. We investigated the clinicopathological profiles of 32 patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising 23 with nodular sclerosis and 9 with mixed cellularity, and compared these profiles with those of 55 patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified and 439 patients with cytotoxic molecule-negative Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma consisted of 20 men and 12 women with a median age of 50 years (range, 19 to 81). All these patients had lymphadenopathy at presentation, and 14 showed mediastinal involvement. Physical findings included hepatomegaly and splenomegaly in six patients each. Four patients had a bulky mass, and nine showed stage IV disease. The tumor cells of patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma had a prototypic immunophenotype of CD15(+) CD30(+) CD45RO(-) fascin(+), with positivity for Epstein-Barr virus in 39% of cases. All patients were negative for Pax5. In comparison with patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified, patients with cytotoxic-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma had relatively mild clinical symptoms, similar to those of patients with cytotoxic molecule-negative Hodgkin's lymphoma. Regarding prognosis, the survival of patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma was worse than that of patients with cytotoxic molecule-negative Hodgkin's lymphoma (P = 0.0003) but better than that of patients with cytotoxic molecule-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified (P = 0.002). Cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis, even if its clinicopathological features are within the boundaries of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. More effective chemotherapy for cytotoxic molecule-positive Hodgkin's lymphoma is clearly required.

Nonhepatosplenic γδ T-cell Lymphomas Represent a Spectrum of Aggressive Cytotoxic T-cell Lymphomas With a Mainly Extranodal Presentation

γδ T cells represent a minor T-cell subset that is mainly distributed in mucosal surfaces. Two distinct lymphomas derived from these cells have been recognized: hepatosplenic γδ T-cell lymphoma (HSTL) and primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma (PCGD-TCL). However, whether other anatomic sites may also be involved and whether they represent a spectrum of the same disease are not well studied. The lack of T-cell receptor (TCR)β expression has been used to infer a γδ origin when other methods are not available. We studied 35 T-cell tumors suspected to be γδ TCL using monoclonal antibodies reactive with TCR δ or γ in paraffin sections. We were able to confirm γδ chain expression in 22 of 35 cases. We identified 8 PCGD-TCLs, 6 HSTLs, and 8 γδ TCLs without hepatosplenic or cutaneous involvement involving mainly extranodal sites. Two such cases were classified as enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, type II. The other γδ TCL presented in the intestine, lung, tongue, orbit, and lymph node. In addition, we observed 13 cases with mainly extranodal involvement that lacked any TCR expression ("TCR silent"). In all cases, a natural killer cell origin was excluded. In conclusion, the lack of TCRβ expression does not always predict γδ-T-cell derivation, as TCR silent cases may be found. The recognition of γδ TCL presenting in extranodal sites other than skin and liver/spleen expands the clinical spectrum of these tumors. However, non-HSTL γδ TCL do not seem to represent a single entity. The relationship of these tumors with either HSTL or PCGD-TCL requires further study.

Kutanes zytotoxisches T-Zell-Lymphom

Cutaneous cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which shows immunoreactivity for CD56+. We report on an 83-year old woman with numerous skin infiltrates and nodules mainly on her face and trunk. Histopathologic criteria lead to the diagnosis of cutaneous cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. Bexarotene was not tolerated because of cardiac insufficiency, but treatment with methotrexate (7.5 mg once weekly) led to prompt regression of all lesions.