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Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a class of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a type of cancer of the immune system. Unlike most non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (which are generally B-cell related), CTCL is caused by a mutation of T cells. The malignant T cells in the body are pushed to the surface of the skin in a biological process used to rid the body of offending material, causing various lesions to appear on the skin. These lesions change shape as the disease progresses, typically beginning as what appears to be a rash and eventually forming plaques and tumors before metastasizing to other parts of the body.
Though there are many types of CTCL and presentation can vary from individual to individual, there are two main forms:
There is some dispute over whether SS is an advanced form of MF or a different type of CTCL entirely – in either case, the prognosis for SS patients is substantially poorer than for those of MF.
There is no cure for CTCL, but there are a variety of treatment options available and some CTCL patients are able to live somewhat normal lives with this cancer, although symptoms can be debilitating and painful, even in earlier stages.
Treatments include:
Other drugs are under investigation (for example panobinostat).
Of all cancers involving the same class of blood cell, 2% of cases are cutaneous T cell lymphomas.[1]
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