Therapy of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

Background and objective: Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL)represe nt a unique type of extranodal B-cell lymphomas. Recently,the,,European Org anization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-Cutaneous lymphoma S tudy Group" classified PCBCL into two major groups: one with low-grade mali gnancy and excellent prognosis (follicle center cell lymphoma, immunocytoma /marginal zone B-cell lymphoma) and the other with intermediate malignancy and worse prognosis (large B-cell lymphoma of the leg). The clinical course and the prognosis of both groups clearly distinguish them from nodal lymph omas with similar morphological aspects, thus underlying the need for diffe rent treatment modalities. Patients/Methods: We investigated retrospectively the therapeutic data from 51 patients with PCBCL (40 low-grade lymphomas, 11 large B-cell lymphomas) . Several treatment modalities were used: total excision, radiotherapy, pol ychemotherapy, systemic corticosteroids, systemic antibiotics, as well as a variety of combination treatments. Results: Recurrence, dissemination and/or death of the patients were not si gnificantly related to any single treatment modality. Conclusions: In our o pinion, the choice of treatment for PCBCL depends on the histologic classif ication, the number, spread and localization of the infiltrates, and on the general condition of the patient.