Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), rep resenting a heterogeneous gr oup of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), can be defined as clonal proliferatio n of skin-infiltrating T lymphocytes primarily presenting in the cutaneous compartment. They show a considerable variation in clinical presentation, h istology, immunophenotype, and prognosis, which is best reflected by the pr oposal of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Study Group of the European Organization f or Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Due to the heterogeneity of CT CL and the lack of curative therapy regimens, multiple strategies have been proposed for the management of the different CTCL entities. this includes topical application of corticosteroids, nitrogen mustard or carmustine (BCN U), radiotherapy. including total skin electron beam irradiation, photo(che mo)therapy, biological response modifiers, cytostatic chemotherapy, and com bined regimens. More recently, fusion proteins and peptide vaccines have be en introduced in the management of CTCL. Classification, staging, and treat ment modalities are discussed in detail and summarized in a stage-adapted t herapy regimen for CTCL. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.