Search

Background: Erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (E-CTCL) is associated with a poor prognosis and severe symptoms. Objective: To establish insights into the quality of life (QoL), expectations, and treatment satisfaction of E-CTCL patients receiving mogamulizumab. Methods: Outcomes of this prospective cohort study conducted between September 2020 and August 2021 at the Leiden University Medical Center included the dermatology-specific QoL (Skindex-29), health-related QoL (RAND-12), degree of itch, pain, and fatigue (Visual Analogue Scale), patient’s expectations, and treatment satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8)), measured at baseline and after six months. Results: 13 patients with E-CTCL were included. Most patients anticipated a positive treatment effect on symptoms. Five patients (46%) improved one or more clinical categories regarding the symptoms domain, six (55%) regarding emotions, four (36%) regarding functioning, and four (36%) regarding the overall Skindex-29 score compared to baseline. The Mental Component Score clinically improved from 31 (IQR 29–51) at baseline to 38 (IQR 25–51). The median VAS itch improved significantly from baseline (8 (IQR 7–10) vs. 3 (IQR 1–8), p = 0.024). Most patients (n = 7) were “very satisfied” with their treatment. Limitations: There was a limited number of patients due to the rarity of the disease. Conclusion: In general, mogamulizumab has a favorable effect on biochemical- and dermatology-specific QoL and physical functioning in some patients, with high treatment satisfaction. Itch especially improved over time in most patients. The treatment satisfaction was generally high. Mogamulizumab seems to be an effective treatment that improves the QoL in patients with E-CTCL.

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous lymphoma with a 5-year disease-specific survival of only ~55%. Despite high response rates to initial immune-polychemotherapy, most patients experience a disease relapse. The genetic evolution of primary and relapsed/refractory disease has only scarcely been studied in PCDLBCL-LT patients. Therefore, in this retrospective cohort study, 73 primary/pre-treatment and relapsed/refractory biopsies of 57 patients with PCDLBCL-LT were molecularly characterized with triple FISH and targeted next-generation sequencing for 52 B-cell-lymphoma-relevant genes, including paired analysis in 16 patients. In this cohort, 95% of patients harboured at least one of the three main driver alterations (mutations in MYD88/CD79B and/or CDKN2A-loss). In relapsed/refractory PCDLBCL-LT, these oncogenic aberrations were persistently present, demonstrating genetic stability over time. Novel alterations in relapsed disease affected mostly CDKN2A, MYC, and PIM1. Regarding survival, only MYC rearrangements and HIST1H1E mutations were statistically significantly associated with an inferior outcome. The stable presence of one or more of the three main driver alterations (mutated MYD88/CD79B and/or CDKN2A-loss) is promising for targeted therapies addressing these alterations and serves as a rationale for molecular-based disease monitoring, improving response evaluation and early identification and intervention of disease relapses in these poor-prognostic PCDLBCL-LT patients. ispartof: CANCERS vol:14 issue:20 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), a hematological neoplasm caused by skin-homing CD30+ malignant T cells, is part of the spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. To date, only a small number of molecular alterations have been described in pcALCL and, so far, no clear unifying theme that could explain the pathogenetic origin of the disease has emerged among patients. In order to clarify the pathogenetic basis of pcALCL, we performed high-resolution genetic profiling (genome/transcriptome) of this lymphoma (n=12) by using whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing. Our study, which uncovered novel genomic rearrangements, copy number alterations and small-scale mutations underlying this malignancy, revealed that the cell cycle, T-cell physiology regulation, transcription and signaling via the PI-3-K, MAPK and G-protein pathways are cellular processes commonly impacted by molecular alterations in patients with pcALCL. Recurrent events affecting cancer-associated genes included deletion of PRDM1 and TNFRSF14, gain of EZH2 and TNFRSF8, small-scale mutations in LRP1B, PDPK1 and PIK3R1 and rearrangements involving GPS2, LINC-PINT and TNK1. Consistent with the genomic data, transcriptome analysis uncovered upregulation of signal transduction routes associated with the PI-3-K, MAPK and G-protein pathways (e.g., ERK, phospholipase C, AKT). Our molecular findings suggest that inhibition of proliferation-promoting pathways altered in pcALCL (particularly PI-3-K/AKT signaling) should be explored as potential alternative therapy for patients with this lymphoma, especially, for cases that do not respond to first-line skin-directed therapies or with extracutaneous disease.

AIMS\nMETHODS\nRESULTS\nCONCLUSION\n To assess safety and tolerability and explore pharmacodynamics and efficacy of omiganan in external anogenital warts (AGW) and vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).\nTwo randomized controlled trials in patients with external AGW and vulvar HSIL were conducted. Patients received topical omiganan 2.5% or placebo gel once daily for 12 weeks with a follow-up of 12 weeks. Safety and tolerability were monitored and pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy of omiganan were assessed by analysing lesion count, size and viral load. Self-reported pain, itch and quality of life were assessed by an electronic diary and questionnaire.\nTwenty-four AGW and 12 vulvar HSIL patients were enrolled. All patients had a high treatment adherence (99%). No serious adverse events occurred and all adverse events (n = 27) were mild, transient and self-limiting. The treatment groups were not different in terms of safety and tolerability, lesion count and size, and patient-reported outcomes pain, itch and quality of life. Human papillomavirus load significantly reduced after 12 weeks of treatment with omiganan compared to placebo (-96.6%; 95% confidence interval -99.9 to -7.4%; P = .045) in AGW patients only.\nTopical omiganan appears to be safe in patients with AGW and vulvar HSIL and reduced human papillomavirus load after 12 weeks of treatment in AGW patients.

Contains fulltext : 218224.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)

Background: Solid organ-transplant recipients (SOTR) have an increased risk of cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), metastasis and death from cSCC. In immunocompetent patients with mucosal SCC, downregulation of HLA class I is associated with poor prognosis. Since the degree of HLA expression on tumor cells could play a role in immunogenicity and pathophysiology of cSCC metastasis, we hypothesized that decreased HLA expression is associated with an increased risk of metastasis. Methods: We compared HLA expression between primary metastasized cSCCs, their metastases, and non-metastasized cSCCs from the same patients. Samples were stained for HLA-A, HLA-B/-C and quantified by calculating the difference in immunoreactivity score (IRS) of the primary cSCC compared with all non-metastasized cSCCs. Results: The mean IRS score for HLA-B/C expression was 2.07 point higher in metastasized compared to non-metastasized cSCCs (p = 0.065, 95 % CI −0.18–4.32). 83.3 % of the primary metastasized cSCCs had an IRS score of 4 or higher, compared to 42.9 % in non-metastasized cSCCs. Moderately to poorly differentiated cSCCs had more HLA class I expression compared to well-differentiated cSCCs. Conclusion: Contrary to immunocompetent patients, HLA-B/C expression tends to be upregulated in metastasized cSCC compared to non-metastasized cSCC in SOTR, suggesting that different tumor escape mechanisms play a role in SOTR compared to immunocompetent patients.

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]

Abstract Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type (PCDLBCL-LT) and primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma with a diffuse population of large cells (PCFCL-LC) are both primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas with large-cell morphology (CLBCL) but with different clinical characteristics and behavior. In systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS), gene-expression profiling (GEP) revealed two molecular subgroups based on their cell-of-origin (COO) with prognostic significance: the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype and the activated B-cell-like (ABC) subtype. This study investigated whether COO classification is a useful tool for classification of CLBCL. For this retrospective study, 51 patients with PCDLBCL-LT and 15 patients with PCFCL-LC were analyzed for their COO according to the immunohistochemistry-based Hans algorithm and the NanoString GEP-based Lymph2Cx algorithm. In PCFCL-LC, all cases (100%) classified as GCB by both Hans and Lymph2Cx. In contrast, COO classification in PCDLBCL-LT was heterogeneous. Using Hans, 75% of the PCDLBCL-LT patients classified as non-GCB and 25% as GCB, while Lymph2Cx classified only 18% as ABC, 43% as unclassified/intermediate, and 39% as GCB. These COO subgroups did not differ in the expression of BCL2 and IgM, mutations in MYD88 and/or CD79B, loss of CDKN2A, or survival. In conclusion, PCFCL-LC uniformly classified as GCB, while PCDLBCL-LT classified along the COO spectrum of DLBCL-NOS using the Hans and Lymph2Cx algorithms. In contrast to DLBCL-NOS, the clinical relevance of COO classification in CLBCL using these algorithms has limitations and cannot be used as an alternative for the current multiparameter approach in differentiation of PCDLBCL-LT and PCFCL-LC.

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) constitute a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphomas that present in the skin. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of CTCLs. Progress in CTCL classifications combined with technical advances, in particular next-generation sequencing, enabled a more detailed analysis of the genetic and epigenetic landscape and transcriptional changes in clearly defined diagnostic entities. These studies not only demonstrated extensive heterogeneity between different CTCL subtypes but also identified recurrent alterations that are highly characteristic for diagnostic subgroups of CTCLs. The identified alterations, in particular, involve epigenetic remodeling, cell cycle regulation, and the constitutive activation of targetable oncogenic pathways. In this respect, aberrant JAK-STAT signaling is a recurrent theme; however, it is not universal for all CTCLs and has seemingly different underlaying causes in different entities. A number of the mutated genes identified are potentially actionable targets for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Moreover, these studies have produced an enormous amount of information that will be critically important for the further development of improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that can assist in the clinical management of patients with CTCL. In the present review, the main findings of these studies in relation to their functional impact on the malignant transformation process are discussed for different subtypes of CTCLs.

Background Mycobacterium marinum is a nontuberculous mycobacterium that causes skin and soft tissue infections. Treatment consists of multiple antibiotics, sometimes combined with surgical debridement. There is little evidence for the choice of antibiotics, the duration of treatment, and the role of susceptibility testing. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of culture-confirmed M. marinum infections in the Netherlands in the 2011–2018 period. Clinical characteristics, in vitro susceptibility, extent of disease, treatment regimens, and outcomes were analyzed. Incidence was assessed from laboratory databases. Results Forty cases of M. marinum infection could be studied. Antibiotic treatment cured 36/40 patients (90%) after a mean treatment duration of 25 weeks. Failure/relapse occurred in 3 patients, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Antibiotic treatment consisted of monotherapy in 35% and 2-drug therapy in 63%. Final treatment contained mostly ethambutol–macrolide combinations (35%). Eleven patients (28%) received additional surgery. We recorded high rates of in vitro resistance to tetracyclines (36% of isolates). Tetracycline resistance seemed correlated with poor response to tetracycline monotherapy. The annual incidence rate was 0.15/100 000/year during the study period. Conclusions Prolonged and susceptibility-guided treatment results in a 90% cure rate in M. marinum disease. Two-drug regimens of ethambutol and a macrolide are effective for moderately severe infections. Tetracycline monotherapy in limited disease should be used vigilantly, preferably with proven in vitro susceptibility.

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma's (CTCL) are a rare, heterogeneous group of T-cell lymphomas that primarily manifest in the skin. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are considered the classic types of CTCL. The diverse manifestation of CTCL results in a wide range of symptoms with a possible mild to severe impact on Quality of Life (QoL) depending on the disease stage. Previous studies on QoL in CTCL patients report diverse patient populations and use many different QoL instruments. In the current literature, a clear overview on the influence of the different stages of disease (early MF, late-stage MF/SS or total group) on the QoL is lacking. Therefore, a systematic search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they described QoL in patients with MF and SS retrieved by standardized instruments or qualitative interviews. In total, 24 studies were included using 18 different questionnaires to report on dermatology-specific, cancer-specific and generic QoL. The effect on QoL was found to be greater in patients with late-stage disease as compared to early stage disease, with significant impairments on functional, emotional and physical domains. Nonetheless, even in patients with limited disease, QoL was mildly to moderately affected. Overall, pruritus was the most frequent reported and most bothersome symptom. Significant influence of the disease on daily life activities were found, not only in patients but also on caregivers and family. This broad, structured overview on QoL in MF and SS patients underlines the influence of disease stage on QoL, and therefore, recommends future studies to distinguish between disease stages when reporting results. Furthermore, this overview can inform clinicians in clinical practice by creating awareness of QoL deficits according to disease stage.

Background Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) can be associated with other haematological malignancies (HM), but reported percentages vary from 20% to over 50%. Objective To evaluate the frequency and prognostic significance of associated HM and non‐HM in LyP patients. Methods In this multicentre cohort study, the complete Dutch LyP population was included from the Dutch Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry between 1985 and 2018. Clinical and histopathological information was retrieved from every individual patient. Results After a median follow‐up of 120 months (range, 6–585), an associated HM was observed in 78/504 (15.5%) patients. Most common associated HM were mycosis fungoides (MF; n = 31) and anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL; n = 29), while 19 patients had another HM of B‐cell (n = 14) or myeloid origin (n = 5). Even after a 25‐year follow‐up period, percentages of associated HM did not exceed 20%. Thirty‐nine of 465 patients (8.4%) without a prior or concurrent associated HM developed an associated HM during follow‐up, after a median of 68 months (range of 3–286 months). Nine of 78 patients died of associated HM, including 6/22 patients developing extracutaneous ALCL, while all patients with associated MF or skin‐limited ALCL had an excellent prognosis. Compared with the general population, LyP patients showed an increased risk (relative risk, 2.8; 95% confidence intervals, 2.4–3.3) for non‐HM, in particular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and intestinal/lung/bladder cancer. Conclusions An associated HM was reported in 15.5% of the LyP patients, particularly MF and ALCL. Although the frequency of associated HM is lower than suggested and the prognosis of most patients with associated HM is excellent, a small subgroup will develop aggressive disease, in particular extracutaneous ALCL. Furthermore, LyP patients have a higher risk of developing other malignancies. Clinicians should be aware of these risks, and LyP patients require close monitoring., Linked article: F. Rongioletti. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: 216–217. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16157.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of culture-confirmedForty cases ofProlonged and susceptibility-guided treatment results in a 90% cure rate in

Aim Recent studies suggested a role for IL31 in the pathogenesis of pruritus and disease severity in patients with cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). However, discrepant results were reported for IL31 serum levels, transcriptional expression levels or immunohistochemistry studies and its relation to pruritus intensity and/or disease severity in CTCL. Most studies did not distinguish between different CTCL variants. We investigated IL31 serum levels in different subtypes of CTCL, including Mycosis Fungoides (MF) (typically not pruritic), Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (FMF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) (both often pruritic). Methods From 54 CTCL patients (17 SS, 21 FMF and 16 classic MF) serum samples were analyzed with a high sensitivity V-PLEX immunoassay for IL31. The study group included 35/54 (65%) patients with complaints of pruritus. Thirty-five patients had advanced stage disease (≥stage IIB). A visual analog scale score (VAS score) for pruritus was available in 29 CTCL patients (7 SS, 9 FMF and 13 classic MF) and in other cases complaints of pruritus were retrieved from medical records. qPCR analyses for IL31 expression were performed in lesional skin biopsies from 8 CTCL patients. Serum samples from 4 healthy individuals without pruritus and from 5 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with severe pruritus were included as controls. Results In 11/54 (20%) of CTCL patients low serum levels of IL31 were detected (mean 0.48 pg/mL, range 0.20–1.39 pg/mL) including 6/17 (35%) SS patients (mean 0.57 pg/mL) and 5/21 (24%) FMF patients (mean 0.33 pg/mL). All 11 patients with detectable levels of IL31 reported complaints of moderate to severe pruritus and 9/11 patients presented with advanced stage disease (≥IIB). qPCR analyses resulted in lowly expressed IL31 expression levels in 4 of 8 patients; these patients all suffered from pruritus and advanced stage disease. Conclusions Translational and transcriptional expression levels of IL31 were very low or undetectable in CTCL patients. Detectable low IL31 serum levels were exclusively observed in SS and FMF patients and not in patients with classic MF. However, these marginal IL31 levels in a small proportion of CTCL patients do not support an essential role for IL31 in CTCL patients., Highlights • Interleukin 31 (IL31) is suggested to play a key role in pruritus. • Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients may suffer from severe pruritus. • Previous reports show variable results regarding the role of IL31 in CTCL patients. • Minimal to undetectable IL31 serum levels were found in 54 CTCL patients. • These observations do not support a prominent role for IL31 in CTCL.

BACKGROUND: Common and plantar warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Mode of transmission of wart HPVs within families is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate similarity of HPV type(s) among wart cases, family members and household linen. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, swabs taken from 123 warts and foreheads of 62 index patients and 157 family members, and from 58 kitchen towels and 59 bathroom mats were tested for DNA of 23 cutaneous wart-associated HPV types. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the chance of detecting the same HPV type as was found in the index patients on the family contacts and on the kitchen towels and bathroom mats. RESULTS: HPV1, HPV2, HPV27 and HPV57 were the most prevalent types in the warts of the index patients. Altogether, 60 (42.3%) of the 142 family members without warts had HPV DNA on their foreheads. When HPV1 and HPV2 were found in the warts, these types were also frequently (>50%) found on the foreheads of index patients and their family members, as well as on the kitchen towels and the bathroom mats. HPV27 and HPV57 were less frequently found (

Background The PROspective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI) study is a prospective analysis of an international database. Here we examine front-line treatments and quality of life (QoL) in patients with newly diagnosed mycosis fungoides (MF).Objectives To identify (i) differences in first-line approaches according to tumour-nodes-metastasis-blood (TNMB) staging; (ii) parameters related to a first-line systemic approach and (iii) response rates and QoL measures.Methods In total, 395 newly diagnosed patients with early-stage MF (stage IA-IIA) were recruited from 41 centres in 17 countries between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018 following central clinicopathological review.Results The most common first-line therapy was skin-directed therapy (SDT) (322 cases, 81 center dot 5%), while a smaller percentage (44 cases, 11 center dot 1%) received systemic therapy. Expectant observation was used in 7 center dot 3%. In univariate analysis, the use of systemic therapy was significantly associated with higher clinical stage (IA, 6%; IB, 14%; IIA, 20%; IA-IB vs. IIA, P < 0 center dot 001), presence of plaques (T1a/T2a, 5%; T1b/T2b, 17%; P < 0 center dot 001), higher modified Severity Weighted Assessment Tool (> 10, 15%

Contains fulltext : 237744.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access)

While most cases of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma are ALK-negative, there are ALK-positive cases as described by Quint and colleagues.

Trichoblastomas are rare dermal neoplasms usually found on the scalp and face. Histology shows a proliferation of small basaloid cells arranged in cords or fields surrounded by cellular stroma. Trichoblastomas are usually not aggressive, but trichoblastic carcinomas arising from preexisting trichoblastomas have been described and have been linked to basal cell carcinoma. We found a tumor with features of trichoblastoma with presence of Merkel cells, but with a deeply infiltrative growth pattern into the fat and muscle tissue, without significant architectural or cellular atypia. Tumors with similar growth patterns were previously described as deeply invasive trichoblastic neoplasms. It appears to be a new entity that has been described before but has not been fully characterized: low-grade trichoblastic carcinoma. This malignancy seems to show only locally aggressive growth. Radical excision was accomplished with Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is a chronic inflammatory scarring dermatosis associated with penile carcinoma. The prepuce is pivotal in its etiology. Other proposed etiological factors are the subject of dispute and include occluded urinary exposure, autoimmunity, immunodysregulation, and infectious agents. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the bacterial microbiota of the balanopreputial sac and urine are associated with MGLSc. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty uncircumcised patients with MGLSc and 20 healthy uncircumcised males were enrolled in a prospective case-control study. Balanopreputial swabs and urine specimens were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Microbiota analysis indicated differences between the groups. In the balanopreputial sac, the median relative abundance of Finegoldia spp. was lower (9% [range 0-60%]) in MGLSc patients than in controls (28% [range 0-62%]). Conversely, the median relative abundance of Fusobacterium spp. was higher in MGLSc patients (4% [range 0-41%]) than in controls (0% [range 0-28%]). In the urine, the median relative abundance of Finegoldia spp. was comparable between groups, whereas that of Fusobacterium spp. was higher in MGLSc patients (0% [range 0-18%] vs. 0% [range 0-5%]). There was a strong association between the microbiota composition of the balanopreputial sac and urine in MGLSc. CONCLUSION Dysbiosis could be involved in the etiopathogenesis of MGLSc. Further studies are required to confirm the association suggested herein and to determine its nature.

Unlike systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the vast majority of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C-ALCL) do not carry translocations involving the ALK gene and do not express ALK. Expression of ALK protein therefore strongly suggests secondary cutaneous involvement of a systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Recent studies described a small subgroup of ALK-positive C-ALCL, but information on frequency, prognosis, and translocation partners is virtually lacking. A total of 6/309 (2%) C-ALCL patients included in the Dutch registry for cutaneous lymphomas between 1993 and 2019 showed immunohistochemical ALK expression. Clinical and histopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype and disease course were evaluated. Underlying ALK translocations were analyzed with anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based targeted next-generation sequencing. Median age at diagnosis was 39 years (range: 16 to 53 y). All patients presented with a solitary lesion. Treatment with radiotherapy (n=5) or anthracycline-based chemotherapy (n=1) resulted in complete responses in all 6 patients. Three patients developed a relapse, of whom 2 extracutaneous. After a median follow-up of 41 months, 5 patients were alive without disease and 1 patient died of lymphoma. Immunohistochemically, 3 cases (50%) showed combined nuclear and cytoplasmic ALK expression with underlying NPM1-ALK fusions, while 3 cases (50%) showed solely cytoplasmic ALK expression with variant ALK fusion partners (TRAF1, ATIC, TPM3). ALK-positive C-ALCL is extremely uncommon, has a comparable favorable prognosis to ALK-negative C-ALCL, and should be treated in the same way with radiotherapy as first-line treatment.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is an indolent cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma with no signs of extracutaneous localizations at the time of diagnosis. C-ALCL is clinically characterized by single or localized, sometimes ulcerating tumors and histopathologically by diffuse sheets of large anaplastic cells.1 Spitzoid neoplasms are melanocytic tumors usually occurring in young individuals. They are characterized clinically by pigmented or spherical reddish lesions and histopathologically by spindle-shaped and epithelioid melanocytes.2 In a small proportion of patients, both diseases can be driven by or harbor rearrangements involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene.2,3

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the treatment of multifocal primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL). Radiotherapy (RT) and methotrexate (MTX) are the current treatment options, but their efficacy is unknown. Recently, targeted therapies showed promising results in C-ALCL, and may therefore be an attractive first choice of treatment.ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of conventional treatment strategies for patients with multifocal C-ALCL, and to define which patients may require novel targeted therapies.MethodsIn this multicentre study, treatment was evaluated in patients initially presenting (n = 24) or relapsing with multifocal C-ALCL (n = 17; 23 relapses). Distinction was made between patients with five or less lesions (n = 36) and more than five lesions (n = 11).ResultsTreatments most commonly used were RT (n = 21), systemic chemotherapy (n = 9) and low-dose MTX (n = 7) with complete response rates of 100%, 78% and 43%, respectively, and an overall response rate of 100%, 100% and 57%, respectively. Four patients showed complete spontaneous regression. In total, 16 of 24 patients (67%) first presenting with multifocal C-ALCL relapsed, including all five patients initially treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin and prednisone). Compared with patients presenting with two to five skin lesions, patients presenting with more than five lesions had a higher chance of developing extracutaneous relapse (56% vs. 20%) and more often died of lymphoma (44% vs. 7%).ConclusionsPatients with five or less lesions should be treated with low-dose RT (2 x 4 Gy). Maintenance low-dose MTX (20 mg weekly) is a suitable option in patients with more than five lesions. Targeted therapies may be considered in rare patients who are refractory to MTX or patients developing extracutaneous disease.What's already known about this topic?There is no consensus on the treatment of multifocal primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL). New targeted therapies are evaluated without knowledge of the efficacy of conventional therapies.What does this study add?This study evaluated the efficacy of conventional therapies for multifocal C-ALCL. Radiotherapy and low-dose methotrexate are suitable options in patients with five or less and more than five lesions, respectively. Targeted therapies may be considered in rare patients who are refractory to methotrexate or developing extracutaneous disease.Linked Comment:Kempf. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:565-566. Respond to this article

Patients often request treatment of their burdensome cutaneous warts. However, a safe and effective treatment for cutaneous warts is lacking. This study evaluates treatment outcome, side effects, and patient satisfaction after topical application of cantharidin 1% podophyllin 2% salicylic acid 30% (CPS1) solution in a large series of children and adults with cutaneous warts. Fifty‐two children and 83 adults with warts, treated with CPS1 solution between October 2012 and October 2014, were included. Complete clearance of warts occurred in 86.5% of children and 62.7% of adults treated with CPS1 solution (p

A single-lensed microscope made by the Van Musschenbroek workshops between 1690 and 1750 has been examined experimentally, and the method of use established. The results were compared with those obtained with facsimile van Leeuwenhoek microscopes. As might be expected, each microscope had its stronger and weaker points.

Background For selecting therapy it is important to distinguish different types of keratinocytic neoplasia. It is sometimes difficult to make histopathologic diagnosis, especially in organ transplant recipients (OTR) who develop numerous lesions. Methods To investigate p16 immunostaining in different types of keratinocytic neoplasia in OTR, we studied 59 actinic keratoses(AK), 51 Bowen’ s disease(BD), 63 squamous cell carcinomas(SCC) , 16 benign keratotic lesions(BKL) from 31 OTR patients and 25 controls (eczema and psoriasis). Tissue sections were stained for H&E and p16. We scored intensity, proportion and distribution of p16 positive lesional cells. Results In 19% of AK, 92% of BD, 35% of SCC and 12% of BKL more than fifty percent of lesional cells were p16-positive. In 16% of AK, 80% of BD, 18% of SCC and 13% of BKL strong p16 staining was observed. BKL, AK and SCC showed focal and patchy staining, BD showed diffuse pattern with strong staining of all atypical cells. Sparing of the basal layer was predominantly seen in BD. No control specimen showed p16-overexpression. Conclusions P16 immunostaining shows a characteristic pattern in BD, but not in AK, SCC and BKL. It appears useful in recognising BD, but not in differentiating between other keratinocytic neoplasia.

A proportion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients develop persistent, stigmatizing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cutaneous and genital warts and anogenital (pre)cancer. This is the first study to investigate immunogenetic variations that might account for HPV susceptibility and the largest to date to categorize the HPV types associated with cutaneous warts in HIV-positive patients. The HLA class I and II allele distribution was analyzed in 49 antiretroviral (ART)-treated HIV-positive patients with persistent warts, 42 noninfected controls, and 46 HIV-positive controls. The allele HLA-B*44 was more frequently identified in HIV-positive patients with warts (P = .004); a susceptible haplotype (HLA-B*44, HLA-C*05; P = .001) and protective genes (HLA-DQB1*06; P = .03) may also contribute. Cutaneous wart biopsy specimens from HIV-positive patients harbored common wart types HPV27/57, the unusual wart type HPV7, and an excess of Betapapillomavirus types (P = .002), compared with wart specimens from noninfected controls. These findings suggest that HLA testing might assist in stratifying those patients in whom vaccination should be recommended.

IMPORTANCE Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm found in solid organ transplant recipients and is associated with a more aggressive disease course and higher risk of metastasis and death than in the general population. OBJECTIVES To report the clinicopathologic features of and identify factors associated with aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients. METHODS This retrospective multicentric case series included 51 patients who underwent solid organ transplantation and were found to have aggressive SCC, defined by nodal or distant metastasis or death by local progression of primary SCC. Standard questionnaires were completed by the researchers between July 18, 2005, and January 1, 2015. Data were analyzed between February 22, 2016, and July 12, 2016. RESULTS Of the 51 participants, 43 were men and 8 were women, with a median age of 51 years (range, 19-71 years) at time of transplantation and 62 years (range, 36-77 years) at time of diagnosis of aggressive SCC. The distribution of aggressive SCC was preferentially on the face (34 [67%]) and scalp (6 [12%]), followed by the upper extremities (6 [12%]). A total of 21 tumors (41%) were poorly differentiated, with a median tumor diameter of 18.0 mm (range, 4.0-64.0 mm) and median tumor depth of 6.2 mm (range, 1.0-20.0 mm). Perineural invasion was present in 20 patients (39%), while 23 (45%) showed a local recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was 23%, while 5-year disease-specific survival was 30.5%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this case series suggest that anatomical site, differentiation, tumor diameter, tumor depth, and perineural invasion are important risk factors in aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients.

Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have a 100‐fold increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We prospectively evaluated the association between β genus human papillomaviruses (βPV) and keratinocyte carcinoma in OTRs. Two OTR cohorts without cSCC were assembled: cohort 1 was transplanted in 2003‐2006 (n = 274) and cohort 2 was transplanted in 1986‐2002 (n = 352). Participants were followed until death or cessation of follow‐up in 2016. βPV infection was assessed in eyebrow hair by using polymerase chain reaction–based methods. βPV IgG seroresponses were determined with multiplex serology. A competing risk model with delayed entry was used to estimate cumulative incidence of histologically proven cSCC and the effect of βPV by using a multivariable Cox regression model. Results are reported as adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). OTRs with 5 or more different βPV types in eyebrow hair had 1.7 times the risk of cSCC vs OTRs with 0 to 4 different types (HR 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1‐2.6). A similar risk was seen with high βPV loads (HR 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.2‐2.8). No significant associations were seen between serum antibodies and cSCC or between βPV and basal cell carcinoma. The diversity and load of βPV types in eyebrow hair are associated with cSCC risk in OTRs, providing evidence that βPV is associated with cSCC carcinogenesis and may present a target for future preventive strategies., In two cohorts of organ transplant recipients, those with five and more different beta‐genus human papillomavirus types and high virus loads in eyebrow hairs subsequently develop significantly more cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas than others, suggesting that these virus types may increase the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in these patients.

Background The clinical appearance of cutaneous warts is highly variable and not standardised. Objectives The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reproducible clinical tool for the standardised assessment of cutaneous warts to distinguish these lesions accurately. Methods Nine morphological characteristics were defined and validated regarding intra- and inter-observer agreement. Based on literature and semi-structured interviews, a systematic dichotomous assessment tool, the Cutaneous WARTS diagnostic tool (CWARTS diagnostic tool) was developed. The validation consisted of two independent parts performed with photographs from the recent WARTS-2 trial. In part A, the CWARTS diagnostic tool was tested by 28 experienced physicians who assessed photographs of 10 different warts to investigate inter-observer concordance. In part B, morphological characteristics were validated by blinded and independent scoring of 299 photographs by 6 different observers. Part B also entailed re-assessment of the photographs after at least 1 week. Primary outcome measurement was the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results Presence of black dots (capillary thrombosis) had the greatest ICC (0.85) for inter-observer agreement in part A, followed by arrangement (0.65), presence of border erythema(0.64) and sharpness of the border (0.60). In part B results were similar for inter-observer agreement with presence of black dots having the highest ICC (0.68), followed by border erythema (0.64), arrangement (0.58) and colour (0.55). For intra-observer agreement, presence of black dots had the highest agreement (0.69), followed by presence of border erythema (0.64) and colour (0.55). Conclusions The wart phenotype can be reliably assessed by the CWARTS diagnostic tool. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Indeterminate cell histiocytosis is a rare variant of histiocytosis. The diagnosis is currently based on presence and absence of immunohistochemical markers. The current case described an indeterminate cell histiocytosis with ETV3-NCOA2 translocation.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous warts have a cure rate after therapy of no more than approximately 50%. Recently, we developed and validated a standard assessment tool for warts (Cutaneous WARTS diagnostic tool, CWARTS) based on phenotypical characteristics.OBJECTIVES: To assess whether patient and morphological wart characteristics predict the human papillomavirus (HPV) type in a specific wart and whether these characteristics as well as the HPV type predict a favourable treatment response.METHODS: Photographs were used to score nine morphological wart characteristics using the newly developed CWARTS tool. Genotyping of 23 wart-associated HPV types was performed using the hyperkeratotic skin lesion-polymerase chain reaction/multiplex genotyping assay. The results were correlated with a favourable response to treatment with monochloroacetic acid, cryotherapy or a combination of cryotherapy and salicylic acid. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression in a generalized estimating equations model.RESULTS: Black dots (capillary thrombosis) strongly predicted the presence of any HPV type in a wart. From all characteristics tested, the HPV type most strongly predicted the treatment response when the warts were treated with monochloroacetic acid or a combination of cryotherapy and salicylic acid with a significantly decreased treatment response if the warts contained HPVs of the alpha genus (HPV2, HPV27 or HPV57). When cryotherapy alone was used for common warts, HPV type did not play a role, but cryotherapy was less effective in the presence of callus and when the wart was located deeper in the skin.CONCLUSIONS: Morphological characteristics of the warts and the HPV genotype influence treatment outcome and thus potentially influence future treatment decisions for common and plantar warts

Although the role of oncogenic human Alpha-papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the development of mucosal carcinomas at different body sites (eg cervix, anus, oropharynx) is fully recognized, a role for HPV in keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs; basal and squamous cell carcinomas) of the skin is not yet clear. KCs are the most common cancers in Caucasians, with the major risk factor being ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. A possible role for Beta-HPV types (BetaPV) in the development of KC was suggested several decades ago, supported by a number of epidemiological studies. Our current review summarizes the recent molecular and histopathological evidence in support of a causal association between BetaPV and the development of KC, and outlines the suspected synergistic effect of viral gene expression with UV radiation and immune suppression. Further insights into the molecular pathways and protein interactions used by BetaPV and the host cell is likely to extend our understanding of the role of BetaPV in KC. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.