Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8⁺ T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas most commonly have a CD4⁺ memory T-cell phenotype with relatively indolent course, but may in rare cases present with a CD8⁺ cytotoxic phenotype exhibiting strikingly more aggressive clinical behavior. We present two cases of the clinically aggressive subtype of primary cutaneous epidermotropic CD8⁺ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and review the current literature, clinical behavior, and recommendations for treatment distinct from that of more common CD4⁺ variants of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Key words: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous epidermotropic CD8⁺ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Abbreviations used: CT, computed tomography, CTCL, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, MF, mycosis fungoides, PUVA, psoralen plus ultraviolet A, SS, Sézary syndrome, TCR, T-cell receptor, TSEB, total skin electron beam, TSEBT, total skin electron beam radiation therapy, UV, ultraviolet