Cutaneous T cell lymphoma: translating immunobiology into therapeutic opportunities
Berger, C.L.; Heald, P.; Girardi, M.; Edelson, R.L.
Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia Organo Ufficiale Societa Italiana di Dermatologia e Sifilografia 143(1): 43-54
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0488 PMID: 18833050 Document Number: 621454
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) has always served as a proving ground where conceptual advances in immunology can be tested and the results translated into clinical practice. From the earliest studies that used sheep red blood cells to identify the malignant cell as a T lymphocyte to molecular demonstration of the clonalilty of the disease, basic science techniques have provided sign posts that allow us to understand the clinical features seen in the patients. We continue to apply this paradigm to develop new insights into the role of the immune system in CTCL with the goal of using this knowledge to enhance the therapeutic options available to the patient. This article will review the studies that have led to our current understanding of the immunobiology of CTCL and the new therapeutic approaches that are being tested in this disease.