Successful Treatment of Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Denileukin Diftitox

Abstract

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a rare variant of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) characterized by CD30-expressing large atypical cells with kidney-shaped nuclei called hallmark cells. Since PCALCL is a rare variant of CTCL, the treatment of PCALCL is still controversial. In this report, a case of PCALCL successfully treated with denileukin diftitox as second-line therapy is described. Interestingly, the administration of denileukin diftitox decreased CD8+ T cells, CD25+ cells, granulysin-bearing lymphocytes, and CD163+ macrophages. The present case suggests that denileukin diftitox might induce an anti-lymphoma effect as well as modulate the tumor microenvironment.

Primary Cutaneous CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders—Current Therapeutic Approaches with a Focus on Brentuximab Vedotin

“…Other agents with possible activity in pcALCL LyP include Denileukin Difitox (DD) [79][80][81]. Denileukin Difitox is a chimeric immunotoxin consisting of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and the cytotoxic domain of diphtheria toxin.…”

“…It acts on cells that express the interleukin-2 receptor, such as activated T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. After binding to the receptor, it undergoes endocytosis and releases a diphtheria toxin that can inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell apoptosis [79]. Denileukin Difitox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for the treatment of relapsing CTCL.…”

Primary Cutaneous CD30 positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders—Current Therapeutic Approach with Focus on Brentuximab Vedotin

“…Other agents with possible activity in pcALCL LyP include Denileukin Difitox (DD) and adalimumab [81][82][83][84]. Denileukin Difitox is a chimeric immunotoxin consisting of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and the cytotoxic domain of diphtheria toxin.…”

“…After binding to the receptor, it undergoes endocytosis, and releases a diphtheria toxin that can inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell apoptosis. [81]. Denileukin Difitox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for the treatment of relapsing CTCL.…”