Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, a Novel Manifestation of PDGFRA-Rearranged Neoplasm

Am J Dermatopathol. 2018 Aug;40(8):610-613. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001121.

Abstract

Patients with PDGFRA-rearranged hematopoietic neoplasms typically present with chronic eosinophilic leukemia and rarely with acute myeloid leukemia or T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. However, mature T-cell lymphoma has not been previously associated with PDGFRA aberrations. We report a patient who presented with simultaneous T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, focal myeloid proliferation, and cutaneous cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma refractory to chemotherapy. The presence of myeloid and lymphoid lineages prompted genetic and molecular studies. A PDGFRA rearrangement was identified in all compartments: cutaneous, lymph node, and bone marrow. Treatment with imatinib resulted in an excellent response in cutaneous and systemic disease. We report the first case of a mature cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with PDGFRA rearrangement, expanding the spectrum of neoplasms associated with this genetic abnormality. Our case underscores the great importance of recognizing PDGFRA rearrangement in unusual cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, systemic lymphoid, and myeloid neoplasms. These patients may respond well to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, despite resistance to conventional chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate / therapeutic use
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / genetics*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha