Two cases of mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation with KMT2A rearrangements

J Hematop. 2023 Dec;16(4):227-234. doi: 10.1007/s12308-023-00567-2. Epub 2023 Nov 23.

Abstract

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a clinically and molecularly heterogeneous class of lymphomas of the skin-homing T cell, and their genetic profiles are not fully characterized. Previously, rearrangements of the Lysine Methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene have been identified as driver mutations only in acute leukemias. KMT2A plays a role in epigenetic regulation, and cancers with such rearrangements are responsive to epigenetic therapy including hypomethylating agents. Here, we report two cases of CTCL with novel genetic profiles. KMT2A rearrangements were identified in two aggressive cases of mycosis fungoides with large cell transformation. A KMT2A::DSCAML1 gene rearrangement was seen in Case 1, while a KMT2A::MAPRE1 fusion was identified in Case 2. These cases demonstrate that KMT2A rearrangements can be found in primary CTCLs rather than solely acute leukemias, illustrating the importance of correlating molecular findings with clinical and histologic features in diagnosis. Additionally, this finding suggests that the subset of CTCLs driven by aberrancy of the KMT2A pathway may be responsive to therapy with hypomethylating agents or menin inhibitors, as seen in acute leukemias.

Keywords: Cutaneous; KMT2A; Lymphoma; Mycosis fungoides.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Leukemia*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous*
  • Mycosis Fungoides* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis

Substances

  • KMT2A protein, human