Health-related quality of life in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: A post hoc analysis of a phase 3 trial in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are common subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that primarily affect the skin but may spread to the lymph nodes, viscera and blood. The symptom burden may compromise health-related quality of life (HRQL). The phase 3 MAVORIC study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01728805) in patients with relapsed/refractory MF/SS reported improved HRQL with mogamulizumab compared with vorinostat.

Objectives: Use baseline (pre-treatment) data from the MAVORIC study to describe the symptom burden of MF/SS and identify characteristics associated with worse HRQL.

Methods: Data were from 372 adults with stage IB-IVB histologically confirmed relapsed/ refractory MF or SS. Associations between demographic and medical history variables and worse HRQL (Skindex-29, ItchyQol and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General [FACT-G]) were determined by regression models.

Results: In the cohort of 372 adults, 70% were white; 42% were female; mean age was 63 (SD 13.0) years. Fifty-five per cent had MF and 45% had SS; 77% had advanced (stage IIB-IV) disease, involving the skin in all patients and the blood and/or nodes in 66%. HRQL scores showed impairment versus normative means (where available), with the greatest impact on Symptoms and Emotions in the Skindex-29, Functioning in the ItchyQol, and Functional Wellbeing in the FACT-G. In regression analysis, worse HRQL across all domains and total score was associated with being female and younger, worse mSWAT score and worse itch for the Skindex-29 (n = 352), and being female, younger, Black/African American, worse performance status and worse itch for the ItchyQol (n = 369). Associations across domains and total score were not found for the FACT-G. Associations between domains and demographic/medical history were seen for all instruments.

Conclusions: The symptoms of advanced MF/SS compromise all HRQL domains. Treatment goals and therapeutic choice should be informed by individual patients' disease burden.