Cutaneous primary B-cell lymphomas: from diagnosis to treatment^*

Abstract

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of mature B-cells neoplasms with tropism for the skin, whose biology and clinical course differ significantly from the equivalent nodal lymphomas. The most indolent forms comprise the primary cutaneous marginal zone and follicle center B-cell lymphomas that despite the excellent prognosis have cutaneous recurrences very commonly. The most aggressive forms include the primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, consisting in two major groups: the leg type, with poor prognosis, and others, the latter representing a heterogeneous group of lymphomas from which specific entities are supposed to be individualized over time, such as intravascular large B-cell lymphomas. Treatment may include surgical excision, radiotherapy, antibiotics, corticosteroids, interferon, monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy, depending on the type of lymphoma and on the type and location of the skin lesions. In subtypes with good prognosis is contraindicated overtreatment and in those associated with a worse prognosis the recommended therapy relies on CHOP-like regimens associated with rituximab, assisted or not with local radiotherapy. We review the primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, remembering the diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, classification, and prognostic factors and presenting the available therapies.

Keywords:
Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Follicular lymphoma; Interferon-alpha; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Lymphoma, B-Cell, marginal zone; Lymphoma, large B-cell; Monoclonal antibodies; Radiotherapy; Pseudolymphoma; Skin neoplasms

INTRODUCTION

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are the most frequent extra-nodal lymphomas, with incidence around 10 cases per million inhabitants per year, from which 20-30% are primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL).^1,2Although its physiopathology is still poorly understood, the origin appears to be multifactorial and its genesis probably involves chronic antigen stimulation, such as that associated with bacterial and viral infections. Skin lesions consist of patches, plaques, nodules or tumors, and may be single or multiple. Given the clinical suspicion, the diagnosis is established by skin biopsy, through histological and cytological examinations, eventually complemented by immunohistochemical and immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and genotypic studies.^3-8The differential diagnosis includes mainly pseudolymphomas and primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (PCTCL), as well systemic B-cell lymphomas with cutaneous involvement.^3-8

Like other cutaneous lymphomas, PCBCL are categorized according to the classification of the consensus between World Health Organization (WHO) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), from 2005, and the WHO classification of cancers of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, last updated in 2008.^9-11The WHO-EORTC schema includes three major categories of PCBCL, which differ from the biological point of view and correspond to different clinical and laboratory features: a) primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), originating from the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), more specifically from the skin associated lymphoid tissue (SALT); b) primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL), originating from cutaneous follicle center B-cells; and c) primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma (PCLBCL), in which two major groups are individualized, "leg type" and "others", the latter being heterogeneous (Chart 1).¹⁰

Chart 1
Classification of the primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, as proposed by WHO and EORTC

1. Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas

2. Primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphomas

3. Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

3.1. Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type

3.2. Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, other

3.2.1. Intravascular large B-cell lymphomas

3.2.2. Other primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

• Source: Willemze R et al, 2005¹⁰
• Abbreviations: WHO, World Health Organization; EORTC, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer

The clinical course of PCBCL is generally more indolent and the prognosis is usually more favorable than that of their nodal counterparts, despite the high rate of cutaneous recurrences.^3-8PCMZL and PCFCL types have an excellent prognosis, with 5 year survival rates higher than 90% in both cases, while for PCLBCL, particularly leg type, prognosis is more reserved, with 5-years survival rate lower than 60%.^3-8

The available therapeutic modalities are diverse and include surgical excision, radiotherapy, corticosteroids, antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies and interferon, as well as monotherapy or polychemotherapy schemas. Treatment should be tailored according to the risk and selected based on the type of lymphoma and on the clinical stage, as well as on the characteristics of the patient and the number, type, extent, location and distribution of the skin lesions.^3-8

We review PCBCL, remembering their classification, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and prognostic factors, and presenting the available therapies.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

An American epidemiological study published in 2009, based on analysis of 3,884 cases of PCL diagnosed in the United States between 2001 and 2005, revealed that 71% were PCTCL (7.7 cases/ million inhabitants/ year) and 29% were PCBCL (3.1 cases/ million inhabitants/ year).²In addition, it showed that the incidence of PCL is higher in men than in women (14.0 versus 8.2 cases/ million inhabitants/ year, with a male/ female ratio of 1.72). Also, it's higher in blacks, intermediate in Hispanic Caucasians and lower in Asians (11.5, 7.9 and 7.1 cases/ million inhabitants/ year, respectively). The highest incidence of PCTCL was observed in blacks, while the highest incidence of PCBCL was observed in non-Hispanic Caucasians (10.0 and 3.5 cases/ million inhabitants/ year, respectively). This study also showed an increased incidence of PCL in the years 2001-2003, compared to that observed in the years 1980-1982 (14.3 and 5.0 cases/ million inhabitants/ year, respectively), stabilizing between 2004 and 2005 (12.7 cases/ million inhabitants/ year).²

PHYSIOPATHOLOGY

The physiopathology of PCBCL is only partially understood. It is believed that they begin as reactive inflammatory lymphoproliferative processes and that lymphomagenesis occurs in successive steps. Hence there are "borderline cases" in which it is difficult to distinguish between pseudolymphomas (reactive lymphoid hyperplasias) and real lymphomas. The transition from a pre-neoplastic to a neoplastic condition seems to be determined by imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, deregulation of major biochemical pathways for intracellular signal transmission, cell adhesion and migration, as well as expression of oncogenes and/or inhibition of tumor suppressor genes.

Chronic antigenic stimulation and viral and bacterial infections appear to be predisposing factors, but studies to support these assumptions are scarce and, in most cases, the etiologic agent is not known.^12-17Regarding viral infections, an important role of the herpes viruses, such as Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Human Herpes Virus type 8 (HHV8), was noted in the genesis of some lymphomas, particularly in those occurring in immunocompromised individuals, such as in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and in transplant recipients.¹²Also noteworthy is the possible association between Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and PCBCL.^13,14Concerning bacteria, PCMZL have been associated with Borrelia burgdorferi infection, although the subject is still controversy.^15-21

Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas have also been described in patients treated with methotrexate, in particular for rheumatoid arthritis.²²In many of these cases, EBV has been documented in B-cells lymphoma and regression of lesions has occurred after discontinuation of the drug, suggesting that methotrexate induced immunosuppression have had a decisive role in triggering the lymphoproliferation.^22-25

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical manifestations

PCBCL manifest by patches, plaques and non-ulcerated nodules and/or tumors, single or multiple, usually with firm consistency. Although extracutaneous dissemination may occur, in most cases the disease remains localized to the skin.^3-8Given the clinical suspicion, the diagnosis is established by performing a biopsy of the skin lesions, through histological and cytological examinations, complemented by phenotypic and genotypic studies.^3-8

Histology and cytology

The pattern of cutaneous involvement by PCBCL differs from that observed in PCTCL, being characterized by a nodular or diffuse, often sharply demarcated, non-epidermotropic lymphoid infiltrate, located predominantly in the dermis, and sparing the sub-epidermal "Grenz zone".²⁶From a cytological viewpoint, neoplastic B-cells resemble normal B-cells that give rise to them, i.e. centrocytes and centroblasts in the case of PCFCL, monocytoid marginal zone B-cells and plasma cells in the case of PCMZL, and centroblasts, immunoblasts or anaplastic cells in the case of PCLBCL.

Immunohistochemistry and immunophenotyping

Immunohistochemistry for lymphoma characterization should include different types of markers: a) markers to demonstrate B-cell origin (e.g. CD19, CD20 and CD79a); b) markers to characterize expanded B-cell population (e.g., CD5 and CD10) and to evaluate clonality (immunoglobulin kappa and lambda light chains); as well as c) markers to characterize accompanying cells consisting of plasma cells (e.g. CD138), T-cells (e.g. CD3, CD4, CD8), and follicle dendritic cells (e.g. CD21).

In general, B-cells stain positively for CD19, CD20, CD79, mu (IgM) or gamma (IgG) immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chains, and kappa or lambda Ig light chains, and they are negative for T-cell markers (i.e., CD2, CD3, CD4, CD7 and CD8). In addition, CD5 is useful to exclude secondary skin involvement by chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), whereas CD10 may be positive in follicle center lymphoma, particularly in those from nodal origin.²⁷

One question that often arises is the differential diagnosis between PCLBCL-leg type and other PCLBCL, particularly PCFCL with diffuse growth pattern and predominance of centroblasts. In this regard, it is useful to assess the expression of other molecules in the neoplastic B-cells, such as MUM1/IRF4 (Multiple Myeloma 1 / Interferon Regulatory Factor 4), BCL2 (B-Cell Lymphoma 2), BCL6 (B-Cell Lymphoma 6) and HGAL (Human Germinal center-Associated Lymphoma). A study in which these antigens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry showed that the combination of BCL6 with HGAL has high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PCFCL whereas positivity for BCL2 and MUM1/IRF4 favors the diagnosis of PCLBCL-leg type.²⁸Thus, MUM1, BCL2 and BCL6 molecules are useful for distinguishing PCLBCL-leg type (BCL2+, BCL6-/+, MUM1+) from PCFCL (BCL2-/+, BCL6+, MUM1-) and PCMZL (BCL2+, BCL6-, MUM1-).

Genetics and cytogenetics

The study of molecular rearrangements of genes encoding Ig heavy chains (IGH) is useful to differentiate PCBCL from pseudolymphomas. Until recently, cytogenetic studies had limited value in the diagnosis of PCBCL, since recurrent chromosomal and molecular alterations were unknown.²³In particular, most PCFCL do not express t(14,18) (q32, q21) that determines BCL2-JH rearrangement and features nodal FL. Likewise, PCMZL cells do not have, in general, the cytogenetic abnormalities found in nodal MZL.²⁹

More recent studies performed by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), using microarrays and subsequently confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) enabled to detect a large number of recurring genetic aberrations in PCLBCL-leg type, and, although less frequently, in PCFCL with predominance of large cells; in contrast, they are rarely found in indolent PCFCL and PCMZL.

One of the genes involved recurrently in PCLBCL-leg type is CDKN2A (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A) gene, located in the 9p21 region, which often suffers deletion or inactivation in order to promote hypermetilation.^30-32This gene encodes for the protein p16 (also known as INK4, inhibitor of kinase 4), an inhibitor of cell proliferation pathway dependent on CDK4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4) (p26-INK4/CDK4 axis), as well as for the protein p14 (also known as ARF, alternate open reading frame), which acts by stabilizing the p53 protein (p14-ARF/p53 axis). Such genetic aberrations result in instability/degradation of p53 protein. In addition, the increase in CDK4 activity determines the inactivation of Rb (retinoblastoma) protein, coded by the RB1 gene located in the region 13q14.2, which negatively regulates cell cycle progression (p26-INK4 axis/Rb), resulting in increased cell proliferation.^30-32Other changes described as being recurrent in PCLBCL-leg type are DNA amplifications in the region 18q21.31-q21.33, which includes BCL2 and MALT1 genes, as well as t(8,14) (q24,q32).^30,31

A study in which 31 patients with PCBCL (19 with PCFCL and 12 with DLBCL-leg type) were evaluated using CGH, revealed that most PCFCL cases have recurrent DNA amplifications at 2p16.1 region, with amplification of c-REL gene (63% of the cases), and deletions in region 14q32.33 (68% of the cases).³⁰The same study showed that PCLBCL-leg type cases have recurrent DNA amplifications in region 18q21.31-q21.33 (67% of the cases), which includes BCL2 and MALT1 genes, and recurrent homozygous DNA deletions in region 9p21.3 (42% of the cases), which contains CDKN2A, CDKN2B and NSG-x genes. In addition, some patients with PCLBCL-leg type (17%) have a complete hypermethylation of CDKN2A gene promoter.

Another study with a smaller number of patients (4 with PCMZL; 7 with PCFCL with small cells; 4 with PCFCL with large cells; 6 with PCLBCL-leg type) confirmed the existence of deletions in 9p21 region, containing CDKN2A gene, which encodes p16 (INK4) and p14 (ARF) proteins, in all PCLBCL-leg type, and deletions in 1p36 region in all PCFCL with large cells.³¹Furthermore, presence of t(8;14) (q24,q32) was demonstrated by FISH in 2 of 6 (33%) DLBCL-leg type analyzed.³¹

Finally, a study in which changes in genes codifying for p26, p14, p53 and Rb were examined by FISH and immunohistochemistry in 22 patients with PCBCL (9 with PCFCL; 7 with PCMZL; 6 with PDLBCL-leg type) revealed alterations of CDKN2A, TP53 and RB genes in most patients with DLBCL-leg type. These changes are exceptionally rare in PCFCL and PCMZL.³²

Gene expression studies are useful to distinguish PCBCL subtypes.^33,34Primary cutaneous MZL usually have a "plasma cell" pattern of gene expression, while PCFCL usually have overexpression of SPINK2 gene, and a "germinal center B-cell" pattern of gene expression.^33,34In contrast, PCLBCL-leg type usually have an increased expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, proto-oncogenes (PIM-1, MIP-2 and c-MYC), as well as of genes encoding transcription factors (IRF4 and OCT-2), corresponding to an "activated B-cell" pattern.³⁴

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

In general, the cytological and histological aspects observed in PCBCL differ from that observed in PCTCL.^23,26Histologically, the pattern of infiltration observed is described as being "ball-shaped" and "non-epidermotropic" in PCBCL, and "horizontal", "disc-shaped" and epidermotropic in PCTCL. In addition, neoplastic T-cells tend to have an indented and cerebriform nucleus, while neoplastic B-cells may have the aspect of centrocytes, centroblasts, immunoblasts or plasmablasts. Regardless the morphological differences, the immunophenotypic characterization of neoplastic cells by immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry is critical to distinguish a T-cell lymphoma (e.g. CD2, CD3, CD4 and CD8) from a B-cell lymphoma (e.g. CD19, CD20 and CD79).

Cutaneous pseudolymphoma

The differential diagnosis between a "pseudolymphoma" (reactive lymphoid hyperplasia) and a PCBCL (follicle center or marginal zone type) can be very difficult.^26,35-37Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, like "pseudolymphomas", may sometimes be manifested by skin lesions in insect bite, vaccination or tattoo sites. From the histological point of view, in "pseudolymphomas" it is generally observed a nodular infiltration of the dermis by lymphoid cells, which can form germinal centers, together with macrophages with cytoplasm loaded with debris, with aspect of "starry sky". T-cells, plasma cells and eosinophils are usually more abundant at the periphery of the nodules and in the interfollicular regions. The demonstration of a balanced expression of kappa and lambda light chains on B lymphocytes, a polyclonal rearrangement of the IGH genes and the presence of an organized, round or oval-shaped, network of CD21+ dendritic cells, favors the diagnosis of "pseudolymphoma". Rather, an imbalance of kappa and lambda Ig light chain expression, a clonal rearrangement of IGH genes and the presence of an unstructured network of CD21+ dendritic cells favor the diagnosis of lymphoma.

In our experience, like the experience of others, the immunophenotypic study by flow cytometry of the lymphoid cells derived from skin biopsy is useful in helping to distinguish between reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, as well as to identify the monoclonal B-cells, often with abnormal immunophenotype.^27,38

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma subtypes

Clinical manifestations are obviously not sufficient to make the diagnosis of PCBCL, but type and location of lesions may give some indication. Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma manifests more frequently in head and neck regions, while PCMZL predominantly affects trunk and limbs. Presence of nodules and/or single or multiple tumors in the legs should constitute a suspicion of PCLBCL-leg type, especially when the patient is an aged woman.^39,40

The immunophenotypic profile of neoplastic B-cells, documented by immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry, is crucial for the differential diagnosis (Chart 2).

Chart 2
Immunophenotypic characteristics of the neoplastic B-cells in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

	CD19	CD5	CD10	BCL-6	BCL-2	MUM1	FOXP1
	CD20
PCMZL	+	-	-	-	+ (1)	- (3)	-
PCFCL	+	-	-/+	+	-/+ (2)	-	-/+
PCLBCL,leg type	+	-	-	-/+	++ (1)	+	+

• Abbreviations: BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma 2; BCL-6, B-cell lymphoma 6; MUM1/IRF4, Multiple Myeloma 1 / Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 protein; FOXP1, Forkhead Box Protein P1; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas. (1) t(14;18) negative; (2) t(14;18) negative and BCL2 negative in the majority of cases; (3) Plasma cells are MUM1+.

Other B-cell lymphomas

Follicular lymphoma (FL): Skin involvement can occur in systemic FL, so it is important to establish the differential diagnosis.⁴¹Head and neck are the most commonly affected regions in both cases. The positivity for CD10 and BCL2 and the presence of t(14, 18) are more frequent in cases of secondary skin involvement by systemic FL than in PCFCL. BCL6 is positive in both cases.⁴¹

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): Skin involvement by MCL is rare and usually secondary.⁴²Histopathological skin examination shows infiltration in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue by atypical lymphoid cells positive for CD20, CD5, CD43 and cyclin D1, but negative for CD10 and CD23.

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL): Like MCL, B-CLL may also involve skin.^43-45B-CLL lymphocytes are CD5+, but different from what happens with MCL, they are also CD23 and CD200 positive, and do not express cyclin D1.

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: This disease is characterized by an expansion of clonal B-cells with plasmacytoid differentiation, which produces large amounts of IgM and infiltrates bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleen. Cutaneous manifestations are diverse and may consist of urticaria and purpuric rashes, ulcers, bullous lesions and vasculitis.^46,47

Plasma cell neoplasms: Cutaneous plasmacytomas can be primary (no extra-cutaneous disease) or secondary and, in the latter case, they arise in patients with plasma cell myeloma or plasma cell leukemia, and rarely may be the first clinical manifestation of the disease.⁴⁸In plasma cell myeloma, hyperkeratotic spicules can be observed, preferably in the face.^49-51

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis: This is a rare extranodal B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, systemic, angiocentric and destructive, which involves various organs and tissues, especially lungs, nervous system and skin.⁵²It associates with EBV infection and may progress to a large B-cell lymphoma.

Burkitt's lymphoma: It's an aggressive B-cell neoplasm that may secondarily involve the skin. In its endemic form, it occurs in children from Central Africa, where in most cases it associates with EBV infection. Sporadic cases observed in Europe and the United States may be associated or not to EBV and may occur in HIV infected patients.⁵³

LABORATORY TESTS

In PCBCL, analytical or imaging changes attributable to lymphoma are not expected to occur at diagnosis. However, laboratory tests should be performed for two reasons: to confirm that it is a PCBCL and not a secondary skin involvement by a systemic lymphoma; and to exclude associated diseases, as it may be crucial for therapeutic decisions.⁵⁴

In general, it is advisable to perform a complete blood cell count with leukocyte differential and a biochemical study, which should include liver and kidney analysis, measurement of serum levels of beta2-microglobulin, an indicator of tumor mass, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an indicator of tumor lysis. If leukemic blood involvement is suspected (lymphocytosis, atypical lymphocytes) at diagnosis or during disease progression, the immunophenotypic study of peripheral blood lymphocytes should be performed.

Additional tests for staging include chest radiography and abdominal ultrasound. In patients with PCLCBL and in cases with advanced skin disease, thoracic, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) should be also done. A bone marrow (BM) biopsy, preferentially complemented with lymphocyte immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, is mandatory to exclude BM involvement; however, it can be dispensed in PCBCL with good prognosis (e.g. PCMZL), with typical clinical presentation and limited skin lesions. If adenomegalies are present, these should be investigated, preferably with excisional biopsy, in order to exclude extracutaneous lymphoma and/or nodal involvement by cutaneous lymphoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies should be supplemented by flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping when possible.

BIOLOGICAL ENTITIES

At least three entities were described, which differs from the biological point of view and in clinical and laboratory characteristics (Chart 3).

Chart 3
Main characteristics of the major primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas subtypes

	PCMZL	PCFCL	PCDLBCL, leg type
Age	Adults (sometimes young)	Adults	Adults (old women+)
Sex	F = M	F = M	F > M
Skin lesions	Solitary or multiple reddish, domeshaped papules, nodules, or erythematous plaques	Solitary or multiple nodules and/or tumors of firm consistency, non-ulcerated	Solitary or multiple nodules and/or tumors
Preferential location	Trunk and limbs	Head and neck	Legs
Associated conditions	Anetoderma (some cases) Borrelia burgdorferi (some cases)	-	-
Histopathology	Non-epidermotropic nodular or diffuse infiltrates	Non-epidermotropic nodular or diffuse infiltrates	Non-epidermotropic diffuse infiltrates
Cytopathology	Small or medium size lymphocytes, with an indented nucleus and a pale cytoplasm (marginal zone B-cells or monocytoid B-cells), lymphoplasma-cytoid cells, plasma cells	Centrocytes, with some cen-troblasts and immunoblasts	Centroblasts or im-munoblasts
Immunohistochemistry	CD20+, CD79a+, BCL2+, BCL6-MUM1- (+ plasma cells) KiM1p+ CD10- CD5-, Cyclin D1-	CD20+, CD79a+ BCL2-/+, BCL6+ MUM1-KiM1p-CD10- CD5-, Cyclin D1	CD20+, CD79a+ BCL2+, BCL6+/-MUM1+ KiM1p- CD10- CD5-, Cyclin D1-
IGH rearrangements	Clonal in the majority of cases	Clonal	Clonal
Chromosomal translocations	t(14;18) absent	t(14;18) present in some cases	t(14;18) absent t(9;21) present in the majority of cases
Genes			Losses in the 9p21 region (CDKN2A gene: proteins p16/INK4 and p14/ARF). Gains in the 18q21.31-q21.33 region (BCL2 and MALT1 genes)
Cutaneous relapse	Frequent	Frequent	Frequent
Extracutaneous dissemination	Very rare	Rare (5 - 10%)	Frequent
5-year survival rate	> 95%	> 90%	< 60%

• Abbreviations: PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; ; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; F, females; M, males; BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma 2; BCL-6, B-cell lymphoma 6; MUM1/IRF4, Multiple Myeloma 1 / Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 protein; INK4, inhibitor of kinase 4), CDK4, cyclin dependent kinase 4; ARF, Alternate open Reading Frame. (*) MUM1+ nos plasma cells.

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (PCMZL) are extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas, originating from MALT, more specifically from SALT. They represent about 10% of all PCL, showing indolent clinical behavior and excellent prognosis, with survival rate in 5 years exceeding 95%.^55-60They can develop from reactive lymphoid infiltrates and, in some cases, pathogenic relationship with Borrelia burgdorferi infection has been suspected.^12,14Primary cutaneous immunocytoma and primary cutaneous plasmacytoma were considered PCMZL variants.

Clinically, PCMZL usually manifests in the form of solitary or multiple erythematous or violaceous papules, plaques, nodules or tumors, often located on trunk and limbs, and more rarely, in head and neck region.^58,59Secondary anetoderma, which results from the destruction of cutaneous elastic fibers and is often accompanied by the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies in the serum, is more frequently observed in PCMZL, but can also occur in PCFCL.^61-64

Histological findings include non-epidermotropic nodular or diffuse infiltrates, consisting of small or medium size lymphocytes, with an indented nucleus and a pale cytoplasm (marginal zone B-cells or monocytoid B-cells), and relatively abundant lymphoplasmacytoid cells.⁶⁵Reminiscent reactive germinal centers, often colonized by B-cells tumor and monoclonal (kappa or lambda+) plasma cells, are often located at the periphery of infiltrates.^65,66In addition, aggregates of plasmacytoid cells are often present and these cells may exhibit cytoplasmic inclusions positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), commonly referred to as "Dutcher bodies". Cases with large numbers of lymphoplasmacytic cells and plasma cells with Dutcher bodies are designated as "cutaneous imunocytomas".³⁵There is also a variable number of reactive T-cells and, in contrast to that observed in most other PCBCL, aggregates of CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells are relatively frequent.⁶⁷

The phenotype of B-cells tumor, documented by immunohistochemical studies, includes positivity for CD19, CD20, CD22, CD43, CD79a, BCL2 and KiM1p (monocytoid B-cells), and negativity for CD5, CD10, CD23 and BCL6. In the reminiscent reactive germinal centers, B-cells do express CD10, BCL-6 and BCL-2, and plasma cells are CD138+ and CD79a+, but do not express CD20.

In our experience, the immunophenotypic study of B lymphocytes that infiltrate the skin, by flow cytometry, generally discloses a variable expansion of monoclonal (kappa or lambda+), CD19+, CD20+, CD5-, CD10- B-cells, as well as a polyclonal B-cell background, and also a few monoclonal plasma cells.

Analysis of IGH gene rearrangements generally shows a clonal pattern.⁶⁸Some rare cases with t(18 14) (q32,q21) (IGH/MALT1) and t(3;14) (p14.1;q32) (FOXP1/IGH) have been described.^69,70However, other chromosomal translocations found in MALT lymphomas involving MALT1 genes - t(11;18) (q21,q21) (API2/MALT1) and t(14;18) (q32,q21) (IGH/MALT1) - are not observed in PCMZL, so cytogenetic studies have very limited value in the diagnosis.^29,71,72

Two subtypes of PCMZL were proposed based on having or not Ig heavy chain class switching: those with IgM expression (non-switched) and those with IgG expression (switched). In IgG+ cases, lymphoid infiltrate is often rich in T-cells (CD4>CD8), usually presenting a nodular infiltration pattern. B cells typically do not express CXCR3, and an increase in mast cells is uncommon. Extracutaneous disease manifestations are also rare. In contrast, IgM+ cases generally have a predominance of B-cells, which often express CXCR3, and extracutaneous disease is relatively frequent.⁷³

Although the association with Borrelia burgdorferi infection has been described in single cases and series of patients in PCMZL have been published, documenting this association and leading to the hypothesis of a pathogenic relationship between this infection and the development of lymphoma, other studies did not support this hypothesis.^13,15-18

Primary cutaneous follicle center B-cell lymphomas

Primary cutaneous follicle center B-cell lymphomas (PCFCL) originate from B-cells in the germinal centers of lymphoid follicles and contribute to about 10% of PCL. Like PCMZL, they have an excellent prognosis, with a survival rate in 5 years exceeding 90%; likewise, cutaneous relapse occurs very commonly and extracutaneous dissemination is very rare.^39,74They are also known as "Crosti's lymphomas", in honor of Crosti, who described in 1951 a number of patients with disfiguring erythematous plaques and nodules, giving it the designation of "reticulohistiocytoma".⁷⁵In general, PCFCL manifests by nodules and/or tumors of firm consistency, non-ulcerated, in the head and neck region, but may also occur in other body areas.³⁹

From the histological point of view, three growth patterns were described: follicular, follicular and diffuse, and diffuse, the latter being the most common. The lymphoid infiltrate is composed primarily of cells with morphology of centrocytes, with some centroblasts and immunoblasts. The sub-epidermal "Grenz zone" is spared in most cases. In contrast to that typically found in reactive lymphoid infiltrates, mitoses are rare observed and macrophages are rarely seen.⁷⁶

Neoplastic B lymphocytes are CD19+, CD20+, CD22+, CD79a+, CD5-, CD23+/-, CD43+, BCL6+ and BCL2-/+. CD10 is expressed predominantly in cases of follicular growth pattern. Expression of BCL2 is variable, being observed in less than half of the cases, and correlating with the presence of t(14;18) (q32,q21) and rearrangement of BCL2.^76,77MUM/IRF4 antigen, which is positive in PCLBCL, is not expressed in PCFCL and may be useful for differentiating these entities when a diffuse growth pattern is observed. The network of CD21+ follicle dendritic cells is irregular.

From a molecular standpoint, there is a clonal rearrangement of IGH genes. Unlike what happens in nodal follicular lymphoma, t(14;18) (q32,q21) and the corresponding BCL2 gene rearrangement is rarely observed.^76,77Cases manifesting in the legs and cases with FOXP1 expression seem to have a worse prognosis and should be treated more aggressively.⁴⁰

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas (PCLBCL) account for approximately 6% of all PCL. They have a more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis than other PCBCL, with a survival rate in 5 years of 20-55%, tending to spread to lymphnodes and other extracutaneous sites.^78-80They are further classified into two groups: "leg type" and "others".

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type

PCLBCL-leg type usually manifests by nodules or tumors, single or multiple, localized in one anatomic region. They are more common in older women and, as the name implies, skin lesions are more common in the legs. This type has a great tendency to relapse as well as to spread extracutaneously, including to regional lymph nodes. Location in the legs and existence of multiple lesions were identified as poor prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. The lymphoma usually responds to treatment with R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxidoxorrubicin, vincristine and prednisone + rituximab), but relapses are very common and treatment is not curative.

From the histological point of view, there is a diffuse infiltrate composed of large lymphoid cells, with morphology of centroblasts or immunoblasts, occupying the dermis and extending to the subcutaneous tissue, the sub-epidermal zone being usually spared.⁷⁸Centrocytes and CD21+ follicle dendritic cells, which are usually observed in PCFCL, are not present in PCLBCL. The characteristic immunophenotype is CD19+, CD20+, CD22+, CD79a+, BCL 2+, MUM1+, BCL6-/+, CD5-, CD10-, CD138-, and Cyclin D1-. The strong positivity for BCL2 and MUM1 helps to differentiate these lymphomas from PCFCL with diffuse growth pattern.⁸⁰

Molecular studies confirm the clonal rearrangement of the IGH gene and, despite strong expression of BCL2, t(14,18) (q32,q21) and corresponding BCL2/JH rearrangement are not observed.⁸¹In addition, gene expression profile differs from that observed in PCFCL.^33,34,82

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, others

In this group we can find a wide variety of large B-cell lymphomas - in fact, all those who do not meet criteria for the diagnosis of PCLBCL-leg type.^83-85They are intravascular large B-cell lymphomas, plasmablastic lymphomas, T-cell and histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphomas, and CD30+ anaplastic large B-cell lymphomas, among others.^85-108

Intravascular large B-cell lymphomas

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a subtype of large B-cell lymphoma that is characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic B-cells in blood vessels. They often affect central nervous system, lungs and skin and generally have a poor prognosis.⁸⁵Although they may be primary skin involvement, the disease is usually widespread. Clinically it manifests as purplish patches and plaques or telangiectatic lesions, often located on legs or trunk.⁸⁵In some cases, the lymphoma arises in cutaneous angiomatous lesions.^86,87Prognosis is usually better in cases where the presentation is cutaneous than in cases with other forms of presentation (survival rate in 3 years of 56% versus 22%).⁸⁵From the histological point of view, dilated blood vessels, filled by neoplastic large B-cells, are observed in dermis and subcutaneous tissue.⁸⁵Treatment consists of chemotherapy, even when the presentation is cutaneous.⁸⁵

Other cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

Plasmablastic lymphomas are aggressive lymphomas that usually occur in immunocompromised patients, particularly in HIV-infected patients and transplant recipients, and often manifest in the oral cavity. They have been described to be associated with EBV and, more recently, with HHV8.^9,88-91Neoplastic B-cells have a plasmablastic morphology and there is phenotypic evidence for terminal B-cell differentiation, with frequent positivity for CD38, CD138, MUM1 and EMA (epithelial membrane antigen) and absence of expression of CD20 and CD79.^92,93As in malignant plasma cells from patients with plasma cell myeloma, CD56 is frequently aberrantly expressed in the neoplastic plasmablasts, and aberrant CD10 expression may also be found.⁹²Only a few cases of cutaneous plasmablastic lymphomas were published.^94-105Most of them occurred in immunocompromised patients, either HIV infected or post-transplant,^94-101although some cases also have been described in patients without evidence of imunossupression.^102-105

T-cell and histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphomas are rare (1-2% of lymphomas), and may have a nodal or extranodal presentation. Primary cutaneous forms are very rare, with only a few documented cases in the literature.^106,107They deserve special mention, as neoplastic B-cells are minimally represented, which can cause problems in diagnosis.

CD30+ anaplastic large B-cell lymphomas also deserve special attention, since they have not been individualized as an independent entity, but its features seem to be different. A retrospective study of 10 cases revealed that these lymphomas, which have an excellent prognosis, usually manifest as single skin lesions, affect elderly individuals and are more frequent in women; in addition, there is quite often a history of previous treatment with methotrexate.¹⁰⁸Diagnosis is often difficult because reactive T-cells may predominate, sometimes with a granulomatous reaction. The neoplastic B-cells often have immunoblastic features, and are positive for CD20, CD30, CD43 and BCL2, with frequent EBV infection.

STAGING

TNM classification used for PCTCL, mycosis fungoid (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) type, revised in 2007,¹⁰⁹is not suitable for PCBCL. So in that same year, EORTC proposed a TNM system adapted for cutaneous lymphomas not MF/SS (Chart 4).¹¹⁰This scheme was subsequently validated by clinical and pathological studies, but it is complex and difficult to apply in clinical practice.^39,40Factors considered for staging include the number and size of skin lesions; the number of affected body regions and the fact that they are or are not contiguous; the number of nodal regions involved and if they are central or peripheral, draining or not skin areas affected by the lymphoma.

Chart 4
TNM classification for cutaneous lymphomas non-Mycosis Fungoid, non-Sezary Syndrome proposed by the ISCL and the Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force of the EORTC

T (tumor)†	T1: Single cutaneous lesion
	T1a: Single cutaneous lesion <5cm
	T1b: Single cutaneous lesion >5cm
	T2: Regional skin involvement (multiple lesions limited to one region or two contiguous regions)
	T2a: All lesions – Diameter: <15cm
	T2b: All lesions - Diameter: 15-30 cm
	T2c: All lesions - Diameter: >30cm
	T3: Generalized skin involvement
	T3a: Multiple lesions involving 2 non-contiguous regions
	T3b: Multiple lesions involving ≥3 regions
N (nodules) ††	N0: No clinical or pathologic LN involvement
	N1: Involvement of one peripheral LN region that drains an area of current or prior skin involvement
	N2: Involvement of two or more peripheral LN or involvement of any LN region that does not drain an area of current or prior skin involvement
	N3: Involvement of central LN
M (metastasis)	M0: No evidence of extracutaneous non-LN disease
	M1: Evidence of extracutaneous non-LN disease

• Definition of body regions (limits): Head and neck (inferior border—superior border of clavicles, T1 spinous process); Chest (superior border—superior border of clavicles; inferior border—inferior margin of rib cage; lateral borders—mid-axillary lines, gleno-humeral joints, inclusive of axillae). Abdomen / genital (superior border—inferior margin of rib cage; inferior border—inguinal folds, anterior perineum; lateral borders—mid-axillary lines). Upper back (superior border—T1 spinous process; inferior border—inferior margin of rib cage; lateral borders—mid-axillary lines). Lower back / buttocks (superior border—inferior margin of rib cage; inferior border—inferior gluteal fold, anterior perineum, inclusive of perineum; lateral borders—mid-axillary lines). Each upper arm (superior borders—glenohumeral joints, exclusive of axillae; inferior borders—ulnar/radial-humeral / elbow joint). Each lower arm/hand (superior borders—ulnar/ radial-humeral / elbow joint. Each upper leg, thigh (superior borders—inguinal folds, inferior gluteal folds; inferior borders—mid-patellae, mid-popliteal fossae). Each lower leg, foot (superior borders—mid-patellae, mid-popliteal fossae).
• Definition of LN regions (Ann Arbor system): Peripheral LN: antecubital, cervical, supraclavicular, axillary, inguinal-femoral, and popliteal. Central LN: mediastinal, pulmonary hilar, paraortic, iliac.
• Abbreviations: ISCL, International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas; EORTC European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer. Source: Kim YH et al, 2007¹¹⁰

PROGNOSIS

In general, PCBCL have a more indolent clinical course and a more favorable prognosis than their nodal counterparts. Tumor type and degree of cutaneous involvement are the most important prognostic factors.^2,6,111

Overall survival rate in 5 years for PCMZL and PCFCL is higher than 90%. In contrast, for PCLBCL, particularly leg type, prognosis is more guarded, with a survival rate in 5 years lower than 60%. In all cases, cutaneous recurrences are frequent, but in PCMZL and in PCFCL types the disease usually remains localized to the skin, while in PCLBCL, especially leg type, extracutaneous dissemination is relatively common.

Given the good prognosis, patients with indolent PCMZL and PCFCL should be observed from the clinical point of view every 6 months, analysis and radiological examinations being justified only if there is evidence of disease progression, whereas patients with PCLBCL should be closely monitored (i.e., monthly or quarterly).

TREATMENT

Treatment should be selected taking into account the type of lymphoma and its stage, and should be adapted to risk.^4,7,112(Chart 5)

Chart 5
Main treatment modalities for primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas

PCMZL	PCFCL	PCLBCL, leg type
Radiotherapy, surgery, rituximab, IFN-alpha2a.	Radiotherapy, surgery, rituximab, IFN-alpha2a.	Polychemotherapy (CHOP, R-CHOP).
Polychemotherapy (CHOP, R-CHOP) reserved for patients with advanced and/or resistant cutaneous disease or extra-cutaneous involvement.	Polychemotherapy (CHOP, R-CHOP) reserved for patients with advanced and/or resistant cutaneous disease or extra-cutaneous involvement.	Radiotherapy or surgery for solitary lesions, IFN-alpha or rituximab as adjuvant therapy or for patients unfit for chemotherapy.

• Abbreviations: PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B cell lymphomas; IFN, Interferon; CHOP: cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin (vincristine) and prednisone, every 21 days, 6 - 8 courses; R-CHOP, CHOP with rituximab.

Several therapeutic modalities are available for PCBCL (Chart 6).^56,113-142However, indications are based mainly on retrospective studies (case reports or case series), with notable lack of randomized controlled trials that help to support clinical decisions. Generally, the consensus is that: a) aggressive treatment of indolent PCBCL (PCMZL or PCFCL) should be avoided, as they have a very good prognosis; b) chemotherapy is indicated in PCLBCL-leg type and in patients with advanced forms of PCMZL or PCFCL, which are resistant to other treatments and/or have extracutaneous disease spread.

Chart 6
Therapeutic schemas for cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

Therapy	Description	References
Antibiotics	Doxicicline, 100 mg, 2xday, 3 weeks	56
	Cefotaxime, i.v.	113
Local radiotherapy	Orthovoltage radiotherapy (20-100 kV). Cumulative dose per irradiation field: 15 to 45 Gy (2.0 to 2.5 Gy /week, fractionated). Margins ranging from 1 to 5 cm.	114-118; 146-149
Corticosteroids	Corticosteroids, intralesional	119
Monoclonal antibodies	Rituximab, intralesional, 2 to 3 times weekly, 10 to 30 mg/dose/ lesion, depending on the size, 4 to 8 consecutive weeks.	120-124
	Rituximab, i.v., 375 mg/m2, 1x week, 4 weeks.	125-131
Immunomoduladors	Interferon alpha 2a, intralesional, 3 - 9 million units, 3 x week.	132-136
Monochemotherapy	Peguilated liposomal doxorrubicin (20-40 mg/m2, i.v., every 2 to 4 weeks)	137
Monochemotherapy + monoclonal antibodies	Peguilated liposomal doxorrubicin (20-40 mg/m2, i.v., every 2 weeks) + rituximab (375 mg/m2)	138
Polychemotherapy	CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorrubicin, oncovin = vincristine e prednisone), every 21 days, 6 courses	80, 139
Polychemotherapy + monoclonal antibodies	CHOP + rituximab	140-142

Treatment for indolent cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

In patients with PCMZL or PCFCL, treatment is different as there is a single skin lesion or a small number of lesions confined to one region or two adjacent regions, or where there are multiple skin lesions.^54,143-145In the first case, the options are surgical excision or radiotherapy. In the second case, the options consist mainly of antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (i.e., rituximab, an anti-CD20 mAb) and interferons (i.e. interferon alpha 2a, IFN-alpha2a).

Radiotherapy

In general, in patients undergoing radiation therapy, cumulative dose per field ranges from 15 Gy to 45 Gy, generally fractionated into doses of 2 Gy to 2.5 Gy per irradiation field per week, and usually including a margin of 1 cm to 5 cm of normal skin around the affected skin. Most of the patients have a complete response (CR), while recurrence occurs in about half of cases (Table 1).^{54,80,115-118,145-150}

Table 1
Radiotherapy for primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

Reference	Number of patients	Lymphoma classification					Response to treatment				Complementary information
		PCFCL	PCMZL	PCLBCL	Other		OR	CR	PR	NR
146	35 (100%)	21(60%)	7(20%)	4(11%)	3(9%)		35(100%)	35(100%)	0(0%)	0(0%)	Median follow-up 11 months: 11 (31%) relapses. Median follow-up 52 months, 27 (77%) alive; 8 (23%) death (3 with lymphoma).
											5-year survival rate: 75%. Free disease 5-year survival rate: 50%.
118	32(100%)	21(66%)	4(13%)	3(9%)	0(0%)		32(100%)	32(100%)	0(0%)	0(0%)	5-year survival rate: PCLBCL, leg type (67%); other PCBCL (100%).
											Free disease 5-year survival: PCLBCL, leg type (33%); other PCBCL (73%). Follow-up 5 years: 21% with extracutaneous disease
149	153(100%)	101(66%)	25(16%)	27(18%)	0(0%)		153(100%)	151(99%)	2(1%)	0(0%)	5-year survival rate: PCFCL (95%); PCMZL (97%); PCLBCL, leg type (59%) Relapse rate: PCMZL (60%); PCFCL (29%); PCLBCL (64%); PCLBCL, leg type (63%)
											PCFCL with skin lesions in the legs: relapse rate (63%); 5-year survival (44%) PCFCL with skin lesions in other body regions: relapse rate (25%); 5-year survival (99%)
Total	220(100%)	143(65%)	36(16%)	34(15%)	3(1%)		220(100%)	218(99%)	2(1%)	0(0%

• Abbreviations: PCBCL, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; OR, overall response; CR, complete response; PR, partial response; NR, no response.

A retrospective study of 32 patients with PCBCL classified according to the EORTC schema - PCFCL (21 cases; 66%); PCMZL (4 cases/ 13%); and PCLBCL-leg type (3 cases; 9%) - treated with local radiotherapy (median dose: 40 Gy ranging from 20 Gy to 48 Gy) revealed a 100% CR rate, an overall survival rate in 5 years of 96% (67% in PCLBCL-leg type and 100% in the remaining cases), a disease-free survival rate in 5 years of 55% (33% in patients with PCLBCL-leg type and from 62% to 73% in other types). In 5 years, 21% of patients (33% of PCLBCL-leg type) had extracutaneous disease.¹¹⁸

Another retrospective study of 153 patients with PCBCL (101 with PCFCL; 25 with PCMZL; and 27 with PCLBCL-leg type) treated with radiotherapy showed an overall response (OR) rate of 100% and a CR rate of 99%, with rates of recurrence of 60%, 29% and 64% for PCMZL, PCFCL and PCLBCL, respectively.¹⁴⁹

Rituximab

Although published studies are all retrospective and therefore uncontrolled and non-randomized, there seems to be evidence that rituximab induces lasting remission in indolent PCBCL (PCMZL or PCFCL), without appreciable adverse events.¹⁵¹Schemes for intravenous or intralesional administration of rituximab used in these studies were relatively similar, with some variations in dose and schedule of administration, and total number of doses (Tables 2and3).^{120-131,152-159}

Table 2
Intravenous rituximab for the treatment of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

References	Number of patients	Lymphoma classification					Response to treatment				Complementary information
		PCFCL	PCMZL	PCLBCL-leg type	PCLBCL, other		OR	CR	PR	NR
120	10	3	0	6	1		8	6	2	2
125	2	0	0	1	1		2	0	2	0
126	4	2	2	0	0		4	2	2	0	Maintenance therapy with rituximab every 4 weeks for 6 months
127	10	8	1	1	0		9	7	2	1	Median remission time: 23 months (4 -30 months).
128	5	3	1	0	1		5	5	0	0	Maintenance therapy with rituximab every 2 or 3 months in some patients. Follow-up: 17 - 66 months. One patient died in complete remission 66 months later; one patient developed a PCLBCL 3 years later.
129	15	10	5	0	0		13	9	4	2	Median times of follow-up, time to response, duration of response and time to progression: 36, 30, 24 e 24 months.
130	16	11	5	0	0		16	14	2	0	Five of the 14 patients with CR (35%) relapsed, after 6 to 37 months
131	18	11	2	5	0		16	16	0	2	Mean follow-up time: 52 months. Relapse 81% of cases. Median time to relapse: 25 months. The patients that were refractory to rituximab had PCLBCL, leg type.
152	2	2	0	0	0		2	1	1	0	Disease progression after 6 and 17 months, respectively.
153	2	2	0	0	0		2	2	0	0
154	2	1	0	1	0		2	2	0	0	No relapses during a follow-up of 24 and 17 months, respectively.
155	1	1	0	0	0		1	1	0	0
156	2	1	1	0	0		2	2	0	0	No relapses during a follow-up of 18 and 24 months, respectively.
157 158	1 1	0 1	1 0	0 0	0 0		1 1	1 1	0 0	0	Relapse after 13 months.
159	11	11	0	0	0		11	7	4	0	Median follow-up time: 30 months (9 - 65 months). Relapse: 6 cases. Median time to relapse: 23.6 months.
Total	102	67	18	14	3		95	76	19	7
	(100%)	(66%)	(18%)	(14%)	(3%)		(93%)	(75%)	(19%)	(7%)

• Rituximab was administered intravenously, 375 mg/m2, once weekly, 4 to 8 consecutive weeks.
• Abbreviations: PCBCL, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; OR, overall response; CR, complete response; PR, partial response; NR, no response.

Table 3
Intralesional rituximab for primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

References	Number of patients	Lymphoma classification					Response to treatment				Complementary information
		PCFCL	PCMZL	PCLBCL-leg type	PCLBCL, other		OR	CR	PR	NR
120	2	1	0	1	0		2	0	2	0
121	3	3	0	0	0		3	3	0	0	One patient repeated the treatment. Complete and prolonged response (> 1 year) in all cases.
122	2	0	2	0	0		2	2	0	0	Follow-up time: 22 and 36 months. Relapse in 1 case after 22 months.
123	1	1	0	0	0		1	1	0	0	No relapse at 6 months
124	35	18	17	0	0		33	25	8	2	Mean time to remission: 8 weeks. Median follow-up time: 21 months. Median disease free time: 114 months
153	7	3	4	0	0		7	6	1	0	Follow-up time: 12 to 27 months. Relapse in 3/6 cases (12, 14 and 27 months, respectively).
156	6	3	3	0	0		6	6	0	0	Median follow-up time: 6 months (3-14 months). Relapse in 4/6 cases. Median time to relapse: 6 months
Total	56(100%)	29(52%)	26(46%)	1(2%)	0(0%)		54(96%)	43(77%)	11(20%)	2(3%)

• Rituximab was administered intralesional, 10 to 30mg/lesion/session, 1 to 3 times weekly, 4 to 8 consecutive weeks or 1 week month, 4 to 8 eight consecutive months.
• Abbreviations: PCBCL, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; OR, overall response; CR, complete response; PR, partial response; NR, no response.

Intravenous rituximab

A search via PubMed allowed identifying 16 papers published in journals indexed in MEDLINE between 2000 and 2013 that reported the use of intravenous rituximab, as monotherapy for the treatment of PCBCL in a total of 102 patients (Table 2).^{120,125-131,152-159}In general, the dose was 375 mg/m²/administration, being repeated weekly for 4 to 8 weeks, and responses were obtained in 95 cases (93%), with CR in 76 cases (75%).

Intralesional rituximab

Another search via PubMed revealed 7 papers published in journals indexed in MEDLINE between 2000 and 2012, in which rituximab was administered intralesional for the treatment of PCBCL (Table 3).^{120-124,153,156}In total, 56 patients were treated with rituximab monotherapy (26 patients with PCMZL, 19 patients with PCFCL and 1 patient with PCLBCL). Dose (in general, 10 mg to 30 mg /lesion/session, depending on the size of the lesion), frequency of administration (usually 1 to 3 times a week) and intervals between them (usually 4 to 8 consecutive weeks or 1 week per month for 4 to 8 months) were variable. Fifty-four cases (96%) responded to treatment, with CR in 43 cases (77%).

Adverse events

In general, rituximab is well tolerated. Local adverse effects reported after intralesional administration include, in addition to pain at the injection site, other rare manifestations such as rash, pruritus, urticaria, bacterial infections, lichenoid reactions, paraneoplastic pemphigus, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and bullous dermatitis. Rare cases of urticaria reaction at lymphoma lesion were also reported after intravenous administration of rituximab.^120,155Systemic events include anaphylactic reactions and reactivation of viral infections, including hepatitis B, arrhythmias, vasculitis, mucositis, arthralgia and arthritis.^160-164

Interferon alpha 2a

Interferon-alpha2a, a cytokine capable of modulating the progression of the cell cycle and induce apoptosis with a significant anti-tumor activity, has been successfully used in the treatment of PCTCL and can be considered as a potential therapeutic alternative for PCBCL.^165,166However, there are only a few published studies on the use of IFN-alpha2a for treatment of PCBCL.

Intralesional interferon alfa 2a

A search via PubMed revealed only 5 papers published in journals indexed in MEDLINE between 1989 and 2006, reporting on the use of intralesional IFN-alfa2a for the treatment of 12 patients with PCBCL, most of them PCMZL, and a CR was obtained in all cases (Table 4).^132-134,136The dose ranged from 3 to 9 million/ units/ session and the sessions were repeated 3 times a week for several months, in some cases for 1 year.

Table 4
Intralesional interferon alpha 2a for primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

References	Number of patients	Lymphoma classification					Response to treatment				Complementary information
		PCFCL	PCMZL	PCLBCL-leg type	PCLBCL other		OR	CR	PR	NR
132	1	0	0	0	1		1	1	0	0	One patient with PCLBCL (transformation of an indolent PCBCL) refractory to chemotherapy
133	1	0	1	0	0		1	1	0	0	One patient with PCMZL associated to Borrelia burgdorferi infection resistant treatment of cefotaxime
134	1	0	0	0	1		1	1	0	0	One patient with T-cell rich PCLBCL
											One patient with PCMZL, stage IVa
135	1	0	1	0	0		1	1	0	0	Eight patients with PCM-ZL. Median time to complete response: 8.5 weeks (3 to 20 weeks). Relapses in 2 cases, after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively
136	8	0	8	0	0		8	8	0	0
Total	12(100%)	0(0%)	10(83%)	0(0%)	2(17%)		12(100%)	12(100%)	0(0%)	0(0%)

• Interferon alpha-2a was administered intralesional, 3 to 9 millions of units, 3 times weekly, during several months.
• Abbreviations: PCBCL, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma; PCFCL, primary cutaneous follicle center cell lymphoma; PCLBCL, primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas, leg type; PCMZL, primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas; OR, overall response; CR, complete response; PR, partial response; NR, no response.

Subcutaneous interferon-alpha2a

Reports on the use of subcutaneous IFN-alpha2a for the treatment of PCBCL are even more scarce, with only a few cases reported.^167-169In our experience, which is based on the treatment of 6 patients with PCMZL of whom only 2 cases were targeted for publication, PCMZL respond well to IFN-alpha2a administered subcutaneously at a dose of 3 million units, 3 times a week, until maximum response, which usually happens after a variable time (median: 6 months).^167,169Complete response was observed in all patients, with a median duration of remission of 9 months. Relapses were frequent, occurring in 50% of cases. Patients with recurrence repeated treatment with IFN-alfa2a successfully. A case of a patient with PCFCL who achieved complete response after being treated with IFN-alpha2a administered subcutaneously, 4.5 million units, 3 times a week, was recently published.¹⁶⁸

Treatment for aggressive cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

Patients with PCLBCL, particularly leg type - which have more aggressive clinical behavior and poor prognosis - are candidates to treatment with multidrug therapy with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or CHOP-like regimens.^80,139In elderly patients, it should be advisable to reduce the doses of doxorubicin (25 mg/m²), vincristine (1 mg/m²) and cyclophosphamide (400 mg/m²) with the goal of having less cardiac and hematological toxicity.¹⁴²The association of rituximab to the chemotherapy (e.g. R-CHOP) appears to result in increased benefit compared to chemotherapy alone, evaluated by the increase in the survival time.¹⁴⁰Rituximab monotherapy leads to response rates lower than those observed with chemotherapy, and relapse appears to occur earlier, but can be used for palliative treatment.¹⁴¹

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin used successfully in the treatment of PCTCL in a dose from 20 mg/m² to 40 mg/m², administered intravenously and repeated every 2 to 4 weeks, may be considered an alternative for the treatment of PCBCL having been used alone or in combination with rituximab, with appreciable response rates, good tolerance and low hematological toxicity.^137-139

A study in which 5 patients with PCBCL (1 with PCMZL and 4 with PCLBCL-leg-type) with disseminated skin lesions) were treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin at a dose of 20 mg/m² showed CR in 100% of cases.¹³⁷In follow-up, one patient died with disease progression and 4 patients maintained CR after 5, 52, 63 and 69 months, respectively.

Another recent study in which 12 patients PCBCL were treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (20 mg/m² on days 1 and 15) associated with rituximab (375 mg/m²) showed response in 10 of 12 patients (8 CR and 2 PR) - 2 out of 3 patients with PCLBCL-leg type. Two patients relapsed at 31 and 32 months, respectively.¹³⁸

A relatively common side effect associated with the administration of liposomal doxorubicin, which may also arise with other chemotherapy regimens, is the palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia, also known as "hand-foot-syndrome", which is characterized by painful acral (palmoplantar) erythema.^170-172Coldness during administration of chemotherapy, topical application of high potency corticosteroids and prophylactic administration of pyridoxine orally are some of the recommended measures to control the associated symptoms.¹⁷²

• Financial Support: None.
• How to cite this article: Lima M. Cutaneous primary B-cell lymphomas: from diagnosis to treatment. An Bras Dermatol. 2015;90(5):687-706.
• *
  Study performed at Serviço de Hematologia Clínica. Hospital de Santo António (HSA), Centro Hospitalar do Porto (CHP) – Porto, Portugal.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Sep-Oct 2015

History

• Received
  20 Apr 2014
• Accepted
  05 June 2014