Gene Forecasters: Prognostic Markers for CTCL

Genetic analysis can indicate risk for progression and outcomes in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Microarray gene analyses of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) skin samples performed at all disease stages have identified three distinct genetic profiles. Genes in clusters 1 and 3 are associated with immune responses and are not found in cluster 2. Genes in cluster 2 are predominantly structural genes and those involved in epidermal differentiation.

CTCL patients with stage I disease usually have a slowly progressive process and a good prognosis. However, 15% to 20% develop rapidly progressive disease, with a much poorer prognosis. These investigators examined whether gene profile was associated with clinical outcome in patients with CTCL. At study entry, 62 patients with CTCL had reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) ass…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)