Role of denileukin diftitox in the treatment of persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Denileukin diftitox (Ontak®) is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent or recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of the skin. Denileukin diftitox was the first fusion protein toxin approved for the treatment of a human disease. This fusion protein toxin combines the IL2 protein with diphtheria toxin, and targets the CD25 subunit of the IL2 receptor, resulting in the unique delivery of a cytocidal agent to CD-25 bearing T-cells. Historically, immunotherapy targeting malignant T-cells including monoclonal antibodies has been largely ineffective as cytocidal agents compared to immunotherapy directed against B-cells such as rituximab. This review will summarize the development of denileukin diftitox, its proposed mechanism of action, the pivotal clinical trials that led to its FDA approval, the improvements in quality of life, and the common toxicities experienced during the treatment of patients with CTCL. CTCL is often a chronic progressive lymphoma requiring the sequential use of treatments such as retinoids, traditional chemotherapy, or biological response modifiers. The incorporation of the immunotoxin denileukin diftitox into the sequential or combinatorial treatment of CTCL will also be addressed

Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening syndrome characterized by uncontrolled immune activation. There is an aberrant activation of lym-phocytes and macrophages that results in hypercytokinemia. We aim to describe a case of secondary HLH due to primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A Hispanic 28-year-old man presented with sore throat and fatigue for one week. He was diagnosed with mononucleosis and discharged and was treated according to the currently available treatment. HLH is treated by diminishing the inflammation by myelosuppressive and immunosuppressive therapy. EBV infection-associated HLH is a rare disease with high mortality. It is crucial to think about it when facing a patient with fever, cytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and high levels of ferritin. Despite medical treatment, the patient died from multiorgan failure

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma-leg type in a young adult with HIV: a case report

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a very rare entity. Skin lesions mainly occur on the lower extremities. Sheets of immunoblasts and centroblasts are characteristic findings at histologic examination. This case report highlights diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for primary cutaneous B-Cell lymphoma-leg type