Clinicopathologic and genetic aspects of primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas

Abstract

Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas can be divided into primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. Accurately making the distinction between these two lymphomas at the time of diagnosis is essential for the patient, as there are differences in prognosis (5 year overall survival >95% versus <50%) and first choice treatment (radiotherapy versus polychemotherapy). The thesis aimed to better characterize both subtypes genetically and clinicopathologically in search for markers differentiating between the subtypes. Furthermore, genetic studies were performed on primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, in search for leads for targeted therapy in this aggressive type of primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma. Finally, a series of methotrexate-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders presenting in the skin (mimicking primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas) were studied, in search of clinicopathologic features characteristic for this disorder.