Primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphomas that present in the skin with no evidence of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. CTCL subtypes... Show morePrimary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lymphomas that present in the skin with no evidence of extracutaneous disease at the time of diagnosis. CTCL subtypes demonstrate a variety of clinical, histological, and molecular features, and can follow an indolent or a very aggressive course. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms are not yet entirely understood. The pathophysiology of CTCL is complex and a single initiating factor has not yet been identified. Diagnosis is based on clinicopathological correlation and requires an interdisciplinary team. Treatment decision is made based on short-term and long-term goals. Therapy options comprise skin-directed therapies, such as topical steroids or phototherapy, and systemic therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies or chemotherapy. So far, the only curative treatment approach is allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Novel therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells, monoclonal antibodies or small molecules, are being investigated in clinical trials. Patients with CTCL have reduced quality of life and a lack of effective treatment options. Further research is needed to better identify the underlying mechanisms of CTCL development and course as well as to better tailor treatment strategies to individual patients.Cutaneous T cell lymphoma is a group of lymphomas that initially manifest in the skin. This Primer summarizes the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management of these disorders. Show less
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe, progressive, muscle-wasting disease that leads to difficulties with movement and, eventually, to the need for assisted ventilation and premature death. The... Show moreDuchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe, progressive, muscle-wasting disease that leads to difficulties with movement and, eventually, to the need for assisted ventilation and premature death. The disease is caused by mutations in DMD (encoding dystrophin) that abolish the production of dystrophin in muscle. Muscles without dystrophin are more sensitive to damage, resulting in progressive loss of muscle tissue and function, in addition to cardiomyopathy. Recent studies have greatly deepened our understanding of the primary and secondary pathogenetic mechanisms. Guidelines for the multidisciplinary care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that address obtaining a genetic diagnosis and managing the various aspects of the disease have been established. In addition, a number of therapies that aim to restore the missing dystrophin protein or address secondary pathology have received regulatory approval and many others are in clinical development.Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked progressive, muscle-wasting disease that manifests in childhood as difficulties with movement. This Primer by Aartsma-Rus and colleagues discusses the clinical presentation, epidemiology, pathophysiology, genetic diagnosis and treatment of this disorder. Show less
