Characteristics of cutaneous lymphomas in Osaka, Japan (1988-1999) based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification

Based on accumulating information, European investigators proposed a new classification for primary cutaneous lymphomas known as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) classification. The clinical utility of this classification in Japanese cases has not been evaluated. Material from 65 patients with cutaneous lymphomas (48 with primary disease and 17 with secondary disease) who were admitted to Osaka University Hospital during the period 1988 through 1999 was reviewed. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in all cases. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) comprised mycosis fungoides (15 cases), Sézary syndrome (1 case), lymphomatoid papulosis (5 cases), large cell CTCL (13 cases), pleomorphic small- or medium-sized CTCL (2 cases), and cutaneous natural killer /T-cell lymphoma (4 cases). B-cell lymphomas comprised 7 cases of follicle center cell lymphoma and 1 case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the leg. Each category of disease in the EORTC scheme showed its characteristic features in our series. Five of 13 large cell CTCL cases were positive for CD30, and 5 were negative. The 5-year survival rate of patients with large cell CTCL CD30+ disease was 100% and that of patients with CD30- disease was 0%. (p > 0.1). Only 1 of 7 CTCL cases expressing CD30 was ALK-1+, and all 7 cases showed a favorable clinical course. The EORTC classification is effective in dealing with Japanese cases of cutaneous lymphomas.