Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) with hemophagocytosis (HPS): successful treatment using high-dose chemotherapy (BFM-NHL & ALL-90) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in which lymphoma cells infiltrate preferentially into subcutaneous adipose tissue. Although various treatment trials for SPTCL have been attempted, no standardized therapy has been established. Here, we report a case of α/β(+) T-cell-phenotype SPTCL (SPTCL-AB) with hemophagocytosis (HPS) in a 14-year-old girl, who presented with low-grade fever, general fatigue and chest swelling. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocytopenia, and bone marrow aspiration cytology showed HPS. The diagnosis of SPTCL-AB was made by biopsy on the basis of thickened subcutaneous tissue in the chest wall. Following high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) of BFM-NHL & ALL-90, autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT) was performed. The patient responded to the treatment and has remained asymptomatic for 2 years. Our results suggest that a combination of HDT of BFM-NHL & ALL-90 and auto-SCT treatment is effective for SPTCL associated with HPS.