Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in advanced stage mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: a concise review

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome encompass over 70% of all cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). While early stage disease has excellent long-term survival rates, advanced stage disease (IIB-IV) carries a poor prognosis with a median 5-year overall survival rate of approximately 50%. Early stage and advanced stage disease have different treatment algorithms with systemic therapy being indicated upfront in the later. The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has gained considerable interest in recent years as a treatment option for CTCL given the increasingly promising long-term outcomes in an otherwise incurable disease. Herein, we provide a brief update on the current advances in HSCT followed by a concise review of the role of HSCT for CTCL. We conclude with our recommendations to approaching HSCT as a curative treatment option for CTCL.

Keywords: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell; Sézary syndrome; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); graft vs. host disease; graft vs. lymphoma; mycosis fungoides (MF).