Mycosis fungoides and IL-4/13 inhibitors: what is known and unmet needs

Abstract

Introduction: Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the IL-4 receptor alpha, preventing the binding of IL-4 and IL-13 and the subsequent signal transduction. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Several cases of MF have been reported following the initiation of dupilumab in patients previously diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.

Areas covered: This article is a narrative review of the current state of knowledge regarding the correlation between dupilumab and the development of CTCL. Clinical studies on this topic are reviewed, with a particular focus on the pathogenetic theories proposed to date. Finally, we present a new theory, previously undescribed, regarding the potential role of the cytokine microenvironment in triggering CTCL in patients treated with dupilumab.

Expert opinion: Dupilumab could unmask CTCLs by inhibiting IL-4. In fact, a recent study observed that IL-4 plays a key role in maintaining the 'equilibrium phase' between tumor and microenvironment cells. Disruption of this balance could promote the escape of tumor cells and lead to the unmasking of CTCLs.

Keywords: Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma; IL-4/13 inhibitors; Mycosis fungoides; microenvironment; sézary syndrome.