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Review
. 2025 Jun;17(8):551-559.
doi: 10.1080/1750743X.2025.2520153. Epub 2025 Jun 24.

Evaluating mogamulizumab in the treatment of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

M Oymanns  1 , K Elsayad  2   3   4   5 , L Wilms  1 , F Dimmers  1 , M Daum-Marzian  6 , R Abu-Dawud  7 , M Motiei  7 , C Assaf  1   7
Affiliations
Review

Evaluating mogamulizumab in the treatment of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

M Oymanns et al. Immunotherapy. 2025 Jun.

Abstract

Mogamulizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CCR4, a chemokine receptor expressed on T-cells, including malignant cells found in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL represents a heterogeneous group of skin lymphomas, with Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) being the most common subtypes. Despite various treatment options, advanced stages of CTCL often present a challenge, with limited long-term therapeutic success. Mogamulizumab has demonstrated promise in treating relapsed or refractory CTCL.Clinical trials have shown that mogamulizumab effectively targets CCR4-positive malignant T-cells, leading to tumor regression and improved survival in patients with advanced CTCL. Its ability to deplete malignant T-cells, alongside its immunomodulatory effects, contributes to its potential as a critical therapeutic agent in this setting. In both, Phase III and real-world evidence studies, mogamulizumab has demonstrated an impressive overall response rate, progression-free survival in patients with MF and SS, along with a manageable safety profile.As a promising treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory CTCL, mogamulizumab is currently being investigated in several ongoing clinical trials, exploring its efficacy both, as a monotherapy and in combination with other treatments. Continued research and long-term follow-up are essential to optimize its application across diverse clinical settings in CTCL.

Keywords: CCR4; CTCL; Mogamulizumab; Sézary syndrome; clinical trials; cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; immunotherapy; mycosis fungoides.

Plain language summary

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of cancer that starts in certain white blood cells (T-cells) and mainly affects the skin. The two most common forms are Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS). In advanced stages, CTCL can be difficult to treat, especially when standard therapies stop working.Mogamulizumab is a newer type of treatment known as a monoclonal antibody. It is designed to attach to a protein called CCR4, which is found on the surface of cancerous T-cells. By targeting CCR4, mogamulizumab helps the immune system recognize and destroy these malignant cells.Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that mogamulizumab can reduce the number of cancer cells, shrink tumors, and delay the progression of the disease. It has shown encouraging results in patients with MF and SS who have already tried other treatments without success. Most patients tolerate the treatment well, with side effects that are generally manageable. Researchers are continuing to study mogamulizumab, both on its own and in combination with other therapies, to better understand how and when it should be used. These studies will help define its role in the future treatment of CTCL and improve outcomes for patients living with this disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

M.O. reports honoraria for lectures, presentations, and educational events from Kyowa Kirin. M.D. reports no conflicts of interest. C.A. reports consultancy/advisory honoraria from 4SC, Helsinn, Kyowa Kirin, Recordati Rare Diseases, Stemline, and Takeda. KE. reports honoraria for lectures, presentations, and educational events from Kyowa Kirin, Recordati Rare Diseases and Gilead. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

References

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    2. •Contextual background on disease and treatment landscape.

    1. Latzka J, Assaf C, Bagot M, et al. EORTC consensus recommendations for the treatment of mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome – update 2023. Eur J Cancer. 2023;195:113343. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113343 - DOI - PubMed

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