Recalcitrant Pruritus in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Little is known about the fundamental cause of pruritus in CTCL, however we do know the
malignant CD4+ T-cells of CTCL accumulate in the epidermis and are in close proximity to the
neural, immune and vascular systems that influence and regulate the biology of the skin.
The close proximity of malignant CD4+ T-cells with the key mediators in the itch process
could result in the pruritus experienced by patients with CTCL. To accomplish this we are
collecting and examining skin biopsies for CTCL patients and healthy controls to identify
itch-associated local biomarkers of the disease. In addition to these skin biopsies, we are
retrospectively examining existing paraffin-embedded skin biopsy tissue blocks from CTCL
patients. We are performing comparative and quantitative immunohistochemical analyses on
the samples. This study will help to determine which components in the skin are potential
key players in the manifestation and maintenance of recalcitrant pruritus in patients with
CTCL.