Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Progression: A Potential Dupilumab Pitfall

Cureus. 2023 Aug 4;15(8):e42959. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42959. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody inhibiting key drivers in the inflammatory signaling cascade. It has been considered a saving grace for many patients suffering from severe atopic dermatitis and has quickly become a widespread treatment option for many inflammatory pathologies. However, recent reports have linked dupilumab with exacerbating symptoms and accelerated disease progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This report presents the case of a 60-year-old African American female who was diagnosed with CTCL three months after her initial treatment with dupilumab for presumed atopic dermatitis. An appreciation of this unique relationship, as well as the morphological differences seen in patient presentation, is important for physicians to better guide timely diagnoses while working to uncover the true relationship between dupilumab and CTCL.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis; atopic eczema; cutaneous malignancy; cutaneous t-cell lymphoma; dupilumab; dupilumab dermatologic reaction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports