Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-cell Lymphoma: Immunosuppressive Drugs Induce Better Response than Polychemotherapy

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare condition usually considered to have a favourable prognosis. However, it is not known whether polychemotherapy or immunosuppressive-based therapy is the best approach for treating SPTCL. Using data collected between 2000 and 2012 in France, we analysed clinical, biological and pathological data of 27 patients with SPTCL. Medical history revealed that 40% of patients had been previously diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and 22% with inflammatory panniculitis. Haemophagocytic syndrome was present in 37% of cases. Autoantibodies were positive in 65% of cases. Complete remission (CR) was reached in 74% of cases. Immunosuppressive drug treatment was given in 69.5% of patients (group 1) and polychemotherapy in 30.5% (group 2). CR was 81.2% and 28.5% (p = 0.025), respectively. Progression rate was 6.2% and 42.8% (p = 0.067), respectively. This study suggests that immunosuppressive drugs should be considered as the first-line treatment for SPTCL.