Aggressive subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: complete remission with fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SCPTCL) is a rare cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The optimal treatment of this disease is undefined. A 36-year-old woman presented with swinging pyrexia, weight loss and disseminated SCPTCL involving her limbs and trunk. Typical histological features of panniculitic infiltration with rimming of fat cells and sparing of the dermis and epidermis were seen. Immunophenotyping confirmed a CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell phenotype. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone (FND), and has remained in remission 15 months after cessation of treatment. FND may be an effective regimen for aggressive SCPTCL.