Cutaneous Lymphoma Program

About the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program

A type of white blood cell, lymphocytes help your immune system target cancer and other foreign viruses and bacteria. The two main types of lymphocytes are T lymphocytes (T cells) and B lymphocytes (B cells). Cutaneous lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes that primarily involve the skin and are categorized as either cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) or cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCL).

For over 10 years, the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program has provided individualized and compassionate care to each of our patients through the expert diagnosis and rapid treatment of these skin cancers, using the most advanced, research-backed oncological techniques and technology available today.

We specialize in the treatment of all cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including:

• Mycosis Fungoides
• Lymphomatoid Papulosis
• Sezary Syndrome
• Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
• Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-cell Lymphoma
• CD4+ Small to Medium Pleomorphic T-cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder
• Aggressive Epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell Lymphoma
• Gamma Delta Lymphoma
• Adult T-cell Leukemia and Lymphoma
• Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma, NOS

Read more about cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Our multidisciplinary team are also experts in treating cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, including:

• Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone Lymphoma
• Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma
• Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Collaborative Care for Cutaneous Lymphoma

The Cutaneous Lymphoma Program offers multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment, meaning that patients will conveniently see specialists from medical oncology, dermatology, and radiation oncology all in one place. Around the time of the initial appointment, experts across these three disciplines will meet to review and discuss the patient’s case. After evaluating the patient at their first appointment, the collaborative team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their needs, streamlining care and minimizing the need for multiple appointments in different locations.

The Cutaneous Lymphoma Program delivers advanced treatment for cutaneous lymphoma in Boston and at our Mass General Cancer Center community locations throughout New England, all informed by cancer laboratories at Massachusetts General Hospital, the top research hospital in the country.

Treatments for Cutaneous Lymphoma

Mass General Cancer Center experts are committed to delivering the latest, most advanced treatments and technologies to patients with cutaneous lymphomas. Our team will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. Our treatment plans are designed to address lymphoma aggressively with as little disruption as possible to your daily life. Some of the treatments we offer include:

• Topical steroids
• Phototherapy
• Topical chemotherapy (nitrogen mustard or mechlorethamine)
• Radiation therapy (including brachytherapy)
• Intralesional injection of steroids

More systemic treatments (or treatments that target the entire body) we might use include:

• Romidepsin (HDAC Inhibitors)
• Alemtuzumab
• Brentuximab Vedotin
• Mogamulizumab
• Cytotoxic chemotherapy (gemcitabine, pralatrexate, doxil)
• Stem Cell Transplant

Frequently Asked Questions about Cutaneous Lymphoma

Q. What are cutaneous lymphomas?
Cutaneous lymphomas, also known as skin lymphomas, are cancers of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) that primarily involve the skin. They are classified depending on whether they are cancers of B-lymphocytes (B-cell) or T-lymphocytes (T-cell). Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma, while cutaneous B-cell lymphomas make up about 20-25% of all cutaneous lymphomas. Learn more about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of cutaneous lymphomas here.

Q. Which doctors are part of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program and how do I make an appointment?
Dermatologist Steven Chen, MD, MPH, and medical oncologist Jeffrey Barnes, MD, PhD, are co-directors of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program and work closely with radiation oncologist Chirayu Patel, MD, MPH, and medical oncologist Salvia Jain, MD. Patients and referring providers can request an appointment by calling 877-726-5130.

Q. What is the prognosis of cutaneous lymphoma?
Most cutaneous lymphomas have a good prognosis, but it's important to have a team of experts to help appropriately guide you on proper management and advice. Our world-class team is here to help.

Meet the Team

Our multidisciplinary team is comprised of a dermatologist, a radiation oncologist, and two medical oncologists. Additionally, we have a dedicated team of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and schedulers to make your experience as seamless as possible.