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Cancer

New Insights into Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Janus Kinase Inhibitors

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Investigations into the use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) have yielded promising results, according to a study published in The Journal of Dermatology. Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center retrospectively analyzed the experience of their tertiary cancer center with JAKi in patients seen for CTCL between 2011 and 2024, identifying 26 CTCL patients who received a JAKi. The study found that four patients treated with oral ruxolitinib experienced a complete response or diminishing lesion size, while one patient treated topically demonstrated plaque thinning.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study suggests that JAKi may be used for treating CTCL, particularly in patients with other indications for JAKi use.
  • The researchers identified 26 CTCL patients who received a JAKi, with 13 receiving a JAKi for other indications following a diagnosis of CTCL.
  • The most common indications for JAKi use in this population were graft versus host disease and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
  • The study found that five patients developed CTCL relapse a median of 8 weeks following ruxolitinib exposure.
  • Further studies are required to characterize any association between JAKi use and CTCL development, as well as the safety of JAKi use in the context of pre-existing CTCL.
  • The study highlights the need for further research into the real-world use of JAKi in patients with CTCL.

Statistics:

  • 26 CTCL patients received a JAKi, with 13 receiving a JAKi for other indications following a diagnosis of CTCL.
  • 5 patients experienced CTCL relapse a median of 8 weeks following ruxolitinib exposure.
  • 4 patients treated with oral ruxolitinib experienced a complete response or diminishing lesion size.
  • 1 patient treated topically demonstrated plaque thinning.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Broaden Understanding of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Oral and Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitors In Patients With Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma: a Real-world Single-center Experience). Hematology Week. May 12, 2025; p 2100.
  • The Journal of Dermatology. Oral and Topical Janus Kinase Inhibitors In Patients With Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma: a Real-world Single-center Experience. The Journal of Dermatology, 2025.
  • Shamir Geller, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Dept. of Medicine, Dermatology Service, New York, NY 10065, United States.

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