Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Conditions
Keywords
pruritis, itch, CTCL
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to define the mechanisms that underlie the refractory pruritus (itch) in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
Detailed description
Little is known about the fundamental cause of pruritus in CTCL, however we do know the malignant CD4+ T-cells of CTCL accumulate in the epidermis and are in close proximity to the neural, immune and vascular systems that influence and regulate the biology of the skin. The close proximity of malignant CD4+ T-cells with the key mediators in the itch process could result in the pruritus experienced by patients with CTCL. To accomplish this we are collecting and examining skin biopsies for CTCL patients and healthy controls to identify itch-associated local biomarkers of the disease. In addition to these skin biopsies, we are retrospectively examining existing paraffin-embedded skin biopsy tissue blocks from CTCL patients. We are performing comparative and quantitative immunohistochemical analyses on the samples. This study will help to determine which components in the skin are potential key players in the manifestation and maintenance of recalcitrant pruritus in patients with CTCL.
Interventions
PROCEDUREskin biopsy
Lidocaine 1% c Epinephrine for local anesthesia
Sponsors
University of Minnesota
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Patients with CTCL
Exclusion criteria
* None
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Collection of biopsies from pruritic CTCL patients, non pruritic CTCL patients and controls and analysis of a panel of itch-associated local biomarkers in an attempt to characterize and quantify the components in the skin involved. | 3 years |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed