Why is there itching in lymphoma and how to treat it ?

Pruritus in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: a review.

Ahern K, Gilmore ES, Poligone B.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Oct;67(4):760-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2011.12.021.

• Skin lymphomas (CYCL) generate a lot of itching and despite being able to target these cancers effectively, often pruritus remains.
• The review begins with the pathways involved in pruritus as well as the substances involved (peripheral and central mediators) which could be involved in patients with CTCL.
• The review continues with strategies aimed at treating the lymphoma primarily (PUVA) and if not enough then the itch specifically (Gabapentin…)

For full access to the free article in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), click here

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Contributors

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland