Monoclonal antibodies and cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Theoretical and practical considerations.

The T cell nature of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome was established a decade ago. The recent advent of monoclonal antibodies to T cells and other lymphoid subpopulations has resulted in an explosion of knowledge on the biology of this group of disorders. These reagents have increased our knowledge on thymic differentiation status, pathogenesis, the phenotype of premalignant vs malignant lymphocytic infiltrates, the identification of other previously unrecognized cells within lymphomas, and the phenotype of circulating vs skin lymphocytes. Therapeutic applications may result. These new developments are discussed.