Late-onset bexarotene-induced CD4 lymphopenia in a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patient

Cutis. 2017 Feb;99(2):E30-E34.

Abstract

Various infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, and total-body irradiation are known factors associated with CD4 lymphopenia, defined as a CD4 T-cell count below 300 cells/mL or less than 20% of total lymphocytes. We report a rare case of a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who developed profound CD4 lymphopenia in the setting of long-term bexarotene therapy. Bexarotene is a third-generation retinoid that inhibits epithelial cell proliferation and is approved for treatment of advanced CTCL (stages IIB-IVB) in adult patients who have failed at least 1 prior systemic therapy. This case illustrates the importance of surveillance for CD4 leukopenia in patients on long-term bexarotene therapy with routine complete blood cell counts (CBC) and T-cell counts as well as consideration of rotating patients off bexarotene therapy even in those who derive continuous benefit.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Bexarotene
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Lymphopenia / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes / administration & dosage
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes / adverse effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes
  • Bexarotene