Alkylating agent
A chemical that changes the make up of the genetic material of rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, causing selective cell death. This agent is used as a topical chemotherapy to treat persons with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
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Cutaneous
Referring to and pertaining to the skin.
Erythroderma
Abnormal redness of the entire skin surface.
Monoclonal antibody
An antibody produced by the identical offspring of a single cloned antibody-producing cell.
Mycosis fungoides
Another name for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
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Sézary syndrome
An advanced and leukemic phase of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in which malignant T cells are found in the peripheral blood and sometimes in the lymph nodes. The syndrome is named for Alfred Sézary (1880-1956), a French dermatologist.
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Staging
Staging refers to the process of determining how much the cancer has spread, which is important for outlining treatment options and prognosis. The doctor will assess the results of these procedures in order to find out what stage the cancer is in: the physical exam; blood tests; biopsy; lumbar puncture (if done); and imaging tests such as chest X-ray and CT or MRI scans.
T-helper cells
A cellular component of the immune system that plays a major role in ridding the body of bacteria and viruses, characterized by the presence of the CD4 protein on its surface; the type of cell that divides uncontrollably with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Total-skin electron beam therapy
A type of radiation therapy often used to treat persons with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The method involves irradiating the entire body with high-energy electrons.
