Reduced CC Chemokine Receptor 4 Expression in Tumor Cells after Lenalidomide Treatment for Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), which is involved in leukocyte migration, is expressed in most tumor cells in patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Case Presentation: Here we report the case of a 78-year-old man diagnosed with lymphoma-type ATLL expressing CCR4. The patient was administered two cycles of lenalidomide but died because of sepsis 5 months after the initial diagnosis. Autopsy revealed ATLL cells at several sites. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that these ATLL cells had reduced CCR4 expression. Conclusion: The present case suggests that treatment should be carefully determined in ATLL with reference to a history of lenalidomide use and CCR4 expression.

Keywords

• adult t-cell leukemia/lymphoma
• cc chemokine receptor 4
• immunomodulatory drug
• lenalidomide