T-cell receptor gamma delta-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas presenting in the skin: a clinical, histological and immunophenotypic study.

Examination of biopsy samples from 62 patients with--or with suspected--cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) revealed 2 cases in which the neoplastic cells were positive for the T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma delta complex. One patient had mycosis fungoides and 1 patient had a pleomorphic lymphoma of medium and large-cell type. Both cases showed aggressive courses with dissemination to internal organs and short survival times. The phenotypic examination showed that the neoplastic cells were positive with TCR delta 1, CD3, CD25, CD29, CD45R0 and CD54. No staining was seen with antibodies against framework determinants or variable regions on the TCR alpha beta heterodimer. Negative reactions were also seen with CD4, CD8, CD5, CD7, CD16, CD30 and CD57. It is concluded that rare CTCL express TCR gamma delta chains. These malignancies may originate from the TCR gamma delta-positive T cells seen in normal skin, and it is possible that their recognition may be important for clinical reasons.