Unlike systemic mastocytosis (SM), cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) causes only dermatological manifestations, and the cellular marker CD30 appears to play a key role in this process, according to a recently published abstract in the European Journal of Cancer.
“The spectrum of mastocytosis includes the purely cutaneous form with an excellent prognosis, systemic forms and a mast cell sarcoma. CD30, which is not expressed by normal mast cells, can be used as an additional diagnostic criterion,” the study said.
To assess the potential role of CD30 as a therapeutic target in patients with CM, researchers retrospectively analyzed more than 140 skin biopsy samples of patients with CM. Researchers correlated the findings with the clinical characteristics of each patient.
Read more about SM testing and diagnosis
Results showed that the presence of CD30 correlated with a higher density of mast cells in the skin, suggesting that a CD30 inhibitor could theoretically improve CM symptoms. This corresponds to findings in other studies that showed decreased symptom burden in patients with certain SM types.
CD30 is a cellular receptor responsible for modulating inflammatory responses, particularly those mediated by T lymphocytes. In certain malignant conditions, CD30 contributes to cancer cell survival and proliferation.
Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody drug conjugate that targets CD30. Clinical trials have associated the drugs with durable remission in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. Similar studies in patients with T cell lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma have produced similar results.
Brentuximab vedotin is associated with adverse effects such as reduced neutrophil counts and neuropathies producing pain or tingling sensation in extremities; it should be used with caution.
