Cutaneous Lymphoma Research and Clinical Trials

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Fred Hutch Cancer Center is one of few centers in the United States that has experience treating cutaneous lymphoma and specializes in providing novel therapies and clinical trials (also called clinical studies) for this rare disease. Patients are referred to Fred Hutch for collaborative efforts between research and clinical trials for peripheral (systemic) and cutaneous T‑cell lymphomas in general, as well as specific subtypes, bringing focus to this challenging disease.

Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinical Trials 

Fred Hutch typically has over 750 active cancer clinical trials enrolling participants. 

Clinical trials may allow some patients access to a promising new treatment, and help physicians and researchers learn more about a disease. 

Search Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinical Trials

Why Clinical Trials Matter

Fred Hutch is a member institution of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and is home to physicians who help define the guidelines for cancer care nationally. Patients at Fred Hutch have access to advanced therapies being explored in clinical trials conducted at both Fred Hutch and UW Medicine. Many patients who begin their treatment at Fred Hutch have better outcomes than those who started treatment elsewhere.

Clinical trials test new treatments or new ways to use existing treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies and combination approaches. For people with cutaneous lymphoma whose disease has come back or is no longer responding to standard therapies, entering a clinical trial may be an important option to consider.

Research includes evaluation of:

  • New systemic therapies
  • Targeted therapies
  • Immunotherapies
  • Combination treatment strategies for relapsed or refractory disease

Talking with Your Care Team About Clinical Trials

Your Fred Hutch care team will discuss all of your treatment options based on your diagnosis, how your disease has progressed, your general health, lifestyle and personal preferences. Together, you can review whether a clinical trial is available and appropriate for you.

Cutaneous Lymphoma Research at Fred Hutch

Fred Hutch researchers are active in research on cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, as well as rarer CTCL subtypes. Here are some examples:

Immunotherapy and Immune System Profiling

Immunologist Evan Newell, PhD, with Fred Hutch colleagues and collaborators at Stanford, have studied how CTCL patients respond to immune-based treatments such as:

  • PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors
  • Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) therapy
  • Combination immunotherapy approaches

Using advanced "multi-omic" techniques, they analyzed blood, skin and tumor samples to understand why some patients respond while others do not. Their findings identified immune-cell populations that may predict treatment response and could eventually guide more personalized therapy. Learn more about the study.

Research on Aggressive CTCL Subtypes

Fred Hutch hematologist-oncologists and researchers reported outcomes with pralatrexate (a chemotherapy drug) in rare cytotoxic CTCLs, including:

  • Primary cutaneous CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma
  • Primary cutaneous gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma
  • Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma

In the retrospective study, pralatrexate produced high response rates, with many patients achieving complete remission and some experiencing durable responses lasting years. This research is important because these rare lymphomas have historically lacked standard treatment options. Read more about the study.

Our Cutaneous Lymphoma Researchers and Faculty

Our scientists and providers work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cutaneous lymphoma as well as other cancers and diseases. The lab research and clinical research they do are essential parts of the scientific process that leads to new treatments and better care. Clinical trials can also be a way for patients to get early access to new leading-edge therapies.

See below for our researchers and faculty or view our cutaneous lymphoma care team providers.