Season 7, Episode 1: Unraveling the Link Between Dupilumab and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Welcome to a new episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast, where we discuss some questions surrounding the relationship between dupilumab and lymphoma. This episode dives deep into a study by Hasan and colleagues that explores the fascinating and somewhat controversial relationship between Dupilumab, a drug often used to treat atopic dermatitis patients with alopecia areata, and an increased risk of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL). Despite its potential benefits, does Dupilumab truly cause CTCL, or does it simply unmask the disease in patients who were previously misdiagnosed?

Using information from a vast database, authors examined whether patients using dupilumab showed an increased incidence of CTCL compared to those who did not. Findings suggest that users of the drug have a four-fold increased risk of CTCL.  

While uncertainties remain on whether Dupilumab triggers lymphomas, causes benign lymphoid reactions, or accelerates existing CTCL, this episode underscores the drug's potential risks and the importance of careful diagnostics before prescribing it.

As we continue to gather data and debate the varying viewpoints, we invite you to join us in disentangling the complex relationship between Dupilumab and CTCL.  Stay tuned for our next episode, where we explore drug-induced alopecia areata and the potential triggering effects of new monoclonal antibodies.

donovanmedical Edited• Season 7 of the Evidence Based Hair Podcast has started. This week I review several fascinating studies: The podcast can be accessed wherever you listen to your podcasts or via the DonovanMedical youtube channel.

REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE Hasan I et al. Dupilumab therapy for atopic dermatitis is associated with increased risk of cutaneous T cell lymphoma: a retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 Apr 6:S0190-9622(24)00566-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2024.03.039. Online ahead of print.

Jfri A et al. Diagnosis of mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome after dupilumab use: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2023 May;88(5):1164-1166. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.001. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Espinosa ML et al. Progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after dupilumab: Case review of 7 patients. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2020 Jul;83(1):197-199. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.03.050. Epub 2020 Mar 27.