Abstract: Cutaneous T cell lymphoma is a group of heterogeneous non-Hodgkin lymphomas that represents malignancies of skin-homing T cells. Clinically majority are mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The low mitosis index and resistance to treatment with genotoxic agents suggest that defective apoptosis signaling plays a role in the pathogenesis of CTCL. In this report, the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of CTCL is reviewed mainly focusing on mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

Key words: cutaneous T cell lymphoma, apoptosis, pathogenesis, treatment