Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SCPTCL) is a rare cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The optimal treatment of this disease is undefined. A 36-year-old woman presented with swinging pyrexia, weight loss and disseminated SCPTCL involving her limbs and trunk. Typical histological features of panniculitic infiltration with rimming of fat cells and sparing of the dermis and epidermis were seen. Immunophenotyping confirmed a CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell phenotype. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone (FND), and has remained in remission 15 months after cessation of treatment. FND may be an effective regimen for aggressive SCPTCL.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare lymphoma. The optimal therapy for SPTCL is undefined and the results of treatment with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy for aggressive cases have remained poor. A 27-year-old woman with multifocal and aggressive CD8+ SPTCL was treated with the purine analog fludarabine in combination with mitoxantrone and dexamethasone (FND). The patient achieved complete remission after one course of treatment. After completion of six courses of FND, the patient has remained in remission for more than 3 years. FND may be an effective treatment for aggressive SPTCL.