Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma invading central nervous system in long-term clinical remission with lenalidomide: A case report

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) involvement in the central nervous system (CNS) is particularly rare. SPTCL with CNS involvement has an exceedingly poor prognosis, and no optimum therapeutic method has been discovered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SPTCL invading the CNS achieving long-term remission with lenalidomide maintenance therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old man diagnosed with SPTCL was admitted to the hospital with severe headache for 15 d after four cycles of chemotherapy. Subsequent to the treatment, the patient developed CNS involvement. Craniotomy biopsy was pathologically diagnosed as CNS T-cell lymphoma, and two courses of chemotherapy were performed postoperatively. Due to the intolerance of the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, the patient received lenalidomide instead. The magnetic resonance imaging of the head at the 8 mo follow-up indicated no signs of recurrence, and the vital signs were stable. CONCLUSION: Lenalidomide deserves further investigation as a targeted drug for SPTCL cases involving the CNS.