Researchers at Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with UK institutions, have developed an innovative diagnostic tool aimed at improving the early detection of rare types of blood cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Specifically targeting mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), this simple yet effective memory aid is designed to help healthcare professionals recognize these challenging conditions more swiftly.
CTCL, particularly MF and SS, often presents with skin symptoms that can be mistaken for more common skin ailments like eczema or psoriasis. As a result, many patients endure lengthy delays—sometimes spanning several years—before receiving an accurate diagnosis. This prolonged uncertainty not only leads to inappropriate treatments but can also adversely affect patient outcomes. Researchers emphasized the importance of addressing this diagnostic gap, as misdiagnosis can result in patients receiving harmful treatments intended for benign skin conditions.
The collaborative research, which involved dermatologists from Tallaght University Hospital and various UK hospital trusts—including Birmingham, Royal Devon, Sheffield, and Salford Royal—was published in the British Journal of Dermatology. The team found that the incidence of MF/SS in Ireland is approximately 15–45 new cases annually, consistent with international rates. In Europe, the incidence is noted at 0.3-0.9 cases per 100,000 people per year, with SS being exceptionally rare at 0.1 per million.
To combat the issues associated with delayed diagnosis, the researchers drew inspiration from the “ABCDE” rule that has significantly improved melanoma awareness. They introduced the “A–F Think MF” rule, a memorable guideline designed to prompt healthcare providers to consider lymphoma earlier when faced with persistent rashes.
One critical finding from the study was the close resemblance of MF/SS symptoms to other skin diseases, often leading to standard treatments for eczema or psoriasis. This overlap underscores the necessity for a clear and practical memory aid like “A–F Think MF” to guide doctors towards considering lymphoma sooner, ultimately improving patient care.
Dr. Kevin Molloy, the lead author and a clinical medicine expert at Trinity College Dublin, stated, “This work addresses one of the biggest challenges in cutaneous lymphoma care—the long delay to diagnosis. By proposing a simple, memorable tool, we aim to change the way doctors think about persistent skin rashes and help improve the diagnostic delay, ensuring patients are considered for the right diagnosis earlier.”
The researchers believe that if widely adopted, the “A–F Think MF” rule could significantly enhance patient outcomes. Looking forward, they plan to implement education and awareness campaigns within dermatology networks, test the acronym’s effectiveness in clinical practice, and integrate it into medical teaching programs.
Dr. Molloy further expressed optimism about the potential impact of their work, comparing their efforts to the transformative effects of the ABCDE rule on melanoma awareness. “Our A–F ‘Think MF’ acronym has the potential to raise awareness and improve the care and quality of life for people living with this rare type of lymphoma,” he added.
As the research progresses, the hope is that this mnemonic tool will facilitate earlier recognition of MF and SS, ultimately leading to timely and appropriate treatment for those affected.
