What is the main difficulty in treating epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma?

The main difficulty in treating epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma is its poor response to chemotherapy. This type of lymphoma specifically affects the skin and has a characteristic tendency to be more resistant to conventional chemotherapy drugs. Various factors contribute to this resistance, including the biological behavior of T-cell lymphomas, which often exhibit higher levels of intrinsic resistance mechanisms compared to other types of tumors. Additionally, the multifocal nature and infiltration of these lymphomas in the skin can make it challenging for chemotherapeutic agents to effectively target and eliminate all affected cells.

In contrast, while rapid tumor growth, resistance to radiation therapy, and challenges in surgical removal can occur in different malignancies, they are not the primary concerns specifically associated with epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma. The key difficulty lies in managing its aggressive nature paired with a limited therapeutic response, thereby complicating treatment outcomes.