Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Studies Link Dupixent to Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTLCL)
Patients who took Dupixent® (dupilumab), a drug commonly prescribed for eczema and asthma, may have an increased risk of a blood cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Dreyer Boyajian LLP is pursuing claims that the pharmaceutical manufacturers of Dupixent put profits over safety by failing to adequately warn doctors and patients of this risk. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with CTCL, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Take Action Now – It’s Free to Join
Time is limited to file your claim. Fill out the form today. You may be eligible for compensation.
What is CTCL?
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that affects your skin. CTCL is not a skin cancer but arises from mutations in T-cells (also known as T lymphocytes), which are a type of white blood cell that reside in the skin. T-cells are produced in bone marrow and form an integral part of the immune system that protects the body from infection. CTCL typically causes a rash on the skin, often appearing as patches, plaques, or tumors that can be mistaken for eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory dermatoses. CTCL accounts for only about 2-3 % of all NHL cases.
What is Dupixent (dupilumab)?
Dupixent® (generic: dupilumab) is a biologic drug called a monoclonal antibody that is manufactured by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Dupixent is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema), certain types of asthma, and other inflammatory disorders.
Dupixent is designed to block two proteins in the body’s immune system called interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 13 (IL-13) to reduce inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Dupixent is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously), typically by use of a pre-filled auto-injector pen.
Over 1 million patients are currently being treated with Dupixent, which generates over $11.5 billion in global sales.
Why the FDA Is Investigating Dupixent
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened a formal safety investigation into Dupixent based on reports suggesting a link between Dupixent and CTCL. Other serious side effects may include allergic reaction, eye problems, inflammation of blood vessels and joint aches and pain.
Recently, peer-reviewed studies and adverse event reports have raised serious concerns with Dupixent:
- 300+ Reported Cases: The FDA has received hundreds of adverse event reports of CTCL in Dupixent users.
- Delayed Diagnosis: Many patients were initially told their eczema was worsening, when it was actually cancer developing beneath the surface.
- Long-Term Use: CTCL often appears a year or more after starting Dupixent treatment.
Warning Signs Reported by Dupixent Patients Diagnosed with CTCL
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be an aggressive form of blood cancer that is often masked or mistaken for eczema, psoriasis or other skin disorders in its earliest stages, often appearing as red or pink patches, dry or flaky skin, or an itchy rash, making it difficult to diagnose. Many Dupixent patients who develop CTCL, however, report a consistent pattern of symptoms:
- Skin lesions (patches, plaques, bumps) that persist or worsen despite treatment.
- New onset lesions during or after starting dupilumab, which don’t respond like typical eczema.
- Initial improvement of eczema symptoms after dupilumab, followed by the emergence of new/unexplained skin changes.
- Long duration of therapy (≥ 1 year) before CTCL diagnosis in some reports.
Consult with Your Doctor If You Experience Skin Changes
Because CTCL can mimic benign skin conditions and diagnosis is often delayed, early recognition is critical. Studies suggest that younger patients (under 40) are experiencing increasing incidence than before.
- Get an evaluation by a dermatologist familiar with CTCL.
- Ask whether a skin biopsy (or repeat biopsy) might be needed if skin findings are atypical or don’t respond.
- Keep a timeline of when dupilumab was started, the skin condition history, and when changes emerged — this may be relevant medically or legally.
- Seek legal advice.
Legal Claims Being Pursued
- Negligent Failure to Warn: Allegation that manufacturers knew or should have known about the elevated risk of CTCL associated with Dupixent and failed to warn physicians and patients.
- Strict Product Liability: The burden is on the pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to show that their products are safe and not defective.
- Diagnostic Masking: Dupilumab improving skin appearance may delay recognition of CTCL, leading to more advanced disease at diagnosis.
- Biological Mechanism: The drug’s immune-modulating effect (IL-4/IL-13 blockade) may play a role in promoting malignant T-cell clones.
Who May Qualify for a Dupixent Lawsuit?
It’s important to consult with a law firm experienced in handling dangerous drug and pharmaceutical product liability cases to maximize your claim or settlement. You may be eligible to recover compensation if:
- You used Dupixent
- You were later diagnosed with CTCL (including Mycosis Fungoides, Sézary Syndrome) or a related skin-T-cell lymphoma.
- Even if the diagnosis occurred some time ago, you may still pursue a claim (depending on the statute of limitations).
Why Join the Lawsuit?
- Hold Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals accountable for failing to warn consumers.
- Get compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
- Protect others from experiencing similar harm.
Take Action Now – It’s Free to Join
Time is limited to file your claim. Fill out the form today. You may be eligible for compensation.
Up-to-Date Statistics (2025) & Resources
- The ACS “Cancer Facts & Figures 2025” estimates for lymphomas: ~89,070 new lymphoma cases in the U.S. in 2025 and ~20,540 deaths.
- For skin lymphomas specifically: According to ACS (May 19 2025 revision) — “Skin lymphomas account for only about 4% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas.”
- Incidence of CTCL (from SEER 2000–2018): 8.55 per million, with rising trends (APC ~0.61%). JAMA
- Mortality risk: Patients with CTCL have elevated SMRs (e.g., ~1.57 for Mycosis Fungoides, ~5.61 for Sézary Syndrome) compared with matched controls. PubMed
- On the dupilumab-CTCL association: Recent 2025 review articles and pharmacovigilance data indicate an association (though causation is not firmly established). Springer
CTCL Incidence & Mortality
There are many types of CTCL, with Mycosis Fungoides being the most common (usually slow-growing) and often producing red, scaly patches on the skin. A less common type of CTCL is Sézary Syndrome (usually progresses more rapidly), which involves both the skin and the blood and causes a red, itchy rash all over the body.
- According to data collected via the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) covering 2000–2018: 14,942 new CTCL cases, with an overall age-adjusted incidence rate of 8.55 per million people (≈ 0.00855 %) and an annual percent change (APC) of 0.61 % (i.e., slight increase). JAMA Oncology
- In 2025 the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for all skin-lymphomas (a broader category) that skin lymphomas account for ~4% of all NHLs. American Cancer Society
- From a 2025 population‐level mortality analysis: Patients with CTCL had significantly elevated all-cause mortality vs age-matched controls (e.g., standardized mortality ratio (SMR) ~1.57 in Mycosis Fungoides to ~5.61 in Sézary Syndrome). Pubmed
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