Because BPDCN can affect the bone marrow, blood, lymph nodes, and skin, your care involves a multidisciplinary team. From pathologists involved in diagnosis to oncologists and dermatologists who lead the treatment team, our experts use novel approaches
to the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with BPDCN. This team takes a patient-centered approach to your care, with your needs as the focus of all they do.
Evaluation and diagnosis
Techniques for diagnosing BPDCN include:
- Biopsy, performed by our dermatologists, interventional radiologists, or surgical oncologists
- Genetic analysis
- Radiology
- Laboratory testing
- Molecular testing using immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry
- Cytogenetics including chromosomal karyotype, flow cytometry to help differentiate BPDCN from other leukemias or lymphomas.
Often, patients have had biopsies elsewhere before coming to our Center. But whether performed here or elsewhere, our pathologists review all initial biopsies.
Dermatologists may also perform skin biopsies to establish the diagnosis, to see if the disease is affecting the skin, or to monitor response to treatment.
Personalized treatment plans
Treatment for BPDCN begins with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, sometimes followed by a stem cell transplant. Some patients participate in a clinical trial exploring new treatments for BPDCN, either as their first treatment or later in their treatment journey. Dana-Farber was one of the leaders of a recent clinical trial for BPDCN evaluating a targeted immunotoxin called tagraxofusp (also known as Elzonris or SL-401), a novel agent that targets the IL-3 receptor (CD123), which is present on the surface of tumor cells in all cases of BPDCN. This research led to tagraxofusp becoming the first approved drug specifically for BPDCN.
Our physician-researchers are exploring additional therapeutic approaches and more clinical trials may soon be available. Read more about our research on BPDCN.
Compassionate care and support
We understand that cancer affects patients and their families in many ways. So, in addition to providing highly personalized care and attention from our doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff, our Center offers a wide range of services, before, during,
and after treatment. Support programs and resources that help patients and families include:
- Financial planning
- Nutrition counseling
- Integrative therapies, including massage and acupuncture
- Support groups led by our social workers