Sézary syndrome is a rare and aggressive form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that originates in the white blood cells known as T-cells and primarily affects your skin. These cancerous cells circulate through your skin, bloodstream, and lymph nodes, which means their effects extend well beyond the surface of your body. If you or a loved one has received this diagnosis and previously took the medication Dupixent, you may have grounds for legal action.
The Signs and Symptoms of Sézary Syndrome
The hallmark symptom of Sézary syndrome is a widespread red rash known as erythroderma. This rash is itchy, painful, and tends to peel and spread rapidly. If you have a darker skin tone, the affected areas may appear gray, purple, or brown rather than red.
As the disease advances, you may notice small bumps, along with areas of skin that feel thicker or harder than the surrounding tissue. Eventually, tumors may develop on the skin.
Other signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Hair loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Persistent fever and fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- An enlarged liver
- Swelling in your lower legs
- Ectropion, a condition where the eyelids turn outward
- Sensitivity to cold, even at normal room temperatures
The Prognosis and Long-Term Impact of Sézary Syndrome
There is currently no cure for Sézary syndrome. You will need treatment for the rest of your life and need to take extra precautions to protect your skin, such as limiting sun exposure. The five-year survival rate is approximately 24%, though researchers are hopeful that newer, more effective treatments will improve that figure over time.
Treatment plans vary depending on your symptoms and the stage of the cancer. Options may include radiation therapy; immunotherapy; chemotherapy applied topically or administered systemically; phototherapy, where your white blood cells are collected and exposed to ultraviolet light; targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibody treatment; and other drug therapies like corticosteroids or retinoid creams.
The Alleged Link Between Dupixent and Sézary Syndrome
Emerging research has raised concerns about a potential connection between the medication Dupixent and the development of CTCL, including Sézary syndrome. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that asthma patients taking Dupixent had a 79% higher risk of lymphoma overall, and a 4.5-fold increased risk of T-cell and natural killer cell lymphomas. A separate study in Dermatologic Therapy reported that most Dupixent patients who developed CTCL were diagnosed within the first year of use, with a higher risk observed in patients over the age of 60.
How to Pursue Legal Action If You’ve Developed Sézary Syndrome
If you have been diagnosed with Sézary syndrome after taking Dupixent, you may be eligible to pursue a lawsuit against the medication’s manufacturer. The first step is to gather your medical records, including documentation of your Dupixent prescription history and your CTCL diagnosis. You should also keep a record of how the condition has affected your daily life, your ability to work, and the treatments you have undergone.
Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can help you determine whether you qualify to file a claim and guide you through the legal process. If you believe Dupixent contributed to your Sézary syndrome diagnosis, contact us at (800) 220-0984 for a free, confidential consultation today.