What is the Connection Between Ultraviolet Rays and BPDCN?

It is estimated that there will be 500 to 1,000 new cases of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in the United States each year. The average age at diagnosis for BPDCN is between 60 and 70 years old. 

Little is understood about the way that BPDCN develops, which can make timely diagnosis and treatment difficult. A recent study points to a connection between ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure and genetic changes associated with BPDCN.

The role of genetic changes in BPDCN

Research on genetic mutations helps to expand our understanding of this rare condition. Gene changes can be inherited or develop over time. When genes are damaged and not working properly, it can increase the risk of the development and growth of cancer cells.  

Read more about gene mutations and cancer risk.

There are multiple genetic changes associated with BPDCN. Changes to the TET2 gene are the most common mutation.

In a 2023 study, scientists collected bone marrow and skin samples from 16 people with BPDCN. They found that even when tests on bone marrow looked normal, some cells already carried early genetic mutations. This condition is called clonal hematopoiesis (CH). CH happens when bone marrow cells have mutations but still function normally.  

CH is more common as people age. It increases the risk of developing blood cancers like BPDCN. Recognizing CH may help doctors identify who could be at a higher risk. 

The impact of UV rays on BPDCN cells

UV rays from the sun or other light sources can cause damage to cells. Most often, we think of damage to UV rays causing skin cancers over time, like basal cell carcinoma or melanoma. But new research has found that it may cause other types of genetic mutations.  

Research found that exposure to UV rays is associated with TET2 gene mutations and skin lesions. When the skin lesions of people with BPDCN were evaluated, researchers found UV-related mutations. This helps to explain why skin lesions are often the first noticeable sign of BPDCN and may guide future monitoring or treatment strategies.

Why this research matters for people with BPDCN

Research is ongoing to learn more about BPDCN because understanding how it develops can help doctors find new ways to treat it. Knowing the common genetic changes, such as TET2, may help researchers design therapies that target these mutations. Over time, this could mean more precise and effective treatments for people with BPDCN. 

By participating in real-world data collection, individuals help researchers uncover patterns that may speed up progress in understanding rare cancers like BPDCN.  

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Sources:

• Ultraviolet radiation shapes dendritic cell leukaemia transformation in the skin 
• Study Uncovers Role of Ultraviolet Radiation in Development of Rare Leukemia in the Skin 
• Clonal Hematopoiesis 
• Genetic characteristics of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: A single institution experience 
• Gene Changes and Cancer  
• Organ involvement in adults with BPDCN is associated with sun exposure history, TET2 and RAS mutations, and survival