BPDCN: Aggressive,
elusive, and
urgent to treat

A rare hematologic cancer that requires urgency and precision

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare, aggressive cancer that can be challenging to recognize due to heterogeneous clinical features and overlapping features with other hematologic cancers.2,3

BPDCN diagnostic features

Molecular presentation

BPDCN is characterized by overexpression of CD123, the IL-3Rα surface protein, on BPDCN cells.4,5

Classic triad marker

CD123+, CD4+, and CD56+ are typical immunohistochemical features of BPDCN that guide diagnosis. CD123 must be present for a confirmed BPDCN diagnosis.5,6 

CD123 overexpression makes it a key therapeutic target for BPDCN5

Clinical presentation

BPDCN is commonly characterized by involvement of the skin, bone marrow, lymph nodes, blood, spleen, and CNS.2,4,6

Skin lesions

Approximately 90% of cases present with skin lesions varying in size, shape, color, and distribution. They can appear as rashes, bruise-like macules, plaques, or nodules.2,5

Examples of BPDCN skin involvement

Examples of BPDCN skin
involvement
before treatment7‑10

BPDCN=blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm; CNS=central nervous system; IL-3Rα=interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain

Head and neck: scalp, face, upper neck;Upper torso: chest, shoulders, back;Arms and hands: especially forearms;Lower torso and thighs: abdomen, upper legs; Multiple sights: patients often present with lesions in more than one area

Common locations of
BPDCN lesions4,6,11

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