About

Ellen J. Kim, MD, is a Professor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and an Attending Physician at the Abramson Cancer Center. She serves as the Director of the Penn Cutaneous Lymphoma Program and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations in the Department of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her clinical expertise focuses on cutaneous lymphomas, including T-cell and B-cell lymphomas, lymphoproliferative disorders, and graft-versus-host disease, with a particular emphasis on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Her research involves clinical trials related to these conditions, and she has contributed to the development of consensus guidelines for the management and treatment of cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. Dr. Kim's work also includes investigating the transcriptional regulation of malignant T-cell markers and the health-related quality of life of patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

Research topics

• Virology
• Cell biology
• Dermatology
• Surgery
• Internal medicine
• Computational biology
• Pathology
• Biology
• Medicine
• Genetics

Selected publications

• Protocol for a mixed-methods modified Delphi study for the development of a core domain set to assess the health-related quality of life of patients with mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome in clinical trials

  BMJ Open · 2026-02-01

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that primarily affects the skin and can mimic inflammatory dermatoses. Unlike many skin diseases, CTCL can lead to disabling symptoms, and advanced CTCL can even be fatal. Early studies investigating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), common subtypes of CTCL, demonstrated significant impairment across numerous domains. The aim of this current study is to develop a core domain set (CDS) to identify the essential aspects of MF/SS that influence HRQOL that should be measured in therapeutic clinical trials. In the future, this set of core concepts will be used to identify the best patient- reported outcome measure(s) (PROM) for HRQOL for MF/SS clinical research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Multiple strategies will be used to generate candidate concepts: systematic review of the literature, qualitative study and a survey study of healthcare providers. A Delphi consensus process including a comprehensive group of stakeholders (patients, caregivers/care partners, a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical industry representatives, methodologists and government agencies) will be used to achieve consensus. Statistical corrections for multiple significance testing and false positive findings will be undertaken. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was submitted for and received institutional review board approval at the University of Washington (IRB# STUDY00018890 and STUDY00019407). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants where necessary. We will disseminate our findings through peer-reviewed, open access publications and presentations at national/international conferences. We will provide a plain language summary in lay terms for patients and families to patient advocacy groups for distribution to their network. REGISTRATION DETAILS: The protocol is registered in the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database.

  PublisherDOI

• Mycosis fungoides unmasked during lebrikizumab treatment

  JAAD Case Reports · 2026-01-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium and International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas consensus recommendations for management and treatment of cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders

  Universität Zürich, ZORA · 2025-11-18

  articleOpen access

  In recent classifications several cutaneous lymphomas were reclassified as lymphoproliferative disorder (LPDs). These include primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell LPD (PCSM-TCLPD), primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T-cell LPD (acral CD8+ TCLPD) and primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma/LPD (PCMZL/LPD). The latter is still classified as primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification. A survey was previously carried out among 30 cutaneous lymphoma centres on the effects of this new terminology on clinical management. The results revealed considerable heterogeneity and emphasized the need to develop uniform recommendations for management and treatment of these disorders. Our objective was to develop consensus recommendations for staging, treatment and follow-up in PCSM-TCLPD, acral CD8+ TCLPD and PCMZL/LPD. Two surveys with questions regarding staging, treatment and follow-up of cutaneous LPDs were distributed among 30 cutaneous lymphoma expert centres collaborating within the EORTC-CLTG, USCLC and ISCL. Consensus recommendations were formulated based on these surveys, an extensive literature search, two rounds of feedback and a final consensus meeting. Important changes compared with current practice and literature are as follows. (i) Staging examinations, other than thorough clinical examination of skin and peripheral lymph nodes, are not required in typical cases of PCSM-TCLPD and acral CD8+ TCLPD. (ii) Low-dose radiotherapy (4-8 Gy) can be used rather than dose ≥ 20 Gy for PCSM-TCLPD and acral CD8+ TCLPD, and 4 Gy can be used for PCMZL/LPD. The dose can be escalated to 20-24 Gy in the case of local failure. (iii) Intralesional corticosteroids are also recommended as initial treatment in all three LPDs. (iv) A limited follow-up period (2 years) is acceptable in PCSM-TCLPD and acral CD8+ TCLPD LPD. These EORTC/USCLC/ISCL consensus recommendations reflect the state-of-the-art management and treatment as agreed upon by major cutaneous lymphoma centres. They may contribute to uniform staging, treatment and follow-up policy in patients with cutaneous LPDs. Cutaneous malignant lymphoma is a type of skin cancer. Three subtypes of this cancer have a benign clinical behaviour and respond well to treatment. Thus, they were recently reclassified as ‘cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder’ (LPD). These new names are important as they reflect that these cancers are not malignant. The changes also prompted experts to update the guidance for their treatment. This study presents the new guidelines for LPDs. The study group included 30 centres from Europe and North and South America. They also collaborated with international lymphoma societies. The panel carried out surveys, a literature review and consensus meetings. The guidelines recommend several important changes. Thorough clinical examination is usually the only procedure required. Yet when needed, many treatment options are available. These include surgery, radiotherapy and corticosteroids. Watchful waiting is also suggested, with only symptomatic lesions treated. Follow-up is only required for 2 years, with checkups every 6 months. These recommendations will improve management and treatment in patients with cutaneous LPDs.

  PublisherDOI

• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Yin-Yang Effects of Transcription Factors HLF and NFIL3 in Regulation of Malignant T-Cell Markers in the Context of HDAC Inhibitor Romidepsin Treatment

  Cancers · 2025-07-17

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We examined the in vivo effects of successive treatments with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor romidepsin in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), using changes in gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS: Exploiting data from a highly responsive CTCL patient through 12 months of treatment, we identified a malignant cell predictor (MCP), a gene signature associated with the diminishing numbers of circulating malignant cells. RESULTS: The MCP was successfully validated in the patient's relapse sample 9 months after treatment was terminated and via an independent set of CTCL patient samples. CONCLUSIONS: The MCP set of genes contained novel CTCL markers, including membrane-associated proteins not normally expressed in lymphocytes. A subclass of those markers was also detectable in residual malignant cells undetected by flow cytometry in remission samples from a patient who relapsed 10 months later. We identified a subset of transcriptional regulators, miRNAs and methylation patterns associated with the effect of progressive treatments revealing potential mechanisms of transcriptional dysregulation and functional effects in the malignant cells. We demonstrate a role for transcriptional activator HLF, over-expressed in malignant cells, and downregulated transcriptional-suppressor and immune-modulator NFIL3, as regulators of CTCL-specific genes.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract B040: Self-sampling for HPV DNA testing increases participation in cervical cancer screening among Asian American women

  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2025-09-18

  article

  Abstract Background: Clinic-based Pap and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has led to significant reductions in cervical cancer; however, screening rates are suboptimal among Asian American women. Low participation in clinic-based cervical cancer screening is due in part to psychosocial (e.g., embarrassment) and access factors (e.g., lack of transportation, limited English proficiency), which have been difficult to address with traditional screening interventions. Self-collection of a vaginal sample for HPV testing may offer a viable approach for overcoming these challenges. In a large-scale randomized trial, we examined the effects of a community-engaged intervention on facilitating uptake of self-collected cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA testing. Methods: In this randomized controlled study, we enrolled 1,140 Asian American women (ages 30-65 years) who were not up to date with recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines. Participants were randomized to receive either a community educational workshop on cervical cancer including referrals to sites with free or low-cost Pap test screening (control condition, n=588), or the same workshop plus an HPV self-sampling kit (intervention condition, n=552). The kit included an FDA-approved device (brush) for the self-collection of cervicovaginal samples, along with detailed instructions on how to collect a sample and return it to study staff. All materials were available in English, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese languages. Results: Participants were on average 52.5 years of age (SD=9.2 years) and predominantly foreign-born (99.8%). More than 55% of study participants had a high school education or less, and 47% had never had a Pap test. At 6-months post-workshop, we assessed the proportion of participants who completed cervical cancer screening (either received a Pap test or returned a sample for HPV testing). The majority of participants in the intervention condition (87%) returned a self-collected sample for HPV testing, whereas only 30% of participants in the control condition obtained a clinic-based Pap or HPV test. Among women who completed HPV self-sampling, nearly 10% tested positive for high-risk HPV (hrHPV), with an additional 5% testing positive for low- or intermediate-risk HPV strains. All women who tested positive for hrHPV received navigation assistance to follow up care. Conclusion: Although some clinic-based cancer screening interventions can successfully reach underscreened women, various factors such as limited clinic hours, inconvenient locations, and transportation challenges continue to hinder access and screening uptake for many women. This study demonstrates that self-sampling for HPV testing can be a successful strategy for enhancing participation in cervical cancer screening among Asian American women and offers a pragmatic approach for increasing scalability across all populations living in under-resourced communities and regions. Citation Format: Carolyn Y. Fang, Phuong T. Do, Wenyue Lu, Ellen J. Kim, Xiaofang Zhou, Brian L. Egleston, Minzi Li, Yuku Chen, Lin zhu, Yin Tan, MinQi Wang, Sara Kim, Jae Chung, Grace X. Ma. Self-sampling for HPV DNA testing increases participation in cervical cancer screening among Asian American women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B040.

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• Lacutamab in patients with relapsed and refractory Sézary syndrome: Long term follow-up from the TELLOMAK phase 2 trial.

  Journal of Clinical Oncology · 2025-05-28 · 3 citations

  article

  2522 Background: Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which commonly expresses KIR3DL2, a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor, reported in ≥ 85% of patients. SS is characterized by erythroderma, significant blood involvement, lymphadenopathy and poor prognosis (10-20% 5-year survival). Lacutamab is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody designed to specifically deplete KIR3DL2-expressing cells via antibody-dependent cell-cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. Methods: TELLOMAK is an international, Phase 2 trial with multiple cohorts (NCT03902184). We report here long term follow-up results from Cohort 1, evaluating lacutamab in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) SS after at least 2 prior systemic therapies including mogamulizumab. Lacutamab 750 mg is administered until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was Objective Response Rate (ORR) based on the evaluation of 4 compartments: skin, blood, lymph nodes and viscera according to the International Consensus criteria Olsen 2011. Secondary endpoints included but were not limited to duration of response (DOR), progression free survival (PFS), safety, and quality of life assessments. Results: As of October 17, 2024, recruitment was completed with 63 SS patients enrolled. Median age was 69 years (range: 42-86), the median prior lines of systemic therapies were 5.0 (range: 2-13), 65.1% and 34.9 % patients had stage IVA1 and stage IVA2 at baseline respectively, all patients had blood involvement (B2), 63.5% had confluence of erythema covering ≥ 80% body surface area (T4), 34.9% had lymph node lymphoma involvement (N3). Median follow-up was 25.1 months (95% CI 21.0-29.4). Global confirmed ORR was 42.9% (CI 31.4-55.1) including 6 (9.5%) CRs who are all still in CR; with a median time to response of 2.8 months (range 1-10) and a median duration of response of 25.6 months (CI 11.0, NE). According to each compartment, ORR in skin was 52.4% (CI 40.3-64.2) including 9 (14.3%) CRs, ORR in blood was 50.8% (CI 38.8-62.7) including 21 (33.3) CRs, and ORR in lymph nodes was 28.8% (CI 18.3-42.3) including 9 (17.3) CRs. Median PFS was 8.3 months (CI 5.1-18.7). Grade ≥ 3 related Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) were observed in 20.6% patients. Serious related TEAEs were observed in 9.5% patients and related TEAEs leading to study drug discontinuation in 6.3% patients. Data from additional key endpoints will be presented. Conclusions: The long term follow-up data from TELLOMAK study in a R/R SS population previously treated with 2 or more prior systemic therapies including mogamulizumab, confirm that lacutamab shows promising clinical activity with ORR 42.9% (95% CI 31.4-55.1) and median duration of response of 25.6 months (11.0, NE) and an overall favourable safety profile. These data support the further development of lacutamab in an effort to bring improved treatments to patients with SS. Clinical trial information: NCT03902184 // EU CT number: 2023-507777-18-00.

  PublisherDOI

• Defining Core Concepts for Health‐Related Quality of Life for Patients With Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review

  JEADV Clinical Practice · 2025-05-05 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Background There is no consensus on how best to assess the impact of living with mycosis fungoides (MF)/Sézary syndrome (SS) on a patient's quality of life. Objectives To identify all potential concepts that describe disease severity or contribute to health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) from patients with MF/SS and their care partners. Methods A systemic literature review of articles and meeting abstracts published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted. Inclusion criteria were any study that included MF/SS patients or care partners and reported any concept that patients or care partners could use to characterize any aspect of MF/SS. Thematic analysis was completed using NVIVO. Results One hundred and three articles/abstracts met inclusion criteria. Within these studies, 30 existing instruments were utilized. Concepts within these existing instruments fell into the following health component categories: Physical‐functional well‐being (PF; 50.4%), mental health/emotional well‐being (MHE; 26.6%), social well‐being (S; 18.3%) or other (O; 4.7%). The most frequently measured concepts by existing instruments were physical mobility (7.5%), itching (7.2%), pain (7.0%) and fatigue (5.2%). One study conducted content validity analysis for an included instrument. Distinct concepts were identified from qualitative studies and novel instruments, and included hair loss, nail changes, cracking/fissuring of the skin, inability to regulate temperature, difficulty with wound dressings, skin infection, skin oozing/weeping/bleeding, pigmentary changes, treatment burden and treatment satisfaction, and care partners' specific concepts. One study conducted content validity analysis for an included instrument. Conclusions Numerous PROMs have been used to assess HRQOL for patients with MF/SS, with very little content validity analysis. Several concepts identified from qualitative studies and newly developed or piloted instruments are not represented in existing PROMs. Future efforts will include prioritizing candidate core concepts by stakeholders to develop a core domain set that captures the most relevant aspects of MF/SS that impact HRQOL.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Medicare coverage of home phototherapy units for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma versus psoriasis

  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2025-10-17

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Black patients with Mycosis fungoides and Sézary Syndrome experience worse health-related quality of life: A cross-sectional study

  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2025-01-09

  article
  PublisherDOI

• 4.39 Identifying Risk Factors for Weight Gain in Pediatric Patients With ASD on Antipsychotics

  Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry · 2024-10-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Alain H. Rook

  University of Pennsylvania

  86 shared

• Carmela C. Vittorio

  Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

  58 shared

• Paul Haun

  University of Pennsylvania

  30 shared

• Neha Jariwala

  Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

  26 shared

• Christina Del Guzzo

  Cornell University

  26 shared

• Bobak Pousti

  University of California, San Diego

  25 shared

• Kevin T. Savage

  University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

  25 shared

• Nicholas Mollanazar

  University of Pennsylvania

  25 shared

Education

• B.A., East Asian Languages and Civilizations

  Harvard University

  1991