Granulomatous mycosis fungoides responsive to gemcitabine

We report a 61-year-old woman with a 1-year-history of widespread erythematous scaly patches and plaques as well as red/purplish to brownish confluent plaques. Ulcerated lesions with a purulent, hemorrhagic exudate and sharp elevated borders were located on the lower extremities. Diagnosis of granulomatous mycosis fungoides was supported by histopathologic findings showing an inflammatory reaction with epithelioid and large giant cells associated with features characteristic of mycosis fungoides. Immunohistochemical studies showed a T-helper phenotype of neoplastic cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD45RO+) with expression of the cytotoxic protein TIA-1. Molecular analysis of TCRgamma gene demonstrated a monoclonal rearrangement in the lesional skin. After failure of conventional therapies, 6 cycles of gemcitabine treatment produced partial remission of cutaneous lesions and stable disease throughout a 12-month follow-up period, suggesting that gemcitabine is a promising chemotherapeutic agent for refractory mycosis fungoides.