Mycosis Fungoides in Puerto Rico: A 15-year Follow-up Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Understanding the demographics and disease course of MF is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the patient population with mycosis fungoides (MF) in Puerto Rico.
• To detail demographics, disease course, and management strategies for MF in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 53 MF patients from 1999-2016.
• Data collected included demographics, diagnosis stage, follow-up duration, and treatments received.

Main Results:

• Mean follow-up was 89 months; 45% of patients were male.
• Most patients diagnosed at early stages (1A/1B); 74% remained stable during follow-up.
• Treatments included phototherapy, topical steroids, retinoids, chemotherapy, and interferon.

Conclusions:

• Mycosis fungoides typically follows a chronic, indolent course with a good prognosis when diagnosed early.
• This study contributes to characterizing MF in the Puerto Rican population.