Retinoids in cutaneous T cell lymphomas

Sixteen patients - 12 with cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), 1 with Sézary syndrome, 1 with actinic reticuloid, and 2 with parapsoriasis variegata - were treated with either a new, potent arotinoid alone or with combined etretinate (Tigason) and PUVA therapy (Re-PUVA). 92% of all patients showed a minor up to a distinct response of their skin lesions within 12.6 +/- 7.4 weeks. More than 50% of the skin lesions cleared in 67% of the patients. After discontinuation of the retinoid therapy, relapses occurred in all cases within 3-10 weeks. There was no difference between the therapeutic efficacy of arotinoid alone and the Re-PUVA regimen, but the latter was less toxic.