Lymphomatoid papulosis: remission following intravenously administered acyclovir

In a 54-year-old male patient suffering from Hodgkin's disease, lymphomatoid papulosis occurred. Complete clearing of the skin lesions was observed immediately after intravenously administered acyclovir. The patient had numerous relapses of his skin eruption with complete responses after each course of intravenously applied acyclovir. This striking therapeutic effect parallels reports of regression of mycosis fungoides and chronic generalized lymphadenopathy after acyclovir application. The mode of action of acyclovir in these disorders is not known. They all are characterized by involvement of the T cell system, and in all these diseases, a virus etiology has been proved or is suggested. Thus, a specific effect of acyclovir on T lymphocytes or selectively on helper T cells is discussed. Alternatively, the virustatic effect of acyclovir could be responsible for the therapeutic success.