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Radiotherapy for unilesional mycosis fungoides
B Micaily1, C Miyamoto, G Kantor
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny University Hospitals, Hahnemann, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Local radiotherapy offers a potential cure for unilesional mycosis fungoides, a rare skin cancer. This treatment leads to long-term disease-free intervals with no significant side effects observed in patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mycosis fungoides is a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- Unilesional mycosis fungoides represents an early stage of the disease.
- Previous treatments like topical steroids and chemotherapy showed limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the treatment outcomes and natural history of unilesional mycosis fungoides.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a prospective radiotherapy protocol for this condition.
Main Methods:
- 18 patients with unilesional mycosis fungoides received local electron field radiotherapy.
- Doses ranged from 22 Gy to 40 Gy, with daily fractions of 1.8–2.0 Gy.
- Patients had prior treatments including topical steroids, antifungals, mechlorethamine (HN2), or carmustine (BCNU).
Main Results:
- Achieved a 100% complete response rate, with lesions clearing within 4–8 weeks post-radiation.
- Median follow-up was 43 months; only 2 relapses occurred, both skin-confined and responsive to topical HN2.
- No recurrences in the irradiated field, no systemic dissemination, and no long-term side effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Unilesional mycosis fungoides has a favorable prognosis with local radiotherapy, suggesting potential for cure.
- Local radiotherapy provides long-term disease-free intervals for unilesional mycosis fungoides.
- Total skin electron beam radiotherapy is not recommended for this specific condition.