Two-Drug Topical Treatment Effective in Early Mycosis Fungoides

NEW YORK SEP 27, 2005 (Reuters Health) - The results of a study published in the September issue of the Archives of Dermatology suggest that a therapeutic regimen of twice-weekly applications of mechlorethamine and topical corticosteroids effectively treats early-stage mycosis fungoides.

Members of the French Study Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas examined the effects of twice-weekly application of mechlorethamine hydrochloride and betamethasone dipropionate cream in 63 patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides. During a 6-month period, the patients were treated with a 0.02% aqueous solution of mechlorethamine, followed by an application of betamethasone cream.

After a mean of 3.6 months, a complete response was achieved in 37 patients, Dr. Pascal Joly, of the University of Rouen and colleagues report.

Overall, 18 patients developed severe cutaneous reactions of intolerance, which included erythema, severe pruritus, burning sensation, and eczematous reaction.  These reactions occurred a mean of 3.4 months after starting treatment.  Treatment was discontinued in all of these patients.

Twenty complete responders maintained their response at a mean follow-up of 13.5 months, while 17 relapsed at a mean 7.7 months.

"A regimen of twice-weekly applications of mechlorethamine and betamethasone cream is an effective treatment for early-stage mycosis fungoides," the researchers conclude.

"The decreased frequency of applications provides an advantage to the patient by being easy to use with limited cutaneous adverse effects," they add.

SOURCE:

• Arch Dermatol 2005;141:1117-1120.