Psoralen plus UV-A ( PUVA ) monotherapy is an effective therapy for mycosis fungoides.

Researchers from Northwestern University in Chicago evaluated long-term outcomes, impact of maintenance therapy and potential curability of patients with mycosis fungoides treated with psoralen plus UV-A ( PUVA ) monotherapy.

Retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 66 patients with mycosis fungoides at clinical stages from IA to IIA, who achieved complete remission after PUVA monotherapy between 1979 and 1995.

Half of patients ( n = 33 ) maintained complete remission for 84 months and the other half experienced relapse with a median disease-free period of 39 months.

PUVA induces remissions in patients with mycosis fungoides and, in some cases, “cures” disease.

Long-term survival is not affected by relapse status.

Mycosis fungoides is the most common of the cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
Its cause is unknown.
Mycosis fungoides can occur at any age but it is most common in the 40-60 year old age group.
Mycosis fungoides progresses in stages, which are defined by the skin symptoms.

Source: Archives of Dermatology, 2005


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