A 10-year experience with topical mechlorethamine for mycosis fungoides: comparison with patients treated by total-skin electron-beam radiation therapy.
A group of 243 patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) received treatment with topical applications of dilute aqueous solutions of mechlorethamine and/or systemic chemotherapy over the past 10 years. The likelihood of a complete and relapse-free remission and survival was found to correlate inversely to the magnitude of disease as denoted by a simple staging system. Although disease-free intervals of greater than 3 years have occurred thus far in 32 (13%) patients, the permanency of these remissions and the curability of disease remain uncertain because of the variability of disease progression characteristic of MF. Comparison of treatment results with those published on a large group of patients treated with total-skin electron-beam radiation therapy indicates that the chemotherapeutic approach to the treatment of MF is equally effective in promoting survival.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000628:therapy*; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
D008466:Mechlorethamine