title: The treatment of mycosis fungoides: adjuvant topical mechlorethamine after electron beam therapy.
abstract: The feasibility of employing adjuvant topical mechlorethamine after electron beam therapy in the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides is demonstrated. Patients treated with a planned adjuvant topical mechlorethamine schedule had a median disease-free interval of 25 months compared to 17 months for the group treated with electron beam therapy alone. Projected relapse-free survivals are slightly better in the adjuvant group--37% versus 29%. Patients receiving adjuvant topical mechlorethamine after the electron beam were observed to have a low incidence of contact allergy to the medication. The topical medication can be continued if a contact allergy develops by using a planned desensitization program. We currently treat all mycosis fungoides patients with electron beam therapy, randomizing half to receive adjuvant topical mechlorethamine.
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000628:therapy*; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008466:Mechlorethamine