Bexarotene is a new treatment option for lymphomatoid papulosis.
BACKGROUND
Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a clonal T cell proliferation with large cell histology, a chronic course, and an increased risk of lymphoma. Bexarotene (Targretin) is an RXR-selective retinoid (rexinoid) approved for the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T cell lymphoma.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether bexarotene is effective in treating LyP.


METHODS
Ten patients with chronic and symptomatic LyP were prospectively treated with oral (n = 3) or topical gel (n = 7) formulations of bexarotene.


RESULTS
A favorable response to bexarotene treatment with decreased numbers or duration of lesions was seen in all with objective responses in 8 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Bexarotene may be an effective palliative treatment for LyP, warranting further controlled studies.
Krathen
Richard A
RA
Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Tex 77030-3597, USA.
Ward
Staci
S
Duvic
Madeleine
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000077610:Bexarotene; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017731:Lymphomatoid Papulosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D000077610:Bexarotene