Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatment using bexarotene and PUVA: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Mycosis fungoides, the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, often presents as chronic eczematous or psoriasiform patches and plaques that can be resistant to a variety of single-agent treatment modalities, necessitating combination therapy.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with bexarotene and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) in treating patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that recurred following monotherapy with multiple agents, including electron-beam irradiation, interferon, PUVA, and topical steroids. This was done by retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review analysis of eight patients with CTCL ranging from stage Ia to IIb who failed multiple single-agent treatment regimens treated with low-dose oral bexarotene and PUVA combination therapy.


RESULTS
We noted an initial response in all eight patients and complete remission in five of the patients treated, with pruritus being the most common adverse event.


CONCLUSIONS
In view of its good safety profile, combination therapy with bexarotene and PUVA may be considered for patients with treatment resistant CTCL refractory to monotherapy.
Singh
Fiza
F
Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Lebwohl
Mark G
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077610:Bexarotene; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D000077610:Bexarotene