Efficacy of monochromatic excimer laser radiation (308 nm) in the treatment of early stage mycosis fungoides.
BACKGROUND
Various reports have recently shown the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy at 311 nm in the treatment of early stage mycosis fungoides (MF).


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness and tolerability of monochromatic excimer light (MEL) at 308 nm as a first treatment for early stage MF (stage IA).


METHODS
Ten lesions from five patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of MF were treated with repeated applications of MEL until complete remission was achieved or up to a maximum of 10 applications, with a cumulative dose of 308 nm UVB of between 6 and 12 J cm(-2). All patients were observed every 2 weeks for 2 months, with a 1-year follow-up. Results At present, all patients are in complete remission, with no side-effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these results, MEL can be considered a useful tool in the treatment of early stage MF.
Nisticò
S
S
Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Costanzo
A
A
Saraceno
R
R
Chimenti
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome