title: Phototherapy for hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in Asians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon variant of MF. It is rare in Caucasians but more common in young skin-of-color individuals. To date, there are only a few reports on UV-based treatment for this condition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the efficacy of PUVA photochemotherapy and narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy for hypopigmented MF.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study of nine patients who received PUVA or NBUVB was performed. The clinical response, total number of treatments, cumulative UV doses, disease-free interval and adverse effects were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight patients had stage IA and one patient had stage IB. Six patients received NBUVB and three patients received PUVA. Three patients (50%) in the NBUVB group and three patients (100%) in the PUVA group had complete response (CR). Total UV dose to get maximal clinical response ranged from 27.1-59.6 J/cm(2) in the NBUVB group and 244-669.1 J/cm(2) in the PUVA group. In six patients who had CR, recurrence was found in four (66.7%), and the disease-free interval ranged from 2 months to 6 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PUVA and NBUVB are effective for hypopigmented MF. Comparing between these two methods, PUVA provided a better response than NBUVB. Although the disease responded well to phototherapy, relapse was common.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. ctuchinda@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Chanisada
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wongpraparut
authors.forename: Piyaroj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Setabutra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D011701:PUVA Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays