title: Optimizing Care and Compliance for the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma With Mechlorethamine Gel.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (MF-CTCL). Quality nursing care is necessary for effective diagnosis and treatment of patients with MF-CTCL. Early-stage MF-CTCL (stages Ia and Ib) is most often managed in both dermatology and multidisciplinary settings. These stages can be effectively controlled by skin-directed therapies such as mechlorethamine gel (Valchlor®). Topical mechlorethamine has been used since the 1940s as an alkylating agent; however, compounded formulas have disadvantages that limit patient compliance. In contrast, newly approved mechlorethamine gel has demonstrated an efficacious and well-tolerated profile that has longer stability and is quicker to dry than its compounded counterpart.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article aims to provide recommendations for optimal nursing care of patients who have been diagnosed with stage Ia or Ib MF-CTCL.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four real-world patient cases are examined, along with practical considerations for the use of mechlorethamine gel to treat patients with MF-CTCL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nurses can promote patient adherence through specific interventions and strategies, such as education about mechlorethamine gel, its mechanism of action, and safety and efficacy, as well as connecting patients with patient assistance programs or other supportive services.
authors.affiliation: UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica.
authors.forename: Allister
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Benjamin Chase
authors.affiliation: Stanford University.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Markel
authors.forename: Marianne C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tawa
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D005782:Gels; D008466:Mechlorethamine
keywords: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; mechlorethamine hydrochloride; mycosis fungoides