The treatment of mycosis fungoides with ointment-based mechlorethamine.

The use of topical mechlorethamine hydrochloride in the treatment of skin disease has been restricted because of the frequent development of contact dermatitis. A series of 24 patients with mycosis fungoides in stages 1A (eight patients), 1B (15 patients), and 2 (one patient) were treated with ointment-based mechlorethamine, prepared by an anhydrous method. This preparation was therapeutically effective. Complete clearing occurred in 15 of 18 patients with active disease over evaluation periods of up to 27 months, and one patient had partial clearing. Two patients showed a partial relapse during their evaluation periods. The incidence of contact dermatitis was very low: 8% in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to mechlorethamine and 0% in patients being exposed to the medication for the first time. This new preparation has been shown to be effective therapy for mycosis fungoides. Patient use is associated with minimal side effects.