Extracorporeal photochemotherapy in mycosis fungoides.

OBJECTIVES

Extracorporeal photo-chemotherapy (ECP, photopheresis) is an approved treatment modality for mycosis fungoides (MF). Our aim is to present our ECP data for MF.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 50 MF patients who received ECP for clinical activity, toxicity, and response and outcome rates, and we compared these with combination therapies.

RESULTS

The overall response rate (ORR) was 42% (21/50), while the median time to response was 11months (range, 3-48months). Ten of the responders (48%) had 3 or more treatment lines prior to ECP. Eight patients (16%) had adverse events related to ECP. The overall survival (OS) of 50 patients was 72months (range, 3-211). There was no statistically significant difference in the OS in early-stage vs late-stage patients (77 vs 69months, P=0.077). The stage 3 and 4 patients received an average of 31 cycles compared to 55 cycles in stage 1 and 2 patients (P=0.006). The increased extent of ECP was not correlated with the response. Combined treatment with ECP significantly improved the OS (84months vs 62months, P=0.005).

DISCUSSION: A low frequency of side effects and improved OS observed in combination therapy makes ECP a favorable option for treating MF.