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).

OBJECTIVES

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.