Management of mycosis fungoides: Part 2. Treatment.

Mycosis fungoides is a low-grade lymphoproliferative disorder of skin-homing CD4+ lymphocytes that may produce patches, plaques, tumors, erythroderma, and, ultimately, systemic dissemination. Treatment selection is generally guided by institutional experience, patient preference, and toxicity profile, as data from phase III clinical trials are limited. Effective topical treatments currently include mechlorethamine (Mustargen), carmustine (BCNU, BiCNU), corticosteroids, bexarotene (Targretin, a novel rexinoid), psoralen plus ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and total-skin electron-beam radiotherapy. Effective systemic treatments include interferon, retinoids, bexarotene, denileukin diftitox (Ontak), extracorporeal photopheresis, chemotherapy, and high-dose chemotherapy with allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Each of these treatments is discussed in detail, followed by specific recommendations for each stage of mycosis fungoides.