Localized conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of Mycosis Fungoides: our experience in 100 patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the treatments of choice as skin-directed therapy in Mycosis Fungoides (MF), both in first stages of the disease as total skin electron beam irradiation and in tumoural stage as localized treatment with conventional energies or electrons. OBJECTIVE: Through a retrospective study, to evaluate the results of localized superficial RT in a series of 100 patients affected by MF. METHODS: All the patients, after diagnosis supported by histological and immunophenotyping investigations, have been treated with conventional RT (range 50-150 kV) and a total dose ranging from 9 to 40 Gy. RESULTS: Complete remission of the irradiated lesion has been observed in 88%, partial remission in 6% and non-response in 2%. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Local relapse has been observed in 13 lesions, with a local control rate of 85% after 5 years from the end of RT. Cosmetic results have been good and acceptable in 93% of cases. The treatment has been always well tolerated. The results confirm to be dose dependent, and show that better response is found in the range of higher energies. CONCLUSION: Localized RT is an effective and safe tool in the care and palliation of MF.