Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatment using bexarotene and PUVA: A case series

Mycosis fungoides, the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, often presents as chronic eczematous or psoriasiform patches and plaques that can be resistant to a variety of single-agent treatment modalities, necessitating combination therapy. To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with bexarotene and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) in treating patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that recurred following monotherapy with multiple agents, including electron-beam irradiation, interferon, PUVA, and topical steroids. This was done by retrospective chart review. Retrospective chart review analysis of eight patients with CTCL ranging from stage Ia to IIb who failed multiple single-agent treatment regimens treated with low-dose oral bexarotene and PUVA combination therapy. We noted an initial response in all eight patients and complete remission in five of the patients treated, with pruritus being the most common adverse event. In view of its good safety profile, combination therapy with bexarotene and PUVA may be considered for patients with treatment resistant CTCL refractory to monotherapy.