Photo(chemo)therapy for Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma


ADIŞEN E., Gurer M. A.

TURKDERM-ARCHIVES OF THE TURKISH DERMATOLOGY AND VENEROLOGY, vol.44, pp.105-111, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

Abstract

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is one of the major dermatologic conditions for which phototherapy continues to be a successful and valuable treatment modality. The beneficial role of ultraviolet (UV) light on CTCL is suggested by the observation that lesions generally occur on non-sun-exposed areas. Currently, a number of light sources are available, namely broadband UVB, psoralen and UVA (PUVA), narrowband UVB, and long-wave UV (UVA1) and selection of the specific modality is generally based on the stage of the disease. The efficacy of narrowband UVB is limited to the patch stage, while PUVA is used for stage IB and IIA where widespread patches or plaques take place. Case reports or small series show the efficacy of UVA1 in the treatment of early-stage CTCL. Long term remission with vairous phototherapy modalities has been reported in CTCL while relapses are also common. The present review will focus on the efficacy of the different phototherapeutic modalities in the treatment of CTCL.