Plaque-Phase Mycosis Fungoides Treated with Photodynamic Therapy: Results from 12 Patients

Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides

The review highlights the current understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, existing classifications of mycosis fungoides. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of the pathology are described, among which photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays an important role. The main advantages of PDT for mycosis fungoides include the absence of systemic toxicity, non-invasiveness, selectivity, absence of carcinogenic potential, the possibility of repeated courses of treatment, and good cosmetic results. This review collects and analyzes the results of clinical trials of PDT in patients with mycosis fungoides. The analysis showed high efficiency of PDT in patients with mycosis fungoides with isolated or limited spots and plaques. PDT can be considered as the therapy of choice in patients with facial lesions when a good cosmetic result is one of the main requirements, and radiation therapy, nitrogen mustard or carmustine can leave permanent and visible scars. Plaques located in the axillary or inguinal skin folds that are inaccessible to phototherapy can also be treated with PDT.

Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides

The review highlights the current understanding of the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, existing classifications of mycosis fungoides. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of the pathology are described, among which photodynamic therapy (PDT) plays an important role. The main advantages of PDT for mycosis fungoides include the absence of systemic toxicity, non-invasiveness, selectivity, absence of carcinogenic potential, the possibility of repeated courses of treatment, and good cosmetic results. This review collects and analyzes the results of clinical trials of PDT in patients with mycosis fungoides. The analysis showed high efficiency of PDT in patients with mycosis fungoides with isolated or limited spots and plaques. PDT can be considered as the therapy of choice in patients with facial lesions when a good cosmetic result is one of the main requirements, and radiation therapy, nitrogen mustard or carmustine can leave permanent and visible scars. Plaques located in the axillary or inguinal skin folds that are inaccessible to phototherapy can also be treated with PDT.

Photodynamic therapy as an alternative treatment for mycosis fungoides: a systemic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Mycosis fungoides is the most common cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Selection of appropriate treatment for mycosis fungoides (MF) is based on prognostic factors and overall clinical stage at diagnosis. In the past decade, clinical success has been reported using photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an alternative target-specific therapy to treat mycosis fungoides. This review aimed to summarize the current advances in management of mycosis fungoides by administration of photodynamic therapy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Twenty-four articles, published between 1994 and 2017, were reviewed to assess the efficacy of PDT for MF.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Methyl-aminolevulinic acid has increased lipophilic properties; red light at around 630 nm achieves deepest and best tissue penetration. However, the total number of PDT sessions depends on the clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

Further multicenter clinical studies are warranted to assess the cost-effectiveness of PDT.

Update on topical photodynamic therapy for skin cancer

Topical photodynamic therapy has become an established therapy option for superficial non-melanoma skin cancers with a substantial evidence base. In this update the increased choice in photosensitizers and light sources are reviewed as well as novel protocols to move beyond lesional treatment and address field therapy. Daylight PDT is emerging as an alternative to conventional office/hospital-based PDT that offers the advantage of much reduced pain. Although most studies have assessed efficacy of PDT in immune-competent patients, there is accumulating evidence for topical PDT being considered an option to assist in reducing the skin cancer burden in organ transplant recipients. The fluorescence associated with photosensitizer application can help delineate lesions prior to full treatment illumination and offers a useful adjunct to treatment in patients where diagnostic uncertainty or poor lesion outline complicates clinical care. PDT may also offer significant benefit in delaying/preventing new cancer development and combined with its recognized photo-rejuvenating effects, is emerging as an effective therapy capable of clearing certain superficial skin cancers, potentially preventing new lesions as well as facilitating photo-rejuvenating effects in treated areas.