Extracorporeal photochemotherapy in mycosis fungoides.

Objectives: Extracorporeal photo-chemotherapy (ECP, photopheresis) is an approved treatment modality for mycosis fungoides (MF). Our aim is to present our ECP data for MF.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 50 MF patients who received ECP for clinical activity, toxicity, and response and outcome rates, and we compared these with combination therapies.

Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 42% (21/50), while the median time to response was 11months (range, 3-48months). Ten of the responders (48%) had 3 or more treatment lines prior to ECP. Eight patients (16%) had adverse events related to ECP. The overall survival (OS) of 50 patients was 72months (range, 3-211). There was no statistically significant difference in the OS in early-stage vs late-stage patients (77 vs 69months, P=0.077). The stage 3 and 4 patients received an average of 31 cycles compared to 55 cycles in stage 1 and 2 patients (P=0.006). The increased extent of ECP was not correlated with the response. Combined treatment with ECP significantly improved the OS (84months vs 62months, P=0.005).

Discussion: A low frequency of side effects and improved OS observed in combination therapy makes ECP a favorable option for treating MF.