Efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet-B therapy in patch-stage mycosis fungoides: A clinical study and review of the literature

Abstract

© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons LtdBackground/Purpose: We investigated the efficacy of narrow-band UVB in patch-stage MF and reviewed the literature to re-evaluate the role of this phototherapy method in early MF. Methods: Early-stage MF patients treated with narrow-band UVB were included. Number of narrow-band UVB treatment sessions, treatment duration, cumulative UV dose, clinical response results, side effects, duration of the remission period and relapse rate were evaluated. Results: Complete response rate was 86.7% in sixty patients with MF. Mean number of treatment sessions was 62.9 ± 15.1, treatment duration was 32.1 ± 10.7 weeks, and mean cumulative UV dose was 62.1 ± 41.9 J/cm2 in patients with complete response. Mean duration of remission was 10.3 ± 11.0 months, and relapse rate was 70% in a mean follow-up of 21.9 ± 16.4 months. Mild regional erythema (6.7%) and pruritus (8.3%) were main side effects. There were no significant differences between stage IA and stage IB patients in terms of treatment parameters and duration of remission period. Conclusions: Our study confirms that narrow-band UVB is effective for the management of the patch-stage MF without serious side effects. Extent of the skin lesions did not affect the efficacy of phototherapy. However, due to the short duration of remission, a further option such as an optimal maintenance therapy protocol should be considered.