A case of mycosis fungoides treated with photopheresis [Un caso di micosi fungoide trattato con fotoferesi]

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (photopheresis) is a new therapeutic tool which is being used to treat numerous diseases. Here the case of a 68-year old female affected by an aggressive form of mycosis fungoides is reported. The woman referred an intense itch. Cyclosporin A was administered in order to reduce the itch and photopheresis was given following the treatment regimen recommended by Edelson et al in 1991. The cyclosporin A was rapidly effective in reducing the itch and was discontinued within 3 months. After 12 months of photochemotherapy the dermatosis appeared to be completely regressed. At present the patient is being treated for two consecutive days every 7 weeks. These preliminary data suggest that photopheresis could be an effective therapy also in patients affected by rapidly evolving mycosis fungoides.