Psoralen plus long-wave UV-A (PUVA) and bexarotene therapy: An effective and synergistic combined adjunct to therapy for patients with advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Arch Dermatol. 2003 Jun;139(6):771-5. doi: 10.1001/archderm.139.6.771.

Abstract

Background: Multimodality biological response-modifier therapy that includes photopheresis, interferon, and bexarotene is the standard of care in our institution for advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with peripheral blood involvement. We added psoralen plus long-wave UV-A (PUVA) to this regimen in 5 patients with Sézary syndrome.

Observations: All patients responded with decreased Sézary counts, resolution of lymphadenopathy, and clearing of skin disease after the addition of PUVA. Adverse effects were well tolerated and managed via close clinical and laboratory follow-up.

Conclusions: The addition of PUVA to a multimodality immunomodulatory regimen in patients with Sézary syndrome can result in rapid and sustained remission of both skin and blood-borne disease. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bexarotene
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Ficusin / administration & dosage
  • Ficusin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • PUVA Therapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Sezary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Sezary Syndrome / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes / administration & dosage
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Tetrahydronaphthalenes
  • Bexarotene
  • Ficusin