Korean J Dermatol.  2015 Jan;53(1):58-61.

A Case of Unilesional Mycosis Fungoides Treated with Photodynamic Therapy Using Methyl-Aminolevulinate

• Jang S
• Hwang EJ
• Ryu HH
• Cho KH
• Jo SJ

Abstract

Various treatment modalities are available for mycosis fungoides including topical steroids, topical chemotherapy, phototherapy, and spot radiation therapy. However, these modalities do not always result in optimal effects, with efficacy depending on lesion size, number, and location. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a recently introduced therapeutic modality that proved effective in patients with unilesional mycosis fungoides. A 58-year-old woman presented with a seven-year history of a pruritic erythematous scaly patch on her right thigh. Through skin biopsy, we verified the lesion as mycosis fungoides. The lesion did not respond well to a topical steroid. We opted for topical PDT with methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL). MAL cream was applied for 4 hours following irradiation with a red light. Four sessions were administered, separated by five weeks. The lesion clinically improved after treatment without severe side effects. PDT using MAL could be considered an effective and tolerable treatment for mycosis fungoides.

Keyword

Methyl-aminolevulinate; Mycosis fungoides; Photodynamic therapyx

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Drug Therapy
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Mycosis Fungoides*
Photochemotherapy*
Phototherapy
Skin
Steroids
Thigh
Steroids