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Narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy for mycosis fungoides in children
Author(s) -
Koh M. J.A.,
Chong W.S.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.12364
Subject(s) - mycosis fungoides , medicine , dermatology , stage (stratigraphy) , retrospective cohort study , lymphoma , surgery , pediatrics , paleontology , biology
Summary Background Mycosis fungoides ( MF ), the commonest form of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, is uncommon in childhood. Phototherapy is a common treatment for MF . Aim To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrow band ultraviolet B ( NB ‐ UVB ) phototherapy for the treatment of MF n children. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of children of East Asian descent with a clinical and histological diagnosis of MF , who were treated with NB ‐ UVB phototherapy at the National Skin Centre, Singapore over the 5‐year period 2004–2008. Results We identified nine suitable patients (eight boys, one girl; age range 5–12 years). Mean time from disease onset to diagnosis was 21 months (range 4 months to 3 years). There were two patients with stage 1A disease, six with stage 1B disease and one with stage 2A disease. Body surface area involvement ranged from 10% to 60%, and none of the patients had systemic involvement. Eight patients attained complete response after phototherapy, but only three had sustained remission after a follow‐up of 1–3 years. Five patients had recurrence of lesions after an mean of 13.8 months (range 4–36). Treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion Phototherapy using NB ‐ UVB in the treatment of MF is efficacious and safe. We recommend it as first‐line treatment in the management of early‐stage MF in children.