Demethylchlortetracycline and griseofulvin as examples of specific treatment for mycosis fungoides

SUMMARY Long‐term control of mycosis fungoides in the tumour stage was achieved in one patient by daily demethylchlortetracycline therapy. On two occasions widespread nodules and tumours completely involuted within I month of initiating this therapy. A second patient showed complete resolution of his plaque stage mycosis fungoides after the institution of oral griseofulvin therapy for a chronic fungus infection. The disease reappeared upon stopping the griseofulvin and involuted upon its resumption. The observations are interpreted as evidence that reduction or eradication of a persistent bacterial or fungal antigen may have a remarkable ameliorative effect in selected mycosis fungoides patients.