Low-dose localised electron radiotherapy in a case of refractory mycosis fungoides

Abstract

We present a case of refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) that responded to low-dose localised electron radiotherapy. A 59-year-old man presented with a 5-year history of a generalised, pruritic, scaly, red skin rash that had recently become more nodular. Skin biopsy confirmed MF. After a variable initial response to topical steroids and oral methotrexate, progressive tumours were treated with low-dose electron radiotherapy. We describe the clinical effect of different radiation doses and fractionation schedules applied over a 2-year period. Our experience in this case of MF suggests that low-dose localised electron radiotherapy offers excellent palliation by effectively resolving tumorous lesions, improving quality of life and allowing for retreatment of refractory lesions.

Keywords

• mycosis fungoides
• electron radiotherapy
• quality of life
• cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
• radiotherapy