Efficacy of monochromatic excimer laser radiation (308 nm) in the treatment of early stage mycosis fungoides

Background: Various reports have recently shown the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy at 311 nm in the treatment of early stage mycosis fungoides (MF). Objectives: To examine the effectiveness and tolerability of monochromatic excimer light (MEL) at 308 nm as a first treatment for early stage MF (stage IA). Methods: Ten lesions from five patients with a clinical and histological diagnosis of MF were treated with repeated applications of MEL until complete remission was achieved or up to a maximum of 10 applications, with a cumulative dose of 308 nm UVB of between 6 and 12 J cm-2. All patients were observed every 2 weeks for 2 months, with a 1-year follow-up. Results: At present, all patients are in complete remission, with no side-effects. Conclusions: Based on these results, MEL can be considered a useful tool in the treatment of early stage MF.