Immunologic evaluation in mycosis fungoides. Before and after PUVA therapy.

Abstract

Eight patients with mycosis fungoides (seven in plaque stage and one with tumors) were successfully treated with methoxalen-ultraviolet-A (PUVA) photochemotherapy. A selective immunity evaluation had been carried out prior to starting treatment and was repeated sevedn to 33 months (mean, 22 months) later. The results of pre-PUVA and post-PUVA therapy evaluation were compared. The delayed hypersensitivity responses improved in all eight patients, and four patients who were anergic before treatment manifested a normal response after PUVA therapy. The T lymphocyte counts were reduced in four patients before PUVA therapy (mean +/- SD, 66.72% +/- 9.78%) and in seven patients after PUVA (mean +/- SD, 54.43% +/- 10.86%; P = .03). The results of mitogen stimulation studies with phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and concanavalin A were equivocal. The levels of serum immunoglobulins were not affected. One patient had a positive antinuclear factor test of low titer.

• Authors: R Kubba, P L Bailin, H H Roenigk Jr
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 116 Issue 2 Pg. 178-81 (Feb 1980) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 6965577 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulins
• Methoxsalen

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• B-Lymphocytes
• Female
• Humans
• Immunity, Cellular
• Immunoglobulins (analysis)
• Leukocyte Count
• Male
• Methoxsalen (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Mycosis Fungoides (drug therapy, immunology)
• Photochemotherapy
• Skin Tests
• T-Lymphocytes