Successful treatment of mycosis fungoides with the combination of etretinate and human recombinant interferon alfa-2a

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Abstract
Six patients with progressive mycosis fungoides previously treated with various modalities were given a combined regimen of etretinate and recombinant interferon alfa-2a. Etretinate, 50 mg po daily, was given continuously and rIFN alfa-2a was given at a dose of 3 MU sc daily for 3 months, changed to three times per week for 6 months, and then escalated to 9 or 18 MU sc daily for an additional 3–6 months, depending on response and tolerance. Three patients showed a complete disappearance of all skin lesions and one patient experienced considerable improvement. One patient failed to respond and in another treatment was discontinued owing to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. The patient completely recovered from this complication. Predominant side-effects were, however, dry lips, flu-like symptoms usually well controlled and tolerated with paracetamol, weight loss and fatigue, as well as some decrease in peripheral blood counts. These results suggest etretinate and rIFN alfa-2a to be an effective combination treatment of progressive mycosis fungoides.