Immunologic Evaluation in Mycosis Fungoides

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Abstract
• Eight patients with mycosis fungoides (seven in plaque stage and one with tumors) were successfully treated with methoxsalen-ultraviolet-A (PUVA) photochemotherapy. A selective immunity evaluation had been carried out prior to starting treatment and was repeated seven 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. (Arch Dermatol 116:178-181, 1980)