OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of aMF/SS in cases referred to haematology units for advanced/palliative therapy.
METHODS: Data from 30 patients were collected from four centres, and descriptive statistics, frequencies and survival analyses were calculated.
RESULTS: Eighty-eight per cent of patients received systemic therapy. The median number of therapies was three (range: 1-9). Bexarotene (21%), CHOP-like chemotherapy (10%) and methotrexate (9%) were the more common treatments. The overall survival at a median follow-up of 28 months (range: 8-65 months) for aMF/SS was 56.9%. Survival probability was more favourable for MF (p < 0.02). Nine patients received allo-SCT. Half of the patients (56%) relapsed after allo-SCT but could be rescued with immunosuppression tapering, donor lymphocyte infusions and additional therapy (80%).
CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity in aMF/SS treatments. Survival is more favourable for MF compared to SS. Current chemoimmunotherapies are insufficient to control disease, making allo-SCT the best therapeutic approach in selected patients.