{Reference Type}: Journal Article {Title}: Effectiveness and safety of interferon α-2a combined with phototherapy for patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides - a single-arm prospective study in 13 patients. {Author}: Song H;Hu Z;Zhang S;Yang L;Feng J;Lu L;Liu Y;Wang T; {Journal}: J Dermatolog Treat {Volume}: 35 {Issue}: 1 {Year}: 2024 Dec {Factor}: 3.23 {DOI}: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2350231 {Abstract}: Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN) α-2a combined with phototherapy for early-stage MF.
Methods: Thirteen patients with early-stage MF received subcutaneous injections of IFN α-2a at 3 million IU combined with phototherapy three times per week for 6 months. Treatment efficacy was measured by changes in body surface area (BSA) score and modified severity-weighted assessment tool (mSWAT) score at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Histopathologic examinations of skin lesions were performed before and after treatment.
Results: After 3 months of treatment, all 13 patients achieved a partial response, and BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001). After 6 months, BSA and mSWAT scores were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001) and after 3 months (p < 0.05). Eleven patients achieved complete remission and two patients achieved a partial response (overall response rate, 100%). Histopathologic examination showed a significant decrease in the number of atypical lymphocytes in both epidermis and dermis. No severe adverse effects occurred.
Conclusion: IFN α-2a in combination with phototherapy may be an effective and safe alternative modality for early-stage MF.