Skin Response to Mogamulizumab in Patients With Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary Syndrome: A Retrospective, Real World Cohort.

BACKGROUND

Mogamulizumab is more effective in treating the blood component of mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS), though some patients also experience significant skin improvement. The characteristics distinguishing those with a favorable skin response remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize MF/SS patients achieving skin response on mogamulizumab.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review at a single cancer center included adult MF/SS patients who received at least one mogamulizumab cycle with follow-up. Skin response (≥ 50% clearance) and blood response (≥ 50% decrease in neoplastic cells/µL) were assessed alongside demographics, disease staging, and prior therapies.

RESULTS

Among 56 patients (MF = 35; SS = 21), 43% achieved skin response, with a median time of 2.3 months (range 0.5-6.4). Blood response occurred in 90%, with a median time of 1.8 months (range 0.2-23). Skin-response was highest in patients with blood response (64%), blood disease (B2, 61%), and SS (57%) and was significantly associated with decreasing circulating Sezary cells (P < .001). Among patients without blood involvement (B0), 24% achieved skin response, primarily in erythrodermic cases (71% versus 11%, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Mogamulizumab appears effective in inducing skin responses, particularly in advanced-stage and high blood-stage disease. Even in patients without blood compartment involvement, mogamulizumab therapy may still be beneficial, especially for patients with erythroderma. Skin responses are less common in early-stage MF. Patients with both advanced blood and skin disease may benefit from initiating mogamulizumab simultaneously with skin-directed therapy.