Effectiveness of interferon alfa-2a combined with phototherapy for mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome.

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of combined topical therapy and systemic interferon alfa-2a in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and the Sézary syndrome (SS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 1987 and April 1993, 39 patients with all stages of MF and SS were treated with combined phototherapy and systemic interferon alfa-2a as part of two institutional studies. The initial phase I study of 15 patients established the maximum-tolerated dose of interferon and has been previously reported. Subsequently, 24 patients have been entered onto a phase II trial. Long-term follow-up data are provided for both studies.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration for the entire cohort is 28 months. Patients with all stages of disease were enrolled (stage IB, n = 14; IIA, n = 5; IIB, n = 6; III, n = 8; IVA, n = 5; IVB, n = 1). Thirty-four patients had received previous therapy. Overall, 36 of 39 patients achieved a complete response (CR; 62%) or partial response (28%) to therapy. The median response duration is 28 months (range, 1 to 64). Twenty-nine of 39 patients are alive, with a median survival duration of 62 months (range, 1 to 66).

CONCLUSION

Interferon alfa-2a combined with phototherapy is an effective, safe, durable therapy for MF and SS.