Topical administration of hexadecylphosphocholine in patients with cutaneous lymphomas: results of a phase I/II study.

BACKGROUND

Hexadecylphosphocholine is a new antineoplastic drug that inhibits tumor cell growth directly and, in addition, might have immunoregulatory properties.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the topical application of this phospholipid in patients with cutaneous lymphoma.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with histologically documented cutaneous lymphoma were treated for 8 weeks. Lesions that responded to treatment were biopsied and evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

Of 15 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, 12 were evaluable. Two complete remissions, four partial remissions, and one minor remission were observed. Of seven patients with B-cell lymphomas, six were evaluable. One complete remission, three partial remissions, one case of stable disease, and one case of progressive disease were seen. However, histologic monitoring demonstrated only a partial clearing of infiltrating lymphocytes in lesions that showed a partial or complete response clinically. Both patients with lymphomatoid papulosis had complete clearing of the lesions clinically. An objective response rate (partial and complete response) of 56% (10/18) was achieved in the patients with cutaneous lymphoma who were treated in this study.

CONCLUSION

Hexadecylphosphocholine appears to be effective topically in the treatment of some cases of cutaneous lymphomas.