The Role of Maintenance Phototherapy in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

July 2010 | Volume 9 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 800 | Copyright © July 2010


Salma Z. Pothiawala MD MPH, Brooke T. Baldwin MD, Basil S. Cherpelis MD, L. Frank Glass MD, Neil Alan Fenske MD

Abstract
Phototherapy is well-recognized as effective therapy in early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (patch and plaque), often resulting in complete clearance of clinical disease and subsequent remission. Although not curable, long-term remission can often be attained utilizing maintenance phototherapy, consisting of a course of less frequent treatments over time. Herein, the authors review the literature regarding the role of maintenance phototherapy in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and its success in prolonging clinical remission and disease-free survival in CTCL.