Clinical experience with a single field rotational total skin electron irradiation technique for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Between October 1981 and December 1989, 44 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) were treated with a single field rotational total skin electron irradiation (RTSEI) technique developed in the McGill University, Department of Radiation Oncology. Only 11 (25%) of the 44 patients had received no prior treatment. Three-quarters ( 33 44 ) had advanced (T 3 or T 4) disease. Complete responses were seen in ( 32 44 (73%) of patients (91% T 2, 71% T 3 and 58% T 4), but only ( 3 11 , (27%) of patients with T 2 disease and ( 3 21 (14%) of patients with T 3 disease remain in continuous complete remission in the skin, after median intervals of 58 and 35 months, respectively. Median cause-specific survival for the whole group is 43 months and survival at 5 years is 38%. Survival was significantly better for patients with T 2 disease than for patients with T 3 disease (relative risk 4.3; 95% CI 1.4–13.2) and patients with T 4 disease (relative risk 3.1; 95% CI 0.8–12.1). The RTSEI technique used at McGill has depth-dose characteristics and photon contamination similar to other commonly used TSEI techniques. It is relatively simple and provides a homogenous dose distribution over the entire skin surface in a short treatment time. Results of treatment are similar to those obtained with other techniques. For T 2 disease, TSEI is an effective treatment modality with a possibility of long-term tumor control. For more advanced disease, more aggressive treatment, which may include TSEI, is necessary.