Local therapy of mycosis fungoides with cytotoxic agents. A case report.

Abstract

Mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard) and chemically related alkylating agents have recently become part of the therapeutic armamentarium of physicians in many disciplines of medicine. Originally introduced as chemotherapeutic agents in neoplastic diseases, they have since been shown to be efficacious in hematologic, renal, arthritic, and cutaneous disorders. The systemic administration of these cytotoxic agents may precipitate gastrointestinal and hematologic changes necessitating frequent clinical and hematologic observations. Haserick et al.1recently reported on the effectiveness of mechlorethamine when applied topically to lesions of mycosis fungoides. This method of therapy essentially eliminates the dangers inherent in this group of chemicals. We wish to report our results, including histopathologic evaluation, on the use of mechlorethamine topically and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) injected locally and instilled by the vibrapuncture technique in a patient with mycosis fungoides. Report of a Case A 24-year-old Caucasian man was in good health until 1959, when he sustained a second