Topical 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Based Photodynamic Therapy for Mycosis Fungoides

Abstract

Seven patients with mycosis fungoides (2 patch and 8 plaque stages) were treated with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT). The total irradiation doses from the excimer dye laser to the patch and plaque lesions were 80 J/cm² and 200～600 J/cm², respectively. Regression of eruption and histological disappearance of atypical lymphocytes in the lesions were achieved with 9 lesions in 6 patients. Topical ALA-PDT is a noninvasive treatment that allows repeated irradiation. These results suggest that ALA-PDT can be a useful treatment for mycosis fungoides.