Minimal stage IA mycosis fungoides. Results of radiotherapy in 15 patients

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) minimal disease stage IA, characterized by one or few close lesions (up to four), has been considered a distinct entity with a favourable prognosis, where local treatment such as radiotherapy could afford long-lasting remissions. Objective: To review our experience in radiologic treatment of this subset of the disease and compare our results with those reported in the literature. Methods: Fifteen patients presenting with MF minimal disease were treated with localized superficial X-ray therapy, with a total median dose of 22 Gy. Results: At 1 month from the end of radiotherapy, complete remission was observed in 95.45% of irradiation fields and partial remission in 4.54%. The 5-year local progression-free rate was 93.75%, while the overall relapse-free rate at 5 and 10 years was 51%. Conclusions: After an excellent response to radiotherapy, MF minimal disease may experience local or distant failures, even after years. The identification of an optimal dose of radiation and...