Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride Gel in the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides-Type Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (MF-CTCL): A Focus on Patient Selection and Special Considerations

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Caitlin Crimp, University of Washington; Ameya Gangal, Emory University; Erica Tarabadkar, Emory University; Michi M Shinohara, University of Washington
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-01-01
• Publisher: DOVE MEDICAL PRESS LTD
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 Crimp et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CMAR.S351420
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
• Volume: 14
• Start Page: 3271
• End Page: 3279
• Keywords: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; TOPICAL NITROGEN-MUSTARD; chlormethine; EXPERIENCE; skin-directed therapy; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; THERAPY; Oncology; CHEMOTHERAPY; Science & Technology; CTCL; NM; nitrogen mustard; EFFICACY
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and often has an indolent course, particularly for patients presenting with early-stage (patch/plaque) disease. Early-stage MF is primarily managed with skin-directed therapies. Topical mechlorethamine hydrochloride (nitrogen mustard [NM]) gel has increased tolerability compared to prior NM formulations, though contact dermatitis remains a common side effect. The addition of topical steroids can improve tolerability while maintaining the efficacy of NM gel. Real-world experience supports that NM gel also has a role in combination therapy and as adjunctive therapy in advanced-stage disease. Here we review factors that may influence patient selection for use of NM gel, including MF variants, special patient populations, cost effectiveness, and impact on quality of life for patients with MF.