Application of phototherapy in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are malignancies derived from T cells. The aim of its treatment is to control symptoms and achieve long-term remission, and phototherapy alone or in combination is one of important treatment methods. Phototherapy of CTCL includes psoralens and ultraviolet A radiation, narrowband and broadband ultraviolet B radiation, extracorporeal photochemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, ultraviolet A1 radiation, 308-nm excimer laser, and so on. Efficacy of phototherapy is associated with various factors, such as stage of disease, sites of lesions, types of skin photoreaction, etc. In clinical practice, phototherapy involves clearance, consolidation and maintenance phases, but it is still disputed whether maintenance treatment can control the recurrence of CTCL. Understanding action mechanisms, indications, therapeutic effects and adverse effects of phototherapy is helpful in selecting the best treatment protocol.