Publications reporting photodynamic therapy (PDT) in mycosis fungoides (MF) are rare, involve small samples, and are difficult to compare because of a lack of technical standardization.

We sought to assess PDT effectiveness and tolerability in early-stage MF using a strict reproducible procedure.

This was a prospective study conducted in Nantes University Hospital, France, including patients older than 18 years with histologically proven MF (stage IA or IB). Methyl-aminolevulinic acid-PDT sessions were repeated monthly for 6 months. Clinical and histologic responses were assessed 1 month after the last session. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone survey.

Twelve patients (with 29 lesions) were treated with PDT. An objective response in target lesions was obtained in 75% of patients. Response rates were similar between plaques and patches but higher in sun-protected compared with sun-exposed areas (trend without reaching significance). During PDT, new lesions appeared in 5 of 12 patients in untreated areas. Most patients were highly satisfied and preferred PDT to the topical chemotherapy previously used.

PDT procedure criteria selection was partially arbitrary.

In early-stage MF, PDT is effective and appreciated (especially when compared with conventional topical chemotherapy). Unilesional and paucilesional forms and lesions in sun-protected areas are to be preferred.