Tazarotene 0.1% Cream as Monotherapy for Early-Stage Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Background:

Numerous treatments are available for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including systemic retinoids. Very few data are available on topical retinoids.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of tazarotene as monotherapy for early-stage CTCL.

Methods:

An open-label, prospective study of tazarotene as monotherapy for stages IA to IIA CTCL was conducted. Index lesions on 10 patients were followed for 6 months on treatment, plus at least 6 months off treatment.

Results:

Six patients (60%) showed complete response (CR). Erythema, scaling, thickness, and lesion area decreased progressively throughout treatment. The mean time to CR was 3.8 months; CR was durable for at least 6 months in 83%. Of the 4 patients (40%) without CR, 2 (20%) had stable disease and 2 (20%) stopped the medication because of local side effects; none showed progression.

Conclusions:

This is the first Canadian trial providing evidence that topical tazarotene has excellent potential as a monotherapy agent for stages I to IIA CTCL.

Keywords

dermatology retinoids cutaneous lymphoma CTCL tazarotene

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