Mycosis fungoides, nitrogen mustard and skin cancer

Br J Dermatol. 1978 Jul;99(1):61-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1978.tb01962.x.

Abstract

The prevalence of epithelial cancer was determined in 202 patients with mycosis fungoides and the Sézary syndrome and was found to be 10.5%. In an attempt to establish a possible association with topically applied nitrogen mustard, it was noted that 4.0% of these patients had lesions prior to nitrogen mustard therapy (although over half subsequently developed further lesions) and 6.5% of the patients developed them de novo after therapy. In two patients in this latter group, malignancies developed in are as not usually associated with solar-induced cancer. These findings indicate that epidermal neoplasia is not uncommon in these patients and that nitrogen mustard may function as a carcinogen or a co-carcinogen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mechlorethamine / administration & dosage
  • Mechlorethamine / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycosis Fungoides / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Mechlorethamine