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

• Published in: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery 2016-05, Vol.20 (3), p.244-248
• Main Authors: Besner Morin, Catherine, Roberge, David, Turchin, Irina, Petrogiannis-Haliotis, Tina, Popradi, Gizelle, Pehr, Kevin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents - administration & dosage; Antineoplastic Agents - therapeutic use; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Lymphoma; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous - drug therapy; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous - pathology; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Nicotinic Acids - administration & dosage; Nicotinic Acids - therapeutic use; Prospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms - drug therapy; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1203-4754; 1615-7109
• DOI: 10.1177/1203475415626686

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.