Ointment-based mechlorethamine treatment for mycosis fungoides

The treatment of skin disease with topical mechlorethamine has been restricted because of the frequent development of contact dermatitis. A series of 43 patients with mycosis fungoides in Stages 1A (17), IB (22), II (2), and III (2) were treated with an ointment-based mechlorethamine, prepared by an anhydrous method. Complete clearing occurred in 26 patients over a 42-month evaluation period. The incidence of contact dermatitis was very low. Only 1 of 31 patients exposed to mechlorethamine for the first time, and only 3 of 12 patients with a history of previous hypersensitivity to mechlorethamine, developed contact dermatitis to the ointment-based mechlorethamine.