Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides of the face successfully treated combining CO2 laser and conventional photodynamic therapy (c-PDT)

Abstract

A 57-year-old male with a three-year history of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF), previously treated systemically, received CO2 laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (PDT) following the recurrence of FMF on the face. The procedure involved a CO2 laser (SmartXide DOT Deka) and the photosensitizing agent methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) (METVIX 160 mg/g Cream, Galderma Medical), in conjunction with a red light-emitting diode lamp (Aktilite CL128, Galderma, wavelength 630 nm). The primary endpoint was the clinical remission of the lesions; the secondary one the evaluation of treatment tolerance, measured using the 11-point (0–10) Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for burning/pain, heat, and swelling. After a single treatment session and four weeks of follow-up, the patient's facial lesions achieved complete clinical remission.