Mycosis fungoides. Electron beam therapy.

The most effective treatment of late mycosis fungoides is total skin electron beam therapy. The beam at the Hammersmith Hospital in London has been adapted to treat these patients. Patients with advanced disease who have failed more conservative methods of treatment are irradiated. The electron beam is modified by the use of carbon and copper scatterers to produce an 80 percent depth dose at 5.5, 8 and 11.5 millimeters below the skin surface. The dose achieved in most patients is between 1500 rads and 2600 rads given in 10 to 13 treatments over 5-7 weeks. Recently the higher dose range has been employed and lithium flouride studies have shown that giving these doses from each of 4 fields, the dose achieved on the skin is approximately twice the given dose. The management of patients and the effects of treatment are discussed.