Cytotoxic agents for use in dermatology. I.

There are indications for the use of cytotoxic drugs in some dermatologic diseases. These drugs may be lifesaving for patients with diseases such as pemphigus, lymphomas, and vasculitis or they may merely offer an improved quality of life for patients who have diseases such as psoriasis, progressive systemic sclerosis, or sarcoidosis. In either set of circumstances, in the properly monitored patient cytotoxic drugs may be used safely and effectively, offering very few problems for the patient or the therapist. The dermatologist who is interested in offering his/her patients the best medical care possible will wish to become proficient in the use of cytotoxic drugs, just as he/she is proficient in the use of the tetracyclines, systemic corticosteroids, and other powerful, but useful, agents.