Prognostic variables in mycosis fungoides.

The prognostic importance of various factors was analyzed for 347 patients registered by the Mycosis Fungoides Cooperative Group (MFCG). Extent of skin involvement at the time of registration and number of sites of clinically enlarged lymph nodes were clearly the most important prognostic variables, and were combined into a single variable, TN stage, for adjusted analyses of other factors. Sex, history of tonsillectomy, immunoglobulin E, and telangiectasia did not significantly affect survival. The effects of race and allergic history were questionable and need further study. Age, pruritus, burning, alopecia, ulcers, and erosion were important when studied alone, but their effects were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for TN stage. Chills and malaise, the latter a symptom of debility, retained prognostic significance after such adjustment. This analysis demonstrates the importance of considering the joint effects of multiple prognostic factors rather than analyzing them one at a time.