Topical carmustine (BCNU) for patch/plaque mycosis fungoides.

This article summarizes experience with topical carmustine (BCNU) solution in 172 patients with patch/plaque stage mycosis fungoides. At 36 months 92% of stage-T1 (less than 10% skin involvement) and 64% of stage-T2 (10% or more skin involvement) patients were either in complete or partial remission. The most frequent side effect was an erythematous reaction which was followed by a benign-type telangiectasia in some patients. No secondary skin cancers were seen. Bone marrow depression was uncommon. Topical BCNU is an effective treatment for patch/plaque stage mycosis fungoides.