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Low-dose, high dose-rate brachytherapy controls acral cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Low-dose, high dose-rate brachytherapy provided palliation to control cutaneous T-cell lymphoma lesions of the hands and feet, according to recently published study results.

Researchers studied six patients with eight distinct patches, plaques or tumors of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) lesions on the hands and feet recalcitrant to prior standard therapies. A medical record review was conducted of the cases treated with low-dose, high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy between 2010 and 2012.

Each lesion was treated with 800 cGy administered in two equal fractions, with a second treatment on a subsequent day, usually with 1 rest day between sessions. All treated lesions displayed rapid improvement and clinical clearance.

Potential radiation toxic effects were measured within 2 weeks of follow-up, with mild erythema noted after the second treatment. Minimal to no acute cutaneous toxic effects were reported.

There was one lesion recurrence locally, while the other seven had sustained clinical remission.

“This case series demonstrates that low-dose, HDR brachytherapy provides excellent palliation for local control of acral CTCL lesions, offering homogenous, controlled dosing for complex topographic sites with minimal to no cutaneous toxic effects.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.