Mycosis fungoides is a rare type of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, as confirmed by the Global Cancer Observatory.Globokam) and it is estimated that more than 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) are diagnosed each year worldwide. This is one of the most common tumors; non-melanoma skin carcinomas rank 5th in incidence in the world.

The Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Association Against Cancer estimates that a total of 20,392 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in Spain in 2023.BC e.), accounting for just over 8% (8.21%) of the total cancer cases diagnosed this year. Non-melanoma carcinomas are the most common: 14,430 new cases, compared with 5,962 melanoma diagnoses made in our country in 2023, according to the Spanish Association of Dermatologists and Venereologists (AEDV), an incidence increase of approximately 40%. over the past 4 years.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-melanoma skin cancer and one of many types of lymphomas collectively known as non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Within CTCL, the most common type is mycosis fungoides (MF), which accounts for approximately 65% ​​of all cases and can have a significant impact on the quality of life and emotional well-being of those who suffer from it. In Spain, it affects approximately 2-3 people per 100,000 and is more common in men than women (2 men per 1 woman), with an average age of diagnosis of 58.6 and 55.4 years respectively.

Diagnosis and quality of life

The first symptoms of mycosis fungoides can be confused with other dermatological diseases such as eczema, ringworm, psoriasis, etc. because it is accompanied by redness, itching, peeling and pain in the skin all over the body. Sometimes spots, plaques, or tumors also appear on the skin. In addition to its physical effects, MP can cause depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. To treat these symptoms, as explained in OXALUD statements by the head of the hospital’s dermatology service University Hospital October 12 from (Madrid) Dr. Pablo Ortiz: “It is necessary to find effective treatments that eliminate skin lesions, symptoms and complications. In addition to specific treatment, if the predominant symptom is itching, we may combine different antipruritic drugs, often in combination. To reduce the risk of infections, we use supportive antibiotics and 1/1000 bleach water baths.

In statements by OXALUD, dermatologist of the Dermatological Service of the University Hospital of Bellvitge (Barcelona) and coordinator of the Spanish Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), Dr. Muniesa: “Because cutaneous lymphomas are rare entities, doctors and dermatologists in general have little knowledge of this pathology. Diagnosis of MF in the initial stages is a challenging task for both the clinician and the pathologist. Clinically, MF usually presents as lesions of red, slightly scaly patches or patches that can be confused with eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, etc. The physician should keep this in mind and include it in the treatment plan. diagnosis differential”.

Additionally, Dr. Muniesa explains that it is important to consider that about 20-25% of patients will progress to an advanced stage and may develop tumors on the skin that grow rapidly, with the risk of superinfection or extracutaneous involvement. “At these stages the prognosis is worse. All this negatively affects the quality of life of patients, as well as their families and caregivers. Patient associations can help in such cases. It is also important to continue research to find new therapeutic targets that will allow us to offer new treatments,” he states.

New treatments

One of the biggest challenges in treating mycosis fungoides is its low incidence, which limits the availability of information and experience and leads to its inclusion as a rare cancer. To meet this need, at the 51st National Congress of Dermatology and Venereology, held on May 22, during the meeting of the Spanish Group of Cutaneous Lymphomas, in collaboration with organizations such as Recordati Rare Diseases, the need for new treatment methods was discussed. for patients.

IN Rare Disease Record, is engaged in the research and development of innovative treatments for rare diseases, in a statement to OKSALUD, its CEO Dr. Juan Vila said: “In the case of mycosis fungoides, we were able to launch the first topical chemotherapy treatment. This means that the patient does not need to go to the hospital for treatment as it is a gel that can be easily applied at the patient’s home, which has a huge impact on the patient’s quality of life. “It avoids the need to travel to the hospital and replaces other systemic treatments that are used in hospitals.”

Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to the development of new treatments: “If we could not count on the collaboration of doctors and patients, we would never be able to explore new drugs as they arise through research and clinical design. Human subjects, dermatologists and hematologists have been involved in cutaneous lymphoma research, allowing us to translate all this information into data and demonstrate the therapeutic benefit of the molecules under investigation,” concluded Dr. Vila.