Purpose: To determine the effects of electron-beam therapy on cutaneous molluscum contagiosum lesions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), because current treatment modalities are limited in their effectiveness and by long-term rates of lesion recurrence.
Materials and methods: Five patients with AIDS, with 23 molluscum contagiosum lesion sites, received electron-beam radiation treatment of recurrent molluscum contagiosum lesions.
Results: All 23 lesions treated resolved completely and have not recurred during up to 24 months of follow-up. Radiation therapy was well tolerated; mild skin erythema was the only reported side effect.
Conclusion: The use of electron-beam radiation is a promising alternative to current treatment modalities.