Topical clobetasol propionate treatment and cutaneous adverse effects in patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides: an observational study

Cutis. 2020 May;105(5):E27-E32.

Abstract

Topical superpotent class I corticosteroids (CSs) are highly effective in the treatment of early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and are readily available, easily applied, and have minor side effects compared to other topical therapeutic options. Because MF is a chronic disease, prolonged treatment is needed, raising the concern of CS-induced cutaneous adverse effects (AEs). In this observational study, we aimed to evaluate the risk for skin AEs of clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% in patients with early-stage MF. Thirteen consecutive patients with MF were treated with clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% once or twice daily as monotherapy and were followed for 4 to 17 months. One participant was lost to follow-up, and the remaining 12 participants responded to treatment with topical clobetasol propionate with minimal side effects. With proper education and monitoring, topical CSs are a safe and effective mainstay of treatment for patches and flat plaques in patients with early-stage localized MF.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrophy / chemically induced
  • Clobetasol / administration & dosage*
  • Clobetasol / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage*
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / chemically induced
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycosis Fungoides / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Cream / administration & dosage
  • Skin Cream / adverse effects
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Clobetasol